Financial Accountant Jobs in Tennessee

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, seeks a strategic and experienced financial leader to serve as Director of Accounting & Financial Compliance. This position provides campus-wide leadership and oversight for institutional accounting practices, financial compliance, and tax-related activities. The Director serves as a senior authority on accounting standards, regulatory compliance, and institutional financial controls, ensuring the integrity of financial reporting and alignment with federal, state, and university requirements.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Organizational Management

- Provide leadership for campus-wide accounting, compliance, and tax functions with institutional impact.
- Establish priorities, staffing strategies, and performance expectations for professional staff.
- Advise senior leadership on financial risk, regulatory exposure, and internal control frameworks.

Institutional Accounting Oversight & Reporting Integrity

- Oversee general ledger operations, accruals, payroll suspense, and year-end close.
- Ensure consistency and accuracy of accounting practices impacting University financial statements.
- Interpret and apply GAAP, GASB, NACUBO guidance, and UT fiscal policies for complex transactions.

Compliance, Risk Management & UBIT Oversight

- Lead campus responsibility for Unrelated Business Income Tax (UBIT) governance and reporting.
- Direct financial compliance programs, including internal controls and regulatory reporting.
- Serve as primary liaison for audits, regulatory inquiries, and external financial reviews.
- Evaluate institutional risk and implement corrective actions and policy enhancements.

Cost Accounting & Strategic Initiatives

- Oversee cost accounting activities including F&A rate development, space survey processes, and review and approval of recharge and service centers.
- Provide executive oversight of accounts receivable and revenue protection strategies.
- Lead cross-functional initiatives to improve processes, systems, and financial transparency.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

- Expert knowledge of GAAP, GASB, OMB Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200), and higher education accounting practices.
- Knowledge of federal tax concepts relevant to higher education, including UBIT.
- Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
- Ability to lead teams, manage complex projects, and operate effectively in a high accountability environment.

Required Qualifications

- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field.
- Experience: Minimum of eight years of progressively responsible professional accounting or financial experience.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

- Demonstrated leadership and supervisory experience.
- Experience developing and implementing financial strategies and solutions.

Preferred Qualifications

- Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration.
- CPA, CMA, CIA, or comparable professional.
- Experience in higher education or public sector accounting.
- Background in UBIT compliance, audit coordination, or F&A rate development.

Work Location

Knoxville, TN – in-person, on-site.

Compensation and Benefits

UT market range: MR17 | Budgeted salary range is between $135-150.

University of Tennessee employees are eligible for a comprehensive suite of benefits that includes:
- Retirement and deferred compensation plans, including 401(k), 403(b), etc.
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
- Generous paid leave, accruing up to 24 days of vacation and 12 days of sick leave annually, plus 14 paid holidays and administrative closing days.
- Education benefits for employees and their dependents at UT System campuses.
- Employee discounts to attractions, services, and goods.

Application Instructions

For full consideration, interested applicants must apply electronically and submit the following. For confidential inquiries, or questions please contact Anthony Lanagan at alanaga1@utk.edu.
- Resume
- Cover Letter
- List of 3 Professional References
- Any additional pertinent materials

About The College/Department/Division
The Office of Budget and Finance provides support to university administrators in developing and implementing short and long-range financial plans for the Knoxville campus. The primary responsibilities include the preparation of the annual budget and the monitoring and tracking of the financial status of the Knoxville campus.