Accounting Manager

University of Chicago • Chicago, IL

22d • $110,000 - $125,000

About The Position

The primary goal of Financial Services is to support the core mission of the University through exemplary fiscal stewardship. Our services and programs are geared toward providing our customers outstanding response and service while fulfilling compliance and fiduciary obligations. Among many duties, Financial Services has responsibility for accounting and financial reporting; cash, endowment, and debt management; payroll; sponsored award accounting; and purchasing and paying for goods and services. Reports to the Director of Accounting and Financial Reporting and has direct responsibilities for a staff of two individuals. Oversees the general accounting functional area within Financial Services including cash management which consists of bank, petty cash and unclaimed property; monthly balance sheet and income statement account reconciliations; and accounting for University internal loans and specialty accounting areas. Oversees the general accounting inquiry ticketing system, and maintenance and oversight of the University’s Chart of Accounts.

Requirements

• Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
• Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 7+ years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's degree or advanced degree in accounting, finance, or a related field.
• A minimum of two years of supervisory experience.
• Higher education experience.
• CPA.
• Proficiency with spreadsheet and word processing software.
• Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Familiar with Oracle Account Reconciliation Cloud Service (ARCS), BlackLine, or other automated account reconciliation tool.
• Manage the day-to-day activities of a staff.
• Communicate accounting and financial information clearly and concisely.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Attention to detail; analytical and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Ensures that reconciliations and financial reports produced by the accounting staff accurately reflect the financial condition of the University.
• Reviews and analyzes general ledger accounts and ensures that the University's financial records are accurate.
• Ensures timely and accurate reporting of all transactions.
• Administers generally accepted accounting practices throughout the University.
• Assists in the implementation of new accounting standards applicable to the University. These activities may include analysis and interpretation of new standards, documentation of applicability and accounting impact to consolidated financial statements as well as drafting any required disclosures.
• Participates in the maintenance and oversight of the financial accounting systems.
• Assists in the preparation and distribution of timely and accurate quarterly internal financial statements and other managerial reports, as required, to both internal management and external users.
• Coordinates the compilation, verification and review of statistical accounting and financial reports and statements for internal and external purposes.
• Manages external reporting for certain financial government surveys.
• Participates in the planning and implementation of large projects, and regularly interfaces with senior management.
• Supports the year-end external audit by coordinating and managing the audit request process and reviewing or preparing year-end audit workpapers.
• Key contact person for departmental and divisional administrators for questions relating to general accounting.
• Acts as liaison to other departments.
• Provides advice and counsel to the organization in all matters related to accounting.
• Interprets accounting policies and procedures to the University community.
• Ensures that University procedures are followed.
• Reviews established accounting practices and procedures, and recommends changes in and additions to improve service delivery to the University community.
• Implements changes where applicable.
• Develops methods for improved operations.
• Oversees the general accounting general inquiry ticketing system.
• Works with department leadership to enhance the service delivery efforts of Financial Services.
• Plays a role in overall functional strategic planning.
• Performs duties inherent in all supervisory, professional, and administrative positions; instructs and trains employees in the performance of their duties; recommends hiring, promotion, transfer, discipline, or discharge of personnel.
• Assists in the implementation of ARCS for the reconciliation of University balance sheet account.
• Manages professional staff.
• Establishes performance goals, allocates resources and assesses policies for direct subordinates.
• Manages and oversees the general accounting functions and daily operations of the accounting staff.
• Reviews accounting transactions, collecting and analyzing accounting data, analyzing business results, and/or developing management reports.
• Manages accounting and financial records and reports, including general ledger, financial statements, regulatory and management reports.
• Advises and monitors accounting policies and controls, fiscal controls, preparing financial reports and safeguarding assets.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Benefits

• The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook .

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager