Lea Erickson has been selected to serve as the controller for the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Erickson is currently the director of financial information management in the Division of Business Services, a role she has held for four years. 

Erickson transitioned into the controller position on April 5. This is a foundational position at any organization of our size; she will directly oversee Accounting Services and the Bursar’s Office.  

“I look forward to continued collaboration with various campus stakeholders on Workday stabilization efforts, including refining or developing training materials and guidance to support the complex needs of UW-Madison,” said Erickson. “I also look forward to supporting and gaining deeper insight into the important work of the Bursar’s Office.” 

This position collaborates with units across the institution, guiding the development of strategy, processes, and policies to ensure accuracy and compliance in the institution’s accounting functions. The role oversees enterprise-wide financial records and reporting, leads strategic planning initiatives, and establishes institutional financial objectives while developing and monitoring finance-related policies, internal controls, and administrative procedures.  

“Lea has been a great leader through the transition to Workday and I’m happy to congratulate her and recognize her continued dedication to UW–Madison’s financial operations,” said David Murphy, associate vice chancellor for finance. 

Prior to her current role, Erickson spent eight years within Accounting Services in the Division of Business Services as the assistant director of financial reporting, analysis, and systems and accountant roles. Prior to UW-Madison, she worked at Covance and Spectrum Brands in various accounting and finance management roles.