Assistant Controller - University of California, Riverside

Another Source's client, University of California, Riverside, is recruiting an Assistant Controller - Financial Audit & Reporting to join their team in Riverside, California. This position is based onsite with opportunities for collaboration across campus leadership and financial operations teams. Relocation assistance is available.

Here's a little about UC Riverside:

The University of California, Riverside is one of the nation's leading public research universities and a member of the prestigious University of California system. Recognized for its commitment to innovation, social mobility, and student success, UCR serves more than 26,000 students and continues to expand its impact through groundbreaking research, community partnerships, and strategic investments across the institution.

UCR is consistently recognized as a national leader in advancing opportunity and access while maintaining a strong focus on academic excellence and operational stewardship. As the university continues to grow, the financial leadership team plays a critical role in ensuring resources are managed strategically to support the institution's mission and long-term success.

Learn more about the Accounting Office: https://accounting.ucr.edu/

About this role:

Reporting directly to the Associate Vice Chancellor of Business & Financial Services and Controller, the Assistant Controller - Financial Audit & Reporting serves as a key financial leader responsible for ensuring the integrity, accuracy, and compliance of the university's financial reporting environment.

This is a highly visible role that combines technical accounting expertise with strategic financial leadership. The Assistant Controller will oversee complex financial reporting, audit activities, internal controls, liquidity analysis, and financial modeling efforts that support executive decision-making. This individual will partner with senior leaders across the university to develop reporting strategies, strengthen financial stewardship, support long-range planning initiatives, and ensure compliance with GAAP, GASB, University of California policies, and regulatory requirements.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to influence institution-wide financial strategy while serving as a subject matter expert on accounting standards, financial reporting, treasury activities, and financial controls.

Scope & Impact

Strategic Financial Reporting & Compliance (25%)

Lead complex financial analyses to evaluate current and future financial performance, resource allocation, and institutional financial health.

• Develop and implement fund management strategies and internal controls that mitigate risk and strengthen financial stewardship.

• Ensure compliance with University, State, Federal, contract, and grant regulations.

• Lead large-scale audits, coordinate audit preparedness efforts, and ensure timely and accurate responses to audit requests.

• Monitor industry trends and emerging accounting standards and recommend enhancements to accounting practices and procedures.

• Provide oversight of gift, endowment, and federal appropriation funds.

Financial Planning, Treasury & Investment Analysis (20%)

• Advise executive leadership on financial and investment strategies that maximize income on cash balances and long-term working capital.

• Develop financial models supporting investment, debt management, and capital planning decisions.

• Conduct feasibility studies and debt affordability analyses to support campus initiatives and capital projects.

• Recommend funding strategies that balance liquidity, risk management, and long-term financial objectives.

Financial Reporting & Analytics (15%)

• Develop and maintain periodic and ad hoc reporting related to cash flow, investments, liquidity, debt obligations, and balance sheet activity.

• Deliver meaningful financial insights and performance metrics that support executive decision-making.

• Create dashboards and analytical tools that identify trends, risks, and opportunities.

Leadership & Knowledge Management (10%)

• Serve as a trusted advisor and subject matter expert for accounting and financial reporting matters.

• Mentor and provide guidance to accounting professionals and campus stakeholders.

• Develop and maintain documentation related to treasury, debt, investment, banking, and liquidity management activities.

General Accounting & Financial Oversight (10%)

• Lead the preparation, maintenance, and reconciliation of complex journal entries and general ledger accounts.

• Ensure accurate accounting treatment and reporting of financial transactions.

• Support fiscal year-end close activities and financial statement preparation.

Systems, Reporting & Process Improvement (10%)

• Lead efforts to improve financial reporting, forecasting, and liquidity management systems.

• Collaborate with stakeholders across the university and UC system to enhance reporting quality and operational efficiency.

• Translate business requirements into reporting and system enhancements.

Executive Reporting & Decision Support (10%)

• Prepare executive-level reports, analyses, and recommendations regarding cash management, investments, debt service, liquidity metrics, and financial performance.

• Develop dashboards and scorecards that support strategic planning and resource allocation decisions.

• Present complex financial information to senior leadership in a clear and actionable manner.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.

• Eight (8) to thirteen (13) years of progressively responsible accounting, financial reporting, or financial management experience.

• Expert-level knowledge of accounting principles, financial reporting, and analytical methodologies.

• Extensive experience interpreting and applying accounting policies, regulations, and compliance requirements.

• Demonstrated ability to analyze complex financial information and develop actionable recommendations.

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present complex financial information to executive audiences.

• Strong proficiency with financial systems, reporting tools, and Microsoft Office applications.

• Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities in a complex organizational environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or equivalent professional certification.

• Experience within higher education, public sector, or similarly complex organizations.

• Working knowledge of University of California policies and procedures.

• Experience with Oracle Cloud Financials.

• Experience supporting audits, treasury management, debt planning, or large-scale financial reporting initiatives.

What's in it for you:

The anticipated salary range for this position is $115,000 - $133,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Relocation assistance is available.

UC Riverside offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial well-being, professional development, and work-life balance. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, retirement programs, paid time off, wellness resources, and educational opportunities.

Learn more about UCR Benefits: https://hr.ucr.edu/benefits

Special Requirements

• Successful completion of a background check is required prior to hire.

• Occasional travel for university business meetings, conferences, and professional development activities may be required.

• Due to fiscal year-end closing activities, vacation requests are generally not approved during the month of July.

• This position has been designated as a critical position within the university.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or any other protected characteristic in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

Another Source works with their clients, on a retained project basis. We are committed to building inclusive candidate pools as we partner with hiring teams. As you read through the job posting and review the list of qualifications (required and/or preferred), please do not self-select out if you feel you do not meet every qualification. No one is 100% qualified. We encourage you to apply and share your story with us.

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