Accounting Manager Principal

University of Kentucky

Equal Employment Opportunity/M/F/disability/protected veteran status.

Posting Details Posting Details Job TitleAccounting Manager PrincipalRequisition NumberRE54509Working TitleDepartment Name3A050: STUDENT ACCOUNT SERVICESWork LocationLexington, KYGrade Level48Salary Range$62,941-103,834/yearType of PositionStaffPosition Time Status Full-TimeRequired EducationBAClick here for more information about equivalencies:https://hr.uky.edu/employment/working-uk/equivalenciesRequired Related Experience6 yrsRequired License/Registration/CertificationNonePhysical Requirementslifting, pushing or pulling of objects up to 25 lbs.ShiftMonday-Friday 8:00am to 5:00pmJob SummaryLead Financial Operations That Make a Campus Impact

The University of Kentucky is seeking an Accounting Manager Principal to provide strategic leadership and operational oversight within Student Account Services.

This role sits at the intersection of financial management, compliance, and student services, ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and effectiveness of critical accounting operations that support the university community. You’ll lead a high-performing team, oversee complex financial processes, and drive continuous improvement across systems, policies, and service delivery.

What You’ll Do

• Lead and manage daily operations of Student Account Services, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and strong internal controls
• Provide direct and indirect supervision to staff, including hiring, performance management, and professional development
• Oversee administration of student accounting and loan programs, including compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations
• Serve as a key liaison for enterprise systems (SAP), managing processes such as billing, payments, refunds, reporting, and system enhancements
• Monitor and ensure compliance with financial regulations and audit requirements, implementing policy and process improvements as needed
• Manage complex student account and loan issues, providing resolution and guidance for escalated cases
• Prepare, analyze, and submit financial and regulatory reports to internal stakeholders and external agencies
• Lead special projects, support strategic initiatives, and represent the department on committees and at university events

What You’ll Bring

• Experience in accounting, financial operations, or student financial services, with increasing levels of responsibility
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage teams and drive organizational performance
• Deep understanding of financial compliance, internal controls, and regulatory requirements
• Experience working with enterprise financial systems (e.g., SAP) and complex reporting processes
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
• Strong communication skills with the ability to engage effectively across technical, operational, and leadership audiences
• A commitment to customer service excellence and continuous improvement

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree
• 6+ years of related experience

What’s In It for You

• Meaningful Impact: Oversee financial operations that directly support students and the university’s mission
• Leadership Opportunity: Guide and develop a team while shaping departmental strategy and processes
• Professional Growth: Expand expertise in compliance, enterprise systems, and higher education finance
• Hybrid Flexibility: Opportunity for hybrid work arrangements with approval
• Collaborative Environment: Work alongside leadership and partners across finance, IT, and student services
• Comprehensive Benefits: Competitive pay, benefits, and opportunities for growth UK’s Exceptional Benefits

Why Now?
As the university continues to navigate evolving financial regulations, technology systems, and student service expectations, this role is essential to ensuring strong financial stewardship and operational excellence. In this position, you’ll help:

• Strengthen compliance and financial integrity across student account operations
• Enhance system functionality and reporting capabilities
• Improve processes that support both staff efficiency and student experience

You’ll step into a leadership role where your expertise, initiative, and strategic thinking will have a lasting impact on financial operations and student success.Skills / Knowledge / AbilitiesSupervision, leadership, organization, communication, analytical skillsDoes this position have supervisory responsibilities? YesPreferred Education/ExperienceDeadline to Apply06/04/2026Our University CommunityWe value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.

The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.

Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.

Posting Specific Questions

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Applicant Documents
Required Documents

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter

Optional Documents

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