Director, Financial Analysis & Cost Management Accounting

George Mason University • Fairfax, VA

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Director, Financial Analysis & Cost Management Accounting, is responsible for analyzing financial data, developing forecasts, and providing strategic insights to support business decisions within the Controller’s Office. The position requires a strong background in financial modeling, cost accounting principles, internal control management, compliance mandates and data-driven decision-making. Position objectives are to prepare the triennial federal facilities and administrative (F&A) cost proposal, review and support the annual fringe benefit proposal, coordinate activities related to the university’s recharge committee, provide leadership support and guidance on assigned fiscal initiatives and projects, manage invoicing and reporting for state-funded sponsored projects, support financial models to support forecasting and budgeting, and support debt facility compliance. This position works collaboratively with key stakeholders on efforts that align with the needs and mission of the university. This position is an individual contributor supervising one position.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in related field or the equivalent combination of education and experience;
• 5 - 10 years of progressively responsible accounting, auditing, or financial analysis experience;
• Familiarity with OMB Uniform Guidance, F&A (Facilities & Administrative) rate development, fringe benefit proposals, and recharge center compliance;
• Thorough knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) requirements;
• Understanding of fiscal year-end close processes, audit preparation, and reconciliation methods;
• Knowledge of budget modeling, long-term forecasting, and data-driven decision support tools;
• Understanding of risk assessment, control design, and audit trail documentation;
• Advanced skills in Excel, ERP systems (e.g., Banner), and data visualization tools (e.g., MicroStrategy, Power BI);
• Strong written and verbal communication; ability to draft reports, internal audit narratives, and policy documents clearly and accurately; and
• High attention to detail and accuracy.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in related field;
• Generally, 10+ years of fiscal management, audit coordination, or compliance experience with demonstrated exposure to F&A rate proposals, recharge center management, and bond compliance;
• Progressively responsible accounting, auditing, or financial analysis experience in a higher education or government environment;
• Understanding of federal tax-exempt bond regulations, DCAA (Defense Contract Audit Agency) audits, and internal control standards;
• Skilled in identifying financial discrepancies, compliance issues, and process inefficiencies, then recommending viable solutions; and
• Ability to balance analytical depth with practical implementation of fiscal policies.

Responsibilities

• Supports and works alongside other teams within Fiscal Services, as directed by supervisor, Associate Vice President and Controller, and Finance leadership on assigned fiscal projects/initiatives;
• Support may include accounting reconciliations, documentation review and/or preparation, research, policy and procedure reviews/documentation, managing invoicing and reporting for state-funded sponsored projects, internal controls management and remediation, and infrastructure/system recommendations;
• May also interface and collaborate on efforts with Fiscal Services customers across the university;
• Supports fiscal year-end close activities, including account reconciliations and state filings;
• Creates and maintains internal audit narratives that document and strengthen the control environment across the university;
• Provides input and simulates complex financial models to support forecasting, budgeting, and strategic decision-making initiatives;
• Facilitates the university’s triennial Facilities and Administrative (F&A) rate proposal by serving as contract administrator for the outside firm preparing the proposal and facilitating all aspects of data gathering for supporting the work of the contractor;
• Provides analysis and feedback, including financial forecasts and models, to management and Space Committee on impact of internal decisions and external factors, such as regulatory changes;
• Reviews proposal prepared by contractor for overall reasonableness and accuracy prior to submission to cognizant agency (ONR);
• Reviews annual fringe benefit proposal prepared in Fiscal Services for overall reasonableness and accuracy;
• Supports the DCAA audit of the proposal percentage allocated to the F&A function will be higher in years when proposal is due;
• Coordinates with the Recharge Committee to monitor compliance with the university’s recharge policy to include the following activities:
• Reviews annual analysis of recharge units;
• Reviews submissions and follows up with units as needed;
• Works with units on any additional analysis needed for Budget and Planning Team review;
• Works with units when a new recharge is established;
• Ensures units understands recharge policy;
• Ensures rate development is in compliance with OMB Uniformed Guidance;
• Assists units with initial processing of recharge;
• Notifies the Office of Sponsored Programs when recharge rates that impact sponsored projects are revised;
• Debt Compliance:
• Assists in monitoring and tracking the private business use of facilities financed with tax-exempt bonds to ensure adherence to institutional policies and federal tax-exempt regulations;
• Supports the review and analysis of private business use activities within bond-financed facilities and helps compile and maintain documentation such as leases, management contracts, sponsored research agreements, and other related agreements;
• Participates in the annual private business use survey and reporting process and collaborates with internal departments and external parties to identify and report potential private use; and
• Maintains comprehensive records to support audits and compliance reviews related to private business use.

Benefits

• George Mason University provides a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that supports your well-being, financial security, and career growth.
• Highlights include: employer-supported retirement plans, tuition assistance for employees and dependents, generous paid leave, and access to professional development resources.
• Employees also benefit from wellness programs and services designed to promote work-life balance and overall health.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees