Assistant Director for Student Financial Accounting

Job Description

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, theAssistant 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

• Oversee payment and deposit operations to ensure accuracy, security, and compliance

• Collaborate with the Treasury Office to monitor and analyze cash activity, identify trends, and resolve variances

• Evaluate and implement technology and process improvements to enhance efficiency in receipting and reconciliation

Leadership and Team Development

• Supervise and develop staff responsible for accounting, reconciliation, and payment operations, providing clear direction and ongoing feedback

• Lead performance management, goal setting, and training to promote cross-functional expertise and professional growth

• Partner with the Director on strategic initiatives, operational planning, and continuous improvement efforts

• Lead or contribute to special projects that advance financial operations, reporting, and compliance

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 

DESIRED: 

• Master’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field  

• Active Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license  

• Experience in higher education finance, particularly in student financial services, student accounting, or financial aid operations  

• Demonstrated success improving accounting operations through automation, system enhancements, or process reengineering  

• Knowledge of federal Title IV regulations and reporting requirements such as FISAP, IPEDS, and FSEOG  

• Recognized as a manager, mentor, and coach who develops others and promotes a collaborative, results-oriented team culture  

• Demonstrated passion for exceptional customer service and a commitment to quality and operational excellence  

• Proven ability to lead or contribute to cross-departmental projects involving central finance, treasury, and audit partners  

• Proficiency in developing financial reports, dashboards, or data analytics to support decision-making  

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

About the UW 

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. 

Our Commitment 

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

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.