About Kristen Roberts
Kristen Roberts, CPA, oversees the institution’s financial strategy and operations, including USA Health. With more than 20 years of progressive experience in accounting, auditing, financial reporting, and leadership, she brings a depth of expertise across higher education, healthcare finance, and public accounting.
Since joining the University of South Alabama, Roberts has held several key leadership roles, including Controller and Assistant Controller. She has directed core financial functions such as financial reporting, accounts payable, travel, property, and procurement. Her leadership has driven several transformative initiatives, including the implementation of a university-wide paperless vendor payment system, a comprehensive banking transition, and the financial structuring of the USA Health Care Authority. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she successfully led the remote transition of all accounting functions, ensuring continuity and operational excellence.
Prior to her tenure at South Alabama, Roberts served as Director of Business Administration for Construction and Physical Plant at The University of Alabama. There, she managed multi-million-dollar operational and construction budgets, oversaw utility and capital project accounting, and led key administrative and process improvements. Earlier in her career, she gained foundational experience in public accounting at JamisonMoneyFarmer PC and Deloitte LLP, specializing in financial reporting, audit preparation, and tax compliance for a diverse client base.
Roberts holds both a Master of Accountancy and a Bachelor of Science in Commerce and Business Administration from The University of Alabama, with a concentration in accounting.
A committed professional and civic leader, she serves in advisory and leadership roles with several organizations, including the Alabama Association of College and University Business Officers, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and the Health Care Financial Management Association. She was recently named to the St. Paul's Episcopal School Board of Trustees. She is a 2018 graduate of Leadership South and was recognized in Mobile Bay Magazine’s 40 Under 40.
Kristen and her husband, Mark, reside in Mobile, Alabama, with their three children.