Assistant Controller

Financial Affairs partners with our UCF community to continuously improve and deliver outstanding administrative and financial services through innovative business and technological solutions and sound fiscal stewardship.

The Opportunity:

The Assistant Controller is responsible for the leadership, supervision, and management of Accounts Payable, Travel Payable, and University Card Programs (collectively referred to as the Payables Programs). This role serves as the primary subject matter expert for payables processes, ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations, university policies, and Workday business process requirements and internal control. The position works collaboratively across the university community to foster a culture of transparency, accountability, and excellent customer service. It also plays a key role in ensuring university goals are met in a timely and efficient manner through strong internal controls and effective coordination of the Payables Programs.

Responsibilities:

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead and supervise the central Payables team, setting clear goals and providing guidance to ensure the timely, accurate, and compliant completion of all work.

• Mentor and develop team members through regular performance monitoring and constructive feedback, fostering a culture of continuous professional growth.

Compliance, Policy, & Internal Controls

• Develop, implement, and maintain comprehensive Payables policies, procedures, and training programs to ensure compliance and operational consistency across the institution.

• Direct the oversight of internal control activities within Finance Business Centers (FBCs) and shared services partners, ensuring strict adherence to regulatory standards and university policies.

• Interpret and apply complex federal and state regulations, as well as university policies, providing expert guidance to campus users on payables-specific requirements.

Risk Management & Auditing

• Lead and execute compliance review programs, including conducting risk assessments for Accounts Payable, Travel, and University Card transactions.

• Perform detailed transactional reviews (e.g., in Workday) to verify adherence to established laws, rules, policies, and internal controls.

• Communicate findings to senior leadership, recommending and implementing corrective actions such as process improvements, targeted training, policy updates, or escalation to Internal Audit.

Operational Strategy & Stakeholder Collaboration

• Partner with Finance & Accounting teams and campus stakeholders to resolve complex issues, promote collaboration, and drive the continuous improvement of payables operations.

• Participate as a key subject matter expert (SME) in the design, testing, and implementation of Workday upgrades and system enhancements, prioritizing solutions that strengthen controls and maximize operational efficiency.

• Represent the university as the Payables SME on internal committees, State University System working groups, and relevant external organizations.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's or Master's degree and 4+ years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience pursuant to Fla. Stat. 112.219(6).   

Preferred Qualifications:

• Five (5) or more years of progressive experience in accounts payable, travel reimbursement, university card programs, or similar financial operations within higher education or a complex public-sector organization.

• Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Management Accountant (CMA), or other relevant professional credential.

• Demonstrated leadership experience managing teams in a high-volume, compliance-driven finance environment.

• Advanced knowledge of accounting principles, internal controls, cash disbursement practices, and applicable federal/state regulations.

• Proficiency in financial analysis tools such as Microsoft Excel, including formulas, pivot tables, and VLOOKUPs.

• Familiarity with Workday or similar ERP is preferred.

• Proven ability to evaluate financial risks, conduct compliance reviews, and present findings with recommendations for corrective action.

The most successful candidates may possess the following qualities:

• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills with the ability to build effective partnerships and provide guidance across the campus community.

• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and written communication skills with a commitment to process improvement and operational efficiency.