Executive Director, Accounting and Financial Reporting

University of Chicago • Chicago, IL

2d

About The Position

Reporting to the Controller and serving as a key member of the University’s finance division team and senior accountant, the Executive Director will help to develop and implement strategies and procedures that will ensure the financial viability of the organization and enable the University to continue to advance its educational mission. The Executive Director will oversee accounting and financial reporting, and will supervise an overall staff of approximately 6 accounting professionals and support personnel. The Executive Director will be responsible for supporting accounting and financial reporting functions in the units as well as developing a more robust accounting and financial reporting culture, in particular with the development of the new system. The Executive Director will also be responsible for special projects within accounting and financial reporting and will drive the continuous improvement needed to fully leverage the functionality of the new system. This includes reviewing conversion accounts, supporting the eliminations process, continuing FCCS improvements, improving balance sheet reporting, updating accounting practices for the reporting and functionally provided by the new system, updating financial reporting both at a central and unit level to accommodate the new system, leveraging technology to create efficiencies in workflow processes. The ideal candidate for the Executive Director of Accounting and Financial Reporting position will possess a strong record of leadership and accomplishment in the field of accounting and business operations, finance, and senior administration. This individual must exhibit a high degree of integrity, credibility and discretion, while demonstrating the ability to work in a participatory manner with colleagues at all levels of the organization to achieve positive results through astute accounting management, fiscal stewardship, and exceptional customer service to both internal and external constituents. The Executive Director will have an exemplary background of demonstrated success in building and maintaining a broad-based team of strong accounting professionals and fiscal operational leadership. Other essential qualities include outstanding interpersonal skills, a strong work ethic, personal integrity and accountability, technical ability, applied business experience, and excellent oral and written communication skills. The incumbent will also demonstrate strong attention to detail and the ability to keep abreast of the latest trends and regulatory changes that directly affect the higher education environment.

Requirements

• Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
• Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 10+ years of work experience in a related job discipline.
• Knowledge of financial principles, practices and applications.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office.
• Proficient financial reporting skills.
• Plan, organize, direct and manage staff to achieve work objectives of the unit.
• Analytical, assessment problem-solving skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong managerial skills, including training staff.
• Independently complete projects with a high degree of accuracy often under considerable time pressure with minimal supervision.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, business, or related field.
• Higher education experience a plus.
• CPA certification highly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Drives continuous improvement.
• Contributes to long-term financial planning and provides analysis to support executive decision-making.
• Establishes and reviews financial policies and procedures.
• Recommends changes to improve efficiency and compliance.
• Develops, implements, and monitors systems of internal control over financial processes to minimize risk and ensure integrity.
• Directs the preparation, analysis, and submission of financial statements.
• Ensures accuracy and timeliness in all reports.
• Leads special projects within the accounting and financial reporting space.
• Oversees accounting and financial reporting activities of the University.
• Ensures timely and accurate reporting of all transactions.
• Ensures that University procedures are followed.
• Reviews general ledger account analysis and ensures that the University’s financial records are accurate.
• Coordinates year-end audit with the external auditors and ensures that the year-end audit package is accurate and complete.
• Coordinates work with external auditors.
• Reviews established accounting practices and procedures.
• Recommends changes in and additions to such practices and procedures designed to improve service delivery to the University community.
• Implements changes where applicable.
• Recommends and implements changes in operating policy and procedures based on accounting, reporting, and regulatory changes promulgated by the FASB, AICPA, NACUBO, and State and Federal requirements
• Key contact person for departmental and divisional administrators for questions relating to reporting and the accounting system.
• Acts as liaison to other departments.
• Interprets office's policies and procedures to the University community.
• Manages employees through subordinates, usually other managers.
• Establishes performance goals, allocates resources and assesses policies for direct subordinates.
• Provides leadership on accounting transactions, collecting and analyzing accounting data, analyzing business results, and/or developing management reports.
• Oversees accounting and financial records and reports, including general ledger, financial statements, regulatory and management reports.
• Oversees the development and implements accounting policies and controls, fiscal controls, preparing financial reports and safeguarding assets.
• Approves and implements procedures for improved operations.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Benefits

• The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees