Assistant Vice President, Controller

Assistant Vice President (AVP), Controller

The Assistant Vice President (AVP), Controller serves as the chief accounting officer of the College, providing strategic leadership, direction, and oversight for all accounting, financial reporting, and fiscal compliance activities. Reporting directly to the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (SVP / CFO), the AVP, Controller is responsible for ensuring the accuracy and integrity of the institution's financial statements, maintaining a strong system of internal controls, and ensuring compliance with all applicable accounting standards, regulations, and institutional policies. The role oversees key financial operations within the Division of Finance, including General Accounting, Treasury and Cash Management, Accounts Payable, Payroll, Purchasing, and Corporate Card Accounting, and works collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to promote fiscal accountability, operational efficiency, and transparency in all financial matters.

Essential Functions (Principal Duties and Job Responsibilities) :

Supports the CFO in providing high-quality financial services to MMC Senior Leadership, Colleges, and constituents.

Ensures all MMC accounting policies, procedures, and recorded transactions comply with all applicable regulatory, GAAP, and higher education industry standards.

Manages annual MMC audit, conducted by an independent accounting firm (Auditor), including :

Reviewing the proposed audit process, data request, focus areas, and timeframe.

Provision of accounting and financial data requested by the Auditor promptly.

Responding quickly to all Auditor questions.

Reviewing the draft Auditor's report, and when required, providing any written explanation of historical or current source data, accounting transactions, financial statistics, and / or financial results.

Reviewing the final Auditor's report with the CFO and recommending their sign-off when appropriate.

Implements corrective action plans for any Auditor findings and recommendations approved by the CFO.

Manages the performance of direct reports to ensure their areas of responsibility are functioning within industry standards and achieving expected annual performance targets.

Director, Assistant Controller

Manager, General Accounting

Manager, Corporate Card Accounting & Purchasing

Prepares annual divisional budget and proactively manages actual performance to be within budget parameters.

Mentors' direct reports, divisional managers, and supervisors in support of continuous professional development and optimum operating results.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required :

The candidate should have extensive knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) and Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) requirements, and a strong understanding of federal and state compliance regulations applicable to higher education and research institutions. Expertise in financial reporting, auditing, internal controls, fund accounting, endowment management, and grants administration is essential. The individual must demonstrate proficiency in ERP financial systems (such as Workday, Banner, or Oracle), advanced Microsoft Excel and data analysis tools, and familiarity with payroll, accounts payable, purchasing, and treasury operations. The role requires strong leadership and team management skills, exceptional analytical and problem-solving ability, and proven experience implementing process improvements and financial systems enhancements. Excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential, with the ability to convey complex financial information clearly to both financial and non-financial stakeholders. The successful candidate will also exhibit sound judgment, attention to detail, a commitment to accuracy and transparency, and the capacity to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities Preferred :

Background in biomedical research, grant accounting and endowment accounting experience are strongly preferred. Experience with Workday ERP system preferred.

Education and Experience Required :

Active CPA license; eligible for transfer to Tennessee. Bachelor's degree in accounting, Finance, Business, or related field. Graduate degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or related field preferred.

Eight to twelve (8-12) years of total experience in financial management; three to five (3-5) years of prior Controller experience in a similar-sized organization with a similar level of responsibility; higher education fund accounting experience preferred.