Director of Capital Accounting

University of Washington•Seattle, WA

10d

About The Position

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 The Director of Capital Accounting provides strategic, campus wide leadership for the University’s capital projects accounting, equipment inventory, and fixed asset accounting functions. This position ensures accurate financial reporting of capital assets, construction project activity, depreciation, and asset lifecycle management in compliance with federal, state, and University requirements. This role is responsible for setting strategic direction, leading organizational change, developing policies, and representing UW Finance in high-level collaborations across the institution. The Director leads the Capital Accounting and Equipment Inventory Office (EIO), serves as the University’s primary expert on capital accounting, and partners with senior leaders to support UW’s long term financial and capital accounting strategies.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a closely related field
6 years of progressively responsible accounting experience, featuring substantial leadership roles in higher education or large-scale organizations.
To include 3 years in advanced management or leadership positions, showcasing a strong ability to mentor, coach, and cultivate emerging leaders within the organization
Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
CPA active or lapsed within the last 6 months, is highly preferred
Expertise in external financial reporting, audit management, fixed asset accounting, and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations
Experience leading complex financial operations in a large, decentralized organization
Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills
Advanced proficiency with Excel and experience with enterprise financial systems
Experience in working with diverse groups and teams; create a culture of inclusion and equity throughout the team while supporting the overall culture of FPB

Nice To Haves

Deep understanding of GAAP and GASB standards, as well as an extensive background in internal controls
Experience working with sponsored projects

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Program Development/Oversight Provide strategic leadership for all capital accounting functions, including CIP tracking, project closeout, asset capitalization, depreciation, and lifecycle management
Develop and maintain financial monitoring tools, forecasts, dashboards, and policies to strengthen project oversight and reporting
Partner with Facilities, Capital Planning, and project managers to ensure financial accuracy, compliance, and effective governance of capital projects
Lead long‑range planning for staffing, systems, year‑end close activities, and University-wide equipment inventory processes
Leadership / Team Management Lead and manage the Capital Accounting team while promoting a culture of equity, inclusion, accountability, and continuous improvement
Oversee day‑to‑day team operations and provide leadership support across the University Controller’s Office
Collaborate across finance, operations, audit, procurement, compliance, and academic units to ensure alignment and strong communication
Represent Capital Accounting in Workday governance, system enhancements, and institutional initiatives
Program Development/Management (Accounting, Reporting & Internal Controls) Oversee capital asset accounting, reconciliations, journal entries, and preparation of year‑end and biennium close deliverables
Lead audit preparation and provide required documentation for financial statement audits, SAO reviews, and federal/regulatory agencies
Ensure strong internal controls and compliance with GAAP, GASB, and University, state, and federal regulations
Manage unit budgets, authorize expenditures, and ensure staff training and cross‑training in systems and business processes
Other duties as assigned