Consulting Manager, Education Research-FINOPS

Huron Consulting Services•Chicago, IL

4d•$140,000 - $185,000•Remote

About The Position

Huron’s Finance & Operations (Fin Ops) team supports colleges and universities, often during leadership transitions in finance functions within the CFO’s Office. Engagements may begin as interim staffing and expand into broader financial operations projects. Managers step into complex environments, stabilize accounting and reporting functions, and lead clients and engagement teams through change. They plan and deliver technology and financial solutions aligned with client goals, while building client relationships and mentoring junior staff. In this role, you may serve in interim finance leadership or senior individual-contributor capacities, such as Controller, Associate or Assistant Controller, or Budget Director. You will apply accounting and budgeting expertise and knowledge of university operations, governance, and regulatory considerations; oversee accounting and reporting work; and help clients resolve financial issues and improve processes. You will also develop project plans, support system transitions, coordinate with auditors, present findings and recommendations to senior administrators, and collaborate with Huron teams to identify opportunities for continued client support. The position may involve travel of up to 50% annually and extended hours as needed for client and project demands. The role offers opportunities to specialize in accounting, finance, and enterprise systems, with professional development and mentorship. The estimated base salary is $140,000–$185,000. The role is eligible for Huron’s annual incentive compensation program; the estimated total compensation range, including annual incentive compensation opportunity, is $168,000–$222,000. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage and other wellness programs.

Requirements

U.S. work authorization.
Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field from an accredited college or university, or equivalent relevant work experience.
Significant experience in accounting and finance roles within a consulting and/or higher education environment.
Strong experience serving in a Program Controller, Accountant, Auditor, Assurance, or Financial Reporting capacity.
Experience in budgeting, forecasting, and financial management.
Hands-on experience with financial systems such as Ellucian/Banner, Oracle, Workday, or similar platforms.
Passion for and commitment to the higher education industry.
Ability to travel up to 50% annually and work extended hours as needed to meet client and project demands.

Nice To Haves

MBA or another relevant advanced degree in accounting or finance.
Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license.
Assistant Controller or Controller experience.
Audit experience, either as a practicing auditor or in an institutional role collaborating directly with external auditors.
Experience participating in a financial system implementation or major system transition.

Responsibilities

Serve in interim leadership and senior individual-contributor roles, such as Controller, Associate/Assistant Controller, or Budget Director, at higher education institutions.
Act as a subject matter expert in accounting and budgeting, applying knowledge of university operations, governance, and regulatory considerations.
Resolve complex financial reporting issues and respond to financial inquiries through detailed analysis in general ledger and financial reporting systems.
Identify root causes of accounting and reporting issues, reconcile data, and improve processes.
Develop project plans to address client challenges and maintain project momentum.
Train, mentor, and supervise client staff and Huron engagement team members, including junior resources.
Perform or oversee day-to-day accounting operations, including close processes, reconciliations, budget support, and financial reporting.
Use audit experience to support external audit coordination, respond to auditor inquiries, and strengthen internal controls.
Contribute to finance system implementations or transitions, supporting end users through system changes and data validation.
Present financial information, findings, and recommendations to senior administrators and executives, explaining detailed analysis and broader strategic implications.
Communicate project work clearly and concisely, verbally and in writing, for non-technical audiences.
Collaborate with FinOps and broader Huron teams to identify opportunities for expanded support as interim engagements evolve.