Description

SUMMARY:

The Director of Financial Accounting and Reporting provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the University’s accounting, financial reporting, and treasury functions. This position ensures the integrity, accuracy, and timeliness of the University’s financial data and reporting in accordance with GAAP, University policy, and regulatory requirements. The Director oversees general accounting, endowment and investment accounting, debt and fixed asset accounting, and cash management, and serves as the primary liaison with external auditors. The role also ensures effective financial system integrations across Workday Finance, Banner Student, and Blackbaud CRM to support accurate accounting and reporting.

JOB DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:  

25% – Financial Reporting

Prepare quarterly and annual financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
Ensure accurate, timely, and transparent external reporting.
Oversee Form 990, retirement plan audits, Single Audit (Uniform Guidance), and NCAA AUP reporting.
Interpret and implement new accounting standards.
Lead the annual external audit process and manage audit deliverables.
Develop and maintain accounting policies and reporting procedures.
25% – Financial Accounting

Oversee core accounting functions to ensure consistent GAAPcompliant transaction recording.
Ensure timely completion and review of account reconciliations.
Collaborate with Spider Management Company on endowment and investment accounting.
Manage treasury operations including cash management, liquidity, and banking relationships.
Ensure accurate debt accounting, covenant compliance, capital asset accounting, and depreciation.
Maintain and evaluate internal controls to safeguard University assets.
20% – Supervision and Staff Leadership

Supervise five professional accounting staff.
Provide coaching, feedback, and professional development.
Establish performance expectations aligned with University values.
Ensure crosstraining and continuity of operations.
Promote a collaborative and highperforming team culture.
15% – Systems, Controls, Stewardship, and Data Integrity

Serve as deputy financial steward for Workday Finance.
Maintain understanding of configuration, security, workflows, and data structures.
Monitor and strengthen internal controls; support annual risk assessment and testing.
Collaborate with IS, OPB, and Controller’s Office units on system enhancements.
Maintain master data integrity and enhance reporting and analytics capabilities.
Ensure accounting processes adhere to GAAP, policy, and audit standards.
15% – Strategic Projects and Process Improvement

Lead financial process improvements, automation, and efficiency initiatives.
Prepare financial analyses and presentations for leadership and Board committees.
Support auditrelated reporting and deliverables.
Monitor highereducation financial trends and regulatory developments.
 

CONTACTS:

External Auditors & Internal Audit – coordinate audits, requests, testing, and remediation.
Spider Management Company – collaborate on endowment and investment reconciliations and reporting.
Office of Planning and Budget – coordinate budgettoactual results, forecasting, and yearend close.
Controller’s Office Units – collaborate with Procurement, Payroll, AP, Grants Accounting, and Bursar; support BannertoWorkday integration.
Advancement/Development – ensure accurate gift, pledge, and donorrestricted fund reporting; oversee Blackbaud CRM–to–Workday integration.
Information Services – support Workday configuration, integrations, and reporting.
University Leadership & Academic/Administrative Units – provide financial reporting and guidance.
 

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

Directly supervises five professional staff and oversees all aspects of hiring, training, evaluation, and development. Fosters a highperforming, studentfocused, and collaborative team culture. Ensures crosstraining and operational resiliency across all accounting functions.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Strong background in U.S. GAAP, including highereducation and nonprofit reporting standards.
Understanding of internal controls, audit practices, and compliance requirements (Uniform Guidance, NCAA AUP, retirement plans).
Ability to interpret and implement new accounting standards.
Advanced skills in financial analysis, reconciliation, and financial statements.
Strong systems aptitude; experience with ERP workflows, integrations, and reporting tools.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Strong problemsolving ability, sound judgment, and ability to manage multiple priorities.
 

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE: 

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required.
Certified Public Accountant (CPA) required.
Seven to ten years of progressively responsible accounting experience.
Experience supervising professional accounting staff.
Experience in higher education or nonprofit environments preferred.
Experience with enterprise financial systems such as Workday or Banner.
Experience coordinating external audits, Single Audits, or similar engagements.
 

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL EFFORT:

Typical office environment with standard work hours.
Occasional remote work available after probation period.
Extended hours required during peak cycles (e.g., yearend close).
Prolonged periods of computer use.
 

WORK HOURS:

Full Time, Exempt

Monday - Friday, 7.75 hours/daily, 38.75 hours/weekly

SALARY STRUCTURE:

Pay Grade 10 (Hiring Range $88,190.00 - $130,000.00 annually)