GASB Project Manager

FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING FOUNDATION•Norwalk, CT

About The Position

The primary role of a Project Manager is to manage GASB technical projects—ranging in scope and complexity from narrow practice issues to significant areas of guidance—from inception to issuance of authoritative literature (for example, Statements of Governmental Accounting Standards). A Project Manager also may manage research activities, post-implementation reviews (PIRs), and functional activities as assigned by the Director of RTA. A Project Manager is able to lead technically demanding and difficult projects and research activities with support from the Director of RTA and the Assistant Directors (senior staff). In carrying out the responsibilities of this position, the Project Manager is expected to (a) plan and meet the project timetable (project plan); (b) provide high quality analysis of issues for the Board; (c) effectively communicate with Board members, staff, and stakeholders; and (d) effectively lead, motivate, and develop other technical staff assigned to the project. The Project Manager is responsible for managing the decision-making process at the GASB on the projects assigned. This requires leadership of ideas, thoughts, recommendations, and discussion with Board members. This also requires an ability to be persuasive and to work with Board as a group and individually. The Project Manager is accountable to the Director of RTA, but on technical projects, research activities, and PIRs will work under the supervision of the Assistant Director(s).

Requirements

Ability to set and meet most deadlines for projects with senior staff support
Ability to manage multiple priorities and work well during periods of pressure
Ability to lead technically demanding, and difficult projects with senior staff support; able to lead straightforward projects with less senior staff support
Ability to manage and motivate a small team with some senior staff support
Ability to effectively lead meetings with staff or Board members with limited senior staff support, and meetings with stakeholders with limited senior staff support
Ability to build consensus among Board members on difficult issues with senior staff support (must be able to reconcile divergent views and be innovative).
Good understanding of the GASB’s conceptual framework
Good understanding of GASB standards
Basic understanding of or ability to learn relevant FASB, IPSASB, and FASAB standards
Developing knowledge of the process associated with other standards and regulations that are relevant to assigned areas
Awareness of cross-cutting issues on other projects
Ability to analyze and document for discussion difficult problems, identify key issues, develop and explore alternative solutions, and develop a well-reasoned recommendation with senior staff support
Ability to identify and document research requirements for difficult subjects, design an approach, and interpret research results with senior staff support.
Interpersonal skills necessary to successfully manage, mentor, develop and motivate staff individually and as a team.
Listening skills—able to hear, understand, and articulate others’ perspectives
Oral and written communication skills—able to clearly and concisely communicate difficult issues and alternatives
Clear thinker—able to see the big picture as well as the details on difficult issues
Open-minded of alternative views; respectful and tolerant of the views of others
Self-confident; able to articulate own views with Board members and senior staff
Resourceful, innovative, and strategic in terms of difficult project execution; understands and considers the external environment during the standards-setting process in executing the project plan
Strong commitment to the organization.
At least 10 years of experience (including experience managing teams), of which 5 years were spent in one or more of the following: public accounting; government financial management, accounting, or auditing; development of accounting standards; academic in accounting, financial management, or similarly relevant field; or analysis and research involving the use of governmental financial statements.

Responsibilities

Develop, with senior staff guidance, the proposed research, project, or PIR plan, recommend how the plan would be implemented, and manage the approved plan.
Direct activities of staff team in making appropriate use of the knowledge and expertise of its members.
Complete research, project, or PIR in accordance with plan. Update the plan informally on a real-time basis and formally three times a year and promptly advise the senior staff of any possible changes in the scope of the research or project or any delays in meeting milestones and reasons thereof.
Comply with research, project, and PIR management policies and procedures described in the GASB RTA Manual and Rules of Procedure, including due process and interaction with FAF support functions.
Oversee or prepare the analysis of issues that serves as the basis for Board deliberations. That analysis should be neutral and identify possible solutions that are technically and conceptually sound and that reflect consideration of cost/benefit and operational issues.
Communicate that analysis in written materials that are clear, concise, logically organized, and distributed within the timeframe allotted.
Prepare due process and final documents (such as Statements and Exposure Drafts) that reflect (a) in-depth analysis of the issues, (b) consideration of the needs of users of financial information, (c) a sound conceptual basis, (d) practical solutions, (e) consideration of relevant research on the issues, (f) consideration of other accounting standards, including the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB), International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board (IPSASB), and Federal Accounting Standards Advisory Board (FASAB), and (g) consideration of costs versus benefits for proposed solutions to issues. Ensure that Board decisions are accurately reflected in those documents.
Effectively lead discussions at Board meetings, education sessions, and various meetings with stakeholder groups (as appropriate) with senior staff support.
Effectively communicate with staff leading other research activities, projects, and PIRs to exchange ideas and benefit from each other’s experience and expertise.
Effectively communicate with stakeholders, especially task force and consultative group members, and Governmental Accounting Standards Advisory Council (GASAC) members with senior staff support.
Develop Board materials, due process documents, and final pronouncements that are clear and concise and prepared in accordance with the GASB RTA Manual and Rules of Procedure and the FAF Comprehensive Style Guide.
Follow communication guidelines included in the RTA Manual (for example, provide current information about research, projects, and PIRs for the GASB website).
Answer questions from stakeholders on research, projects, and PIRs, as well as on documents already issued, with senior staff support.
Make presentations and answer technical inquiries from stakeholders related to (a) assigned research activities, projects, and PIRs and (b) updates on the status of other research activities, projects, and PIRs.
Meet with individual Board members as necessary to discuss technical issues, independently reconcile divergent views, explain staff recommendations, and answer questions.
Lead and motivate assigned staff by giving them challenging work that will facilitate their professional growth and utilize their skills to the fullest, while achieving the primary goals and objectives of the research, project, or PIR.
Coordinate with outside researchers/consultants, in consultation with senior staff, who are working on the research or project and coordinate research reports.
Coordinate with administrative staff on aspects of research, projects, and PIRs dealing with publication of documents or meeting arrangements.
Counsel team staff and provide feedback on their performance on a timely basis to reinforce strengths and address weaknesses.
Maintain a broad knowledge of governmental accounting (including the conceptual framework) and develop technical expertise in the areas encompassed by technical assignments, including knowledge of applicable FASB, IPSASB, and FASAB standards.
Other assignments may include interviewing technical staff candidates and assisting with nontechnical activities, such as strategic plan-related activities or professional development.