Assistant Vice President - Financial Operations & Controller

Job Title

Assistant Vice President, Financial Operations & Controller

Agency

Tarleton State University

Department

Division of Finance & Administration

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

Stephenville, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

Tarleton State University, a distinguished Doctoral National Comprehensive University, invites applications for the position of Assistant Vice President for Financial Operations & Controller (AVP FO&C) in the Division of Finance and Administration. As part of a vibrant academic community dedicated to excellence in teaching, research, and service, this role offers the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to a university that values innovation, collaboration, and inclusive growth. Join us in advancing knowledge and transforming lives—on campus and beyond. Tarleton State University continues to grow its impact across Texas, with four distinct campuses located in Stephenville, Fort Worth, RELLIS-Bryan and Waco, along with a robust online community that extends our reach even further.

At the heart of it all is Stephenville, where Tarleton State offers a dynamic environment for faculty and staff. From a lively live music scene and numerous local festivals to rich traditions rooted in the surrounding community, Stephenville provides a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere.

No matter where you're located—on campus or online—you are part of a mission that transforms lives and makes a difference across the state of Texas and beyond.

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Important Immigration Information:

A Presidential proclamation issued on September 19, 2025, imposes a $100,000 fee on new H-1B petitions filed after September 21, 2025. Please be advised that Tarleton State University will NOT pay this fee. Therefore, if you need immigration sponsorship for your employment, we recommend that you consult with your private immigration counsel at your own expense to ascertain whether your current immigration status would make a potential offer of employment from Tarleton State University subject to this fee. 

In addition, on January 27, 2026, Texas Governor Abbot issued a moratorium on the filing of any new H-1B unless approved by the Texas Workforce Commission. Accordingly, if you will now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status this moratorium may affect our ability to employ you should you be selected as the final candidate. 

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The Assistant Vice President for Financial Operations & Controller (AVP FO&C) oversees the University’s financial operations and leads the accounting, financial reporting, procurement, contract management, and student accounts functions. The AVP FO&C provides recommendations for improving University-wide finance and accounting practices. Works with the Chief Financial Officer, Executive Vice President for Finance and Administration to identify and manage strategic financial issues with current or potential impact to the University. Ensures that procedures conform to applicable accounting principles and guidelines. Manages the preparation and communication of financial reports. Partners with units across the University to support financial operations. Establishes goals and objectives in alignment with University and Division strategic goals. Ensures compliance with University, TAMUS, state and federal regulations.

Work location is Stephenville, Texas with work hours of Monday to Friday; from 8am to 5pm or as work requirements indicate which may include after-hours and weekends. Serves as Campus Security Authority.

Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, Executive Vice President for Finance and Administration; the AVP FO&C is responsible for the financial operations of the University, including the following:

Strategic Financial Leadership (University-wide)

• Provide strategic leadership for all accounting and transactional finance functions.

• Serves as senior advisor to the CFO/EVPFA on fiscal strategy, financial risk, financial reporting, and internal controls.

• Provides recommendations to improve University-wide accounting, procurement, and financial management practices.

• Supports University revenue-generation efforts with appropriate technology platforms and staff support.

• Represents the University in engagements with TAMUS offices and state agencies related to areas of responsibility

Oversight of Core Financial Operations

1. Accounting & Financial Reporting

• Oversees all accounting operations, fiscal controls, cost allocations, journal processes, and internal financial statements.

• Leads preparation of the Annual Financial Report (AFR) in compliance with GASB, TAMUS policies, and state reporting requirements.

• Ensures the accuracy, timeliness, and transparency of financial information provided to executive leadership, departments, and external entities.

• Oversees year-end close, in coordination with TAMUS

• Maintains a robust system of internal controls to ensure the integrity of financial data and safeguarding of assets

2. Student Accounts & Receivables

• Provides strategic oversight for student billing, receivables, collections, refunds, exemptions/waivers, tuition/fee assessments, and compliance with state & federal regulations.

• Ensures strong internal controls, reconciliation processes, and timely management of student account balances.

• Implements customer-centered service models to support student success and improve financial interactions with students and families while maintaining financial controls.

• Collaborate with Enrollment Management and Financial Aid to align student financial operations. 

3. Procurement & Contract Administration

• Provides executive oversight of Procurement Services, strategic sourcing, purchasing processes, competitive solicitations, and contract administration.

• Ensures compliance with Texas procurement law, TAMUS policies, federal procurement rules, and institutional purchasing standards.

• Promote strategic sourcing practices to achieve cost savings and operational efficiency.

• Supports contract review, risk mitigation, negotiation strategies, vendor management, and operational efficiencies.

• Implements procurement and contracting process improvements that promote standardization, cycle-time reduction, transparency, and institutional cost savings. 

4. Compliance, Governance, and Policy Development

• Ensure adherence to all applicable federal, state, and system regulations, including Uniform Grants Regulations.

• Develop, monitor, and enhance internal control frameworks across all areas of responsibility.

• Identify and mitigate financial and operational risks.

• Guides financial governance initiatives to support institutional strategic goals.

5. Team Leadership & Development

• Provide leadership and mentorship to department directors and staff across accounting, procurement, and student accounts.

• Foster a high-performance culture emphasizing accountability, service excellence, and professional development.

• Promote cross-functional collaboration across campus departments. 

Responsibilities

• 20% Oversees accounting function and preparation of Annual Financial Report, ensuring compliance with generally accepted accounting principles.

• 20% Financial reporting; provides University leadership with financial reports which summarize University financial activity and financial position, assists University departments in understanding and interpreting financial results.

• 20% Participates in program development at an institutional level, including student financial management, strategic sourcing, revenue generation, and financial analysis.

• 15% Interprets and implements University policies through clear and informative procedures and establishes effective processes to monitor compliance and controls.

• 15% Leads and develops staff in directed areas and builds strong relationships across the University and system.

• 10% Identify and implement technology solutions to improve staff efficiency and minimize financial risk 

Minimum Requirements

Required Education and Experience

• Master’s degree in Accounting, Business, or applicable field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Five years of progressively responsible experience in fiscal management and enterprise accounting systems including at least four years of supervisory experience overseeing professional staff. 

Required Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Knowledge of GASB principles and standards.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex financial information to various stakeholders.

• Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.

• Ability to clearly and effectively communicate financial data and results.

• Demonstrated experience building a successful, service-oriented team. 

Preferred

• Certified Public Accounting (CPA) or Certified Management Accountant (CMA).  

Compensation & Benefits

Salary: Commensurate with experience

Salary Range:

The target base annual salary range is $130,000 up to $170,902 and may be negotiable based on funding availability and candidate experience/skillset in relation to the minimum requirements of this position.

We are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package for full-time and qualifying part-time employees. Our Careers Page offers an overview of the great benefits we offer; for detailed information visit our Benefits Information page.

Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit a completed application for consideration. Initial review of applications will begin immediately and continue until position is filled.

Application Procedure:

During the application process applicants have one opportunity to enter the requested information, upload documents and Submit the application. Applicants will not be able to make changes or add additional documents once the application materials have been submitted via "Submit" action.

Employment applications must include:

• Completed online application

• Cover Letter / Letter of Interest addressing qualifications

• Curriculum Vitae or Resume

• At least 3 current professional references and their full contact information

Applications received by Tarleton State University must have all job application data entered.  Failure to provide all job application data could result in an invalid submission and a rejected application.  “See resume” is not an acceptable entry in the job application.  Incomplete applications will not be considered.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.