Accounting Principal

Children's Hospital of Philadelphia • Philadelphia, PA

1d • $101,300 - $129,100 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Accounting Principal serves as a key member of the Finance team, supporting Finance Leadership in the management of accounting operations, workflow prioritization, and strategic projects. This role is responsible for overseeing end-to-end accounting processes, effectively leveraging team resources to ensure accuracy, efficiency, and compliance.
The Accounting Principal I leads the preparation, coordination, and data collection required for regulatory and compliance-related filings, ensuring timely and accurate submissions. This position also manages special projects and process improvement initiatives that support organizational and departmental objectives.
In partnership with the Accounting Manager and Finance Director, the Accounting Principal I plays a critical role in executing the month-end close process, ensuring financial results are complete, accurate, and delivered within established timelines. Additionally, this role provides guidance, mentorship, and training to Staff Accountants, fostering professional development, strengthening technical accounting expertise, and promoting a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
The Accounting Principal I plays a critical role in helping the Finance team effectively manage increasing organizational complexity and growing operational demands. This position provides the capacity and expertise needed to support key accounting functions, maintain compliance, and strengthen financial reporting processes.
By bringing external experience and best practices, this individual will identify opportunities to improve processes, enhance operational efficiency, and strengthen internal controls. The role is instrumental in supporting the organization's ability to scale responsibly while contributing to long-term financial health, strategic decision-making, and overall organizational success.

Requirements

• CPA certification required.
• Public accounting background with audit experience.
• Healthcare industry exposure preferred.
• A strong desire to learn, grow, and take on increasing responsibility in a dynamic and evolving organization.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and process improvement skills.
• The ability to adapt to change and navigate ambiguity with confidence.
• A collaborative and team-oriented mindset, with the ability to build strong relationships across Finance and other business functions.
• Excellent communication skills and a willingness to mentor, share knowledge, and support the development of colleagues.
• A proactive, solutions-focused approach and commitment to continuous improvement.
• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance or related field Required
• At least five (5) years in Accounting or Finance Department Required
• At least two (2) years in Healthcare Preferred
• Advanced Excel including VLOOKUP’s and Pivot Tables (Required proficiency)
• Working knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (Required proficiency)
• Excellent Communication skills (Required proficiency)
• Excellent Organizational skills (Required proficiency)
• Project Management skills (Required proficiency)
• Ability to maintain confidential information (Required proficiency)
• Ability to work independently in hybrid work environment (Required proficiency)
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy (Required proficiency)

Nice To Haves

• Master's Degree Business Administration (MBA) Preferred
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) - Pennsylvania State Licensing Board - upon hire - Preferred

Responsibilities

• Assist the team when needed to ensure all month end deadlines are met
• Ensure that all key accounts are reconciled prior to the running of allocations
• Review all account analyses prepared by the team.
• Ensure reconciling items and variances are addressed and resolved.
• Working knowledge of GAAP
• Implementing processes to improve Internal Controls
• Manage annual audit and 990 processes
• Responsible for preparation of annual financial statements and footnote disclosures
• Assist with the preparation of any external reporting to governmental agencies.
• Assist with Internal Audit requests
• Assist with other mandated external reporting including surveys
• Advanced Excel including VLOOKUP’s and Pivot Tables
• Proficient in managing and processing large data sets, able to organize/filter data
• Expert with ERP systems
• Fully understanding of Chart of Accounts/FDM. Able to propose updates and changes
• Ability to operate in multiple systems/program
• Understanding of Patient Accounting Systems and processes
• Collaboration with Finance Partners, Divisional Business Managers, and local practice plan team members to support operational finance needs
• Collaboration with Shared Service Business Units including Accounts Payable, Supply Chain, Patient Financial Services, Treasury, Payroll to support operational finance needs
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Strong organizational skills, ability to handle multiple competing priorities
• Ability to maintain and store confidential information
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Able to prepare Income Statements and Balance Sheets at a Consolidated, Company and Cost Center level
• Able to create ad hoc reports to support analysis or business needs
• Understanding of financial and aging reports
• Assists in the preparation of close package slides
• Manages the year end audited financial statement and footnote disclosure process
• Supports annual budget process
• Supports preparation of financial projections and long range planning efforts
• Manages special projects when needed

Benefits

• Hybrid work structure with a friendly, collaborative, and supportive Accounting team.
• Currently onsite at the CIRA Centre one day per week (Wednesdays), with remote work on other days.
• Occasional additional in-office days may be requested for key meetings, training sessions, or team events.
• Potential future transition to two days in-office and three days remote, although no changes are currently planned.
• A culture focused on teamwork, flexibility, professional development, and work-life balance
• As a condition of employment, CHOP employees who work in patient care buildings or who have patient facing responsibilities must receive an annual influenza vaccine.

What This Job Offers

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