Director, Controller and Financial Accounting

University of Iowa Center for Advancement•Iowa City, IA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Provides overall leadership and supervision of the financial accounting team. Responsible for accounting operations including production of financial reports, maintenance of an adequate system of accounting, and oversight of a comprehensive set of internal controls designed to mitigate risk, enhance accuracy and compliance of reported financial results. Reporting to the Assistant Vice President (AVP) of Finance and Accounting, this role serves as the senior accounting leader responsible for executing enterprise accounting strategy and maintaining strong internal controls through collaboration with the Gift Accounting Manager, Financial Services Manager, and with UICA and University colleagues to provide the full lifecycle of financial stewardship of donor resources. This position is eligible for hybrid work (telecommuting) which includes working on-site at our office in Iowa City.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree is required in accounting, finance, or similar field.
CPA required.
5+ years of relevant experience required; progressive responsibility in accounting or finance, including supervisory responsibilities.

Responsibilities

Leads and oversees the enterprise-wide accounting functions.
Prepares quarterly financial statements and reports for the UICA; provides review and analysis for the AVP and leadership ensuring accuracy, transparency, and completeness of all financial reporting across the organization.
Works with AVP to prepare required leadership and board committee packets and presentations and presents key accounting, audit, and compliance matters directly to the Audit & Risk Committee.
Leads the annual financial statement audit for the UICA and affiliates and serves as primary liaison for external auditors and regulatory examiners.
Support the AVP in managing the external audit relationship by coordinating audit activities, assessing audit performance, and providing recommendations for improvement.
Manage and maintain the organization’s internal control framework, including documentation, testing, monitoring, and remediation activities, and escalate significant control matters to the AVP as appropriate.
Oversees tax preparation and other compliance reporting obligations with authority to interpret complex tax and regulatory guidance and implement new compliance requirements.
Leads in policy, procedure, and guideline reviews and updates to ensure strong internal controls across all finance and accounting functions
Oversees accounting for endowment and other investment pools, and treasury activities, and administration of trust assets.
Analyzes and develops departmental processes to ensure the accuracy and integrity of general ledger entries, and maintains ownership of the monthly and annual close calendar, including enforcement across departments.
Maintains thorough knowledge of the financial accounting system and interfaces to provide strategic leadership for financial system design, control structure, and integration across the enterprise.
Ensures stability of financial accounting system by partnering with IT to ensure security, controlled access, workflow integrity, and data governance.
Provides analysis and recommendations to the AVP regarding the strategic roadmap for financial accounting technology, including evaluation of system risks, controls, and long-term modernization needs.
Maintains thorough knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), not-for-profit accounting principles, and IRS rules and regulations to ensure accurate and timely completion of all required federal and state filings for the UICA and its affiliates, and provides authoritative technical accounting guidance on complex or unusual transactions, including new standard implementations.
Consults with Finance team members and AVP to provide technical accounting analysis and recommendations on complex or unusual transactions and supports in evaluating and implementing new accounting standards.
Provides accounting oversight for the budget process, ensuring policy alignment and accurate financial treatment, in partnership with AVP.
Build and maintain relationships with university foundation finance peers to share resources, benchmark best practices, and stay ahead of industry news and trends
Assists the AVP in identifying and mitigating organizational risk by leading financial risk assessments, internal control evaluations, and mitigation planning.
Plans and oversees the overall operational, reporting, budgetary, and financial responsibilities of assigned unit; develops and maintains work systems, procedures, and productivity standards that advance the mission and goals of the unit and enable optimum performance of the people and other resources within it; allocates resources to effectively accomplish the work of the unit; monitors, evaluates, and aims to improve effectiveness of unit operations; makes business decisions that are consistent with UICA mission/vision and our organizational culture and values.
Leads and supports employees throughout the employee lifecycle by setting clear expectations, providing ongoing feedback, and investing in development; builds a trusting, values-driven work environment aligned with UICA’s mission and vision.