Assistant Director for Student Financial Accounting

Assistant Director For Student Financial Accounting

As a UW employee, you have a unique opportunity to change lives on our campuses, in our state, and around the world. UW employees bring their energy, creative problem-solving skills to their work and are dedicated to building stronger minds and a healthier world. UW is committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff, your experiences, perspectives, and unique identities will be honored at the University of Washington. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable, and welcoming.

Finance, Planning, and Budgeting (FPB) encompasses the major central financial, planning, analytical, and budgeting functions for the University of Washington, including : Finance & Budget Strategy, Institutional Analytics & Decision Support, Policy, Planning & State Operations, University Business Services.

Reporting to the Director of Student Fiscal Services, the Assistant Director for Student Financial Accounting leads key student financial operations, including accounting, reconciliations, payments, and deposits. This role ensures that financial activities are accurate, compliant, and efficient, while providing hands-on leadership that promotes integrity, customer service, and operational excellence. The Assistant Director manages a team responsible for student accounting and reporting, monitors workflows and internal controls, and drives process improvements that strengthen accuracy and efficiency. This position collaborates closely with campus partners, including the University Controller's Office, Student Financial Aid, Treasury, and auditors, on matters related to student payments, reconciliations, and compliance.

We encourage applicants to apply even if they do not feel they satisfy all of the skills listed below; we understand that it will take some time for the successful applicant to strengthen specific position skills where needed, to learn about the university systems, campuses, and vendor collaborators, and to develop a deep understanding of the FPB environment itself. You will join a supportive team that will partner with you in these efforts; we are an open, ethical, highly engaged, and collaborative community based on trust, transparency, and mutual respect. We believe in the importance of quality of life, embracing inclusion, making a difference, and having fun.

Duties & Responsibilities

Accounting, Reconciliation, and Compliance

• Manage monthly, quarterly, and annual reconciliations for student financial accounts, ensuring accuracy and adherence to GAAP, GASB, NACUBO, and University policies
• Oversee accounting functions, internal controls, and variance analyses to maintain data integrity and compliance
• Coordinate reconciliation of Title IV and other student financial aid funds and support audit preparation and responses
• Develop and enhance Workday reports to improve reconciliation, analysis, and decision-making
• Partner with SFS and the University Controller's Office staff to strengthen control structures and improve receivable management

Payments and Deposits

Leadership and Team Development

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or related field and six years of progressively responsible experience in accounting, finance, or business management, and two years of years of progressively responsible leadership / management experience; demonstrated commitment to developing others to become leaders OR a Master's degree in a related field and at least four years of progressively responsible experience, including two years of progressively responsible leadership / management experience; demonstrated commitment to developing others to become leaders. Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license required (active status not necessary); must demonstrate foundational expertise in governmental accounting and compliance relevant to higher education. Demonstrated leadership experience managing professional accounting or finance staff, fostering teamwork, professional growth, and accountability. Comprehensive understanding of GAAP, GASB, and NACUBO standards, with familiarity with Washington State financial regulations for higher education. Proven ability to assess, design, and implement financial processes and internal controls that strengthen compliance and operational efficiency. Demonstrated diplomacy, sound judgment, and tact in managing relationships and sensitive issues. Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, with the ability to explain complex financial and policy information clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences. Proven ability to manage multiple projects and business relationships simultaneously and meet sequential deadlines in a dynamic environment. Commitment to outstanding customer service, collaboration, and continuous process improvement. Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. Experience with Workday Financials or a comparable enterprise resource planning (ERP) system preferred. Demonstrated experience in working with diverse groups, stakeholders, and teams; collaborative, inclusive, and service-oriented leadership style, and the ability to foster a culture of excellence, accountability, and teamwork.

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum : $120,000.00 annual Pay Range Maximum : $150,000.00 annual Other Compensation : Benefits : For information about benefits for this position, visit https : / / www.washington.edu / jobs / benefits-for-uw-staff / Shift : First Shift (United States of America) Temporary or Regular? This is a regular position FTE (Full-Time Equivalent) : 100.00% Union / Bargaining Unit : Not Applicable

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives on our campuses, in our state and around the world. UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.

The University of Washington is proud to be an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu. Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law. University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, among other things, race, religion, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.