Director of Accounting - Sponsored Programs

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University • Daytona Beach, FL

1d

About The Position

The Director of Accounting – Sponsored Programs is responsible for overseeing financial reporting, compliance, and post-award accounting activities related to sponsored programs. This role has primary responsibility for preparing and submitting the University’s Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA) and State Projects to the U.S. Department of Education and the Florida Auditor General. Reporting to the Associate Controller, this position develops, implements, and maintains policies, procedures, and internal controls to ensure compliance with Uniform Guidance, Office of Management and Budget (OMB) regulations, grant requirements, and applicable contracts. The Director will also serve as a key liaison between University Accounting and campus partners, including the Office of Sponsored Research Administration and Budget and Finance, promoting collaboration and consistent communication across departments. This role supervises three accounting professionals (two Senior Accountants and one Staff Accountant) and is responsible for setting performance expectations, managing staff development, and fostering a high-performing team culture. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong leadership, communication skills, professionalism, integrity, and sound ethical judgment while serving as an ambassador for the Controller’s Office and the broader University community.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required
• Minimum of 5–10 years of related professional experience in Accounting and/or Finance
• Higher education accounting or sponsored programs experience preferred
• Strong commitment to providing excellent customer service to both internal and external stakeholders
• Comprehensive knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) standards, and applicable statutory accounting principles
• Knowledge of U.S. Uniform Guidance and federal grant compliance requirements
• Demonstrated accounting and financial reporting experience, preferably in a complex organizational environment
• Proven supervisory and team leadership experience, including staff development, coaching, and performance management
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate across diverse audiences
• Exceptional attention to detail with a strong commitment to accuracy and quality of work
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively in a team-oriented environment
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing demands in a fast-paced environment
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, especially Excel and Word; experience with Workday Financial Management preferred
• Demonstrated professionalism, sound judgment, discretion, and ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information

Responsibilities

• Oversee post-award accounting and financial reporting for sponsored programs, including awards from federal agencies (e.g., NASA, NSF, FAA) and state agencies (e.g., Florida Department of Education).
• Prepare, review, and process journal entries related to sponsored program activity and general ledger accounts, ensuring accuracy, proper documentation, and audit readiness.
• Compile, analyze, and deliver monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports, reconciliations, and schedules for internal and external stakeholders.
• Lead, supervise, and develop accounting staff, including goal setting, performance management, coaching, training, and professional development.
• Hire, onboard, and manage performance of accounting team members.
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and service delivery for internal and external customers.
• Coordinate with the Associate Controller on internal and external audit requests and support the preparation of the SEFA and State Projects schedules, including related footnotes in accordance with GAAP and Uniform Guidance.
• Ensure compliance with applicable financial policies, governmental regulations, contracts, grant agreements, and accounting standards.
• Prepare technical accounting position papers as needed to support complex financial interpretations or decisions.
• Collaborate with the Office of Sponsored Research Administration on Workday system configuration, reporting, and best practices.
• Serve as a subject matter expert and liaison between Accounting, Sponsored Research, Budget and Finance, and other campus stakeholders.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Wellness programs that include preventive care and fitness memberships
• Flexible spending and health savings accounts
• 100% tuition coverage for yourself for one undergraduate and one graduate degree
• Discounted tuition rates for your spouse and dependent children up to age 26
• ERAU contributes an annual 6% gift of your base salary to your retirement plan
• ERAU offers a 4% matching contribution to retirement plan, with no vesting period
• 18 days of personal leave in your first year
• 9+ paid holidays, including the day after Thanksgiving and the week between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day

What This Job Offers

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