New faces in the Controller’s Office

The Controller’s Office is a unit in Financial Services that serves the University community by providing central business support and oversight with a customer focus. Its goal is to uphold the University’s mission by facilitating ethical stewardship of fiscal resources and attending to the financial needs of the campus community.

Earlier this month, the office added some new faces to its leadership. Amy Hisler joined the team on Feb. 25, assuming the role of associate controller for accounting and disbursements. As the associate controller, Hisler manages the University’s strategies, policies, people, processes, technologies, compliance, controls and reporting relating to accounting and disbursements. She oversees accounting services, accounts payable, travel and complex payments, vendor relations, and the purchasing card program. Hisler serves as the “deputy” controller and makes decisions on behalf of the controller, Laura Williams, in her absence.

“Her leadership and management skills, improvement and business process mindset, experience analyzing cost-benefit information and trends, and understanding of the importance of a strong organizational culture focused on integrity and customer service are tremendous assets to the Controller’s Office and the University,” said Williams.

Hisler brings to the position 10 years of experience at the North Carolina Office of State Auditor, where she worked on financial audits of higher education institutions. Most recently, she was the dean of financial and administrative services at Davidson Community College, where she supervised the areas of financial reporting, purchasing, payroll, internal controls, special projects and the business office. Hisler is a certified public accountant and received a bachelor’s degree from Guilford College and an MBA from East Carolina University.

“I’m excited that I’ve joined an outstanding staff in the Controller’s Office at UNC Charlotte. Everybody who I have had the pleasure to meet thus far has been quite welcoming and extremely helpful as I get my feet wet and start to understand the day-to-day operations at the University,” said Hisler. “Over the next several months, I expect to spend a lot of time meeting and listening — building relationships with faculty and staff across campus and within the Controller’s Office, finding out what is going well and what we can improve on.”

The most recent addition to the Controller’s Office is Alicia Bartosch as the new assistant controller of compliance. She assumed her role on March 18. Also reporting to Williams, Bartosch, a certified public accountant, is responsible for leading strategies related to compliance, internal control and business process management for all financial processes. She also manages the eCommerce office.

“With Alicia’s excellent accounting and technical skills, her experience with UNC Charlotte business processes and training in business process management, and her collaborative spirit, we warmly welcome Alicia back to the Controller’s Office,” said Williams.

Bartosch has been a long-time member of Niner Nation. She received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in accounting from UNC Charlotte, and she has spent the last eight years working at the University. Bartosch started as the reconciliation accountant in General Accounting, was promoted to business process analyst in the Compliance Office, and most recently served as budget assistant director in Academic Affairs Budget and Personnel.

“I am excited to be part of a team that strives for continuous improvement, values customer service, and partners with so many areas across campus to strengthen our business processes and compliance efforts,” said Bartosch.

Williams believes that both new team members will help to lead positive change for the financial operations of the UNC Charlotte. In addition, she recently had one new position open, the assistant controller of the bursar’s office, so the possibilities for change continue. “I am excited for this new chapter in the Controller’s Office, with a sturdy foundation beneath our feet built by our previous and current team members, as well as everyone who works with us and works hard for this University every day,” she said.

Story: Caitlin Mauk
Photo: Amy Hisler (left) and Alicia Bartosch (right)