Description
The Associate Vice President & Controller ensures Temple University’s financial integrity, supports mission-aligned resource stewardship, and drives modernization across financial operations. Through strategic leadership, operational excellence, and innovation, the Controller plays a pivotal role in advancing Temple’s financial strength and institutional resilience.
The Associate Vice President (AVP) & Controller provides strategic, operational, and fiduciary leadership for Temple University’s accounting and financial reporting. Reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer, the AVP/Controller ensures the integrity, transparency, and compliance of all financial operations and is a key advisor to the CFO and senior leadership on fiscal management, compliance, internal controls, and risk mitigation.
As a senior member of the Finance and Operations leadership team, the Controller drives a culture of financial stewardship, service excellence, and continuous improvement, advancing modern financial systems, fostering collaboration across academic and administrative units, and ensuring that resources are used effectively to support Temple’s mission of access, research, and impact.
The Controller serves as the primary liaison with the University’s external auditors and oversees all accounting and reporting functions, including General Accounting; Debt Management; Technical Accounting/Analysis; Financial Reporting; Cost/Property Accounting; Accounts Payable; Procurement; and the Finance Collaboration Center. The role also provides oversight of international financial operations (Temple Rome, Temple Japan) and ensures the integrity of consolidated financial reporting across all university entities. Performs other duties as assigned.
Requirements
Required Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field.
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA).
- Minimum of 8 years of progressive leadership experience in accounting or financial management, with at least five in higher education, government, or similarly complex organizations.
- Experience preparing financial statements and drafting relevant disclosures.
- Experience leading ERP or financial system implementations.
- An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
Required Skills and Abilities:
- Public accounting experience.
- Accounting leadership experience in a large public research university (R1) or comparable complex institution.
- Knowledge of university-affiliated entities, including health systems, research enterprises, and international operations.
- Experience advising governing boards or audit committees.
- Demonstrated record of advancing financial modernization, automation, and data-informed decision-making.
Preferred Skills and Abilities:
- Accounting leadership experience in a large public research university (R1) or comparable complex institution.
- Knowledge of university-affiliated entities, including health systems, research enterprises, and international operations.
- Experience advising governing boards or audit committees.
- Demonstrated record of advancing financial modernization, automation, and data-informed decision-making.
