Description

The Associate VP of Budget and Finance and Deputy Chief Financial Officer is seeking an Assistant Vice President/Controller. This is a full-time 1.00 FTE, 12-month, professional faculty position.

The Assistant Vice President & Controller (AVP) serves as Oregon State University’s chief accounting officer (Controller) and is responsible for the leadership and operational management of the university’s core accounting, financial reporting, and business services functions. Reporting to the Associate Vice President and Deputy Chief Financial Officer, the AVP/Controller directs activities that ensure the integrity, transparency, and compliance of OSU’s financial operations.

The position oversees Financial Accounting and Reporting, Business Services, and the Accounting Service Center. The role is responsible for developing and maintaining effective systems of internal controls, ensuring compliance with accounting standards and regulatory requirements, facilitating audits, and providing timely and accurate financial information to university leadership and external stakeholders.

The AVP/Controller advances a culture of proactive service, innovation, and financial stewardship while fostering strong partnerships with academic, research, and administrative units. As a visible university leader, the AVP/Controller drives adoption of modern systems and processes to improve efficiency and data-informed decision-making, strengthens constituent engagement, and ensures compliance with federal, state, and institutional standards and policies. This position is critical in positioning the university for financial sustainability, operational excellence, and long-range success.

Leadership & Strategy (30%)

• Build strong, collaborative relationships across the university community to understand needs, align priorities, and deliver value.
  Provide strategic leadership for accounting, financial reporting and business services with a focus on proactive service delivery and operational excellence.
• Maintain deep expertise in accounting and finance by monitoring industry developments, marketplace trends, leading practices and emerging technologies.
• Partner with the Budget and Planning Office, Treasurer, Chief Procurement Officer, Internal Audit and Risk Management, Department of Research and Innovation, as well as other senior leaders to address complex issues, manage risk, and safeguard university interests.
• Prepare and present materials to the University Board of Trustees.
  Lead the adoption of relevant technologies that modernize systems, improve transparency, and enhance customer experience.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and university regulations, while fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.
• Exercise delegated contract signature authority and appropriate sub-delegations to support efficient university operations.

Operations (40%)

• Oversee university-wide accounting operations, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and compliance with accounting standards and regulations.
• Lead preparation of annual financial statements and other internal and external reporting.
• Oversee the operations of Business Services and the Accounting Service Center to provide efficient financial transaction processing and support to university units.
• Develop, implement, and maintain internal controls and financial policies to ensure compliance with laws, regulations, and audit requirements.
• Coordinate and support internal and external audit engagements, including financial, compliance, and operational audits.
• Facilitate timely responses to audit findings and implementation of recommendations.
• Collaborate on the development, implementation, and optimization of financial systems and technologies to enhance operational efficiency and reporting capabilities.

Departmental Management (25%)

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of professional accounting and financial staff, including responsibility for hiring and onboarding, setting clear goals, assigning and reviewing work, coaching for performance, and providing thoughtful evaluations.
• Empower and support staff through clear communication, consistent feedback, and professional development opportunities to foster a culture of service excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Provide fiscal leadership through the development, monitoring, and accountability of departmental budgets and expenditures

Other Duties as Assigned (5%)

• Contribute expertise to cross-campus task forces, committees, and working groups that advance institutional priorities.
• Serve as a visible thought leader who models collaboration, adaptability, and innovation in support of the university’s long-term success.
• Other duties as assigned by the Associate Vice President of Budget and Finance and Deputy Chief Financial Officer.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifcations

• Master’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license or equivalent professional designation.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive accounting experience, including supervisory responsibility.
• Knowledge of GAAP, GASB, and other applicable accounting standards.
• Experience preparing complex financial reports and statements.
• Experience managing audits and implementing internal control processes.
• Familiarity with ERP systems and financial technologies.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to foster collaboration, inclusive excellence, and innovation.
• This position is designated as a critical or security-sensitive position; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a criminal history check and be determined to be position qualified as per University Standard: 05-010 et seq. Incumbents are required to self-report convictions and those in youth programs may have additional criminal history checks every 24 months. 

Additional Qualifications We Would Like You to Have

• Accounting experience in higher education at a large public research (R1) university, or large, complex public-sector organizations.
• Knowledge of public university financial regulatory environments.
• Experience leading financial systems implementations or upgrades.

This position operates in a professional office environment with regular interaction and communication with faculty, staff, and external partners in person, by phone, email, and virtual platforms. While the role primarily requires an on-campus presence to support key meetings and engagement, it is eligible for occasional telework, as aligned with business needs. The AVP/Controller is expected to model effective hybrid leadership by leveraging digital tools and collaboration platforms to engage teams, sustain productivity, and support a connected workplace culture. Occasional evening or weekend work may be required to meet critical deadlines or institutional objectives. Periodic travel may also be required.