Manager, Accounting and Financial Reporting - Business Office

Join our team of difference makers•Azusa, CA

About The Position

APU seeks employees who desire to contribute to our thriving culture by cultivating community through professional interactions, demonstrating a posture of lifelong learning, and modeling Christ-like character. Working together, employees at APU commit to establishing a university atmosphere that is edifying to God and one another. Under the direction of the Controller, the Manager, Accounting and Financial Reporting will be the primary person responsible for overseeing the financial activity of the University. Oversees the daily operations of the financial accounting services department, financial record-keeping, financial reporting, and related auditing functions to assure complete, accurate and timely accounting and reporting of financial statements in accordance with GAAP and GASB/FASB standards, covenant guidelines, federal, state, county and district requirements. Supervises accounting staff, provides training and evaluates performance. Ensures accurate and complete monthly balance sheet reconciliation. Oversees and directs all period-end closing activities including the review and approval of journal entries.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Accounting and/or Finance required.
Three to seven years accounting experience in a not-for-profit or higher education institution (fund accounting).
Two or more years demonstrated skill in employee supervision.
Strong technical skills with the ability to query data.
Three or more years hands-on experience and demonstrated knowledge of ERP systems; PeopleSoft Finance module preferred.
Understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and GASB/FASB standards.
Knowledge/Experience in preparing complex financial statements and reports; understand and interpret laws and rules; communicate effectively with others inside and outside the unit, including conveying complex and technical professional accounting information to non-Accountants.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Strong analytical skills.
Excellent multi-tasking, presentation and verbal communication skills.
Ability to query data from database
Ability to work with minimum supervision.
Ability to prioritize and multi-task various duties and projects for completion.
Ability to manage details and follow through.
Must be collaborative and an effective team member and business partner.
Attention to detail, accuracy, and deadlines.
Ability to develop and document procedures.
Ability to work under pressure and demonstrate confidence in exercising independent judgment and discretion.
In agreement with the purpose and goals of Azusa Pacific University in providing a Christian-based higher education for its students.
Intermittent sitting and standing, intermittent computer keyboard work.
Substantial repetitive motions with wrist, hand and/or fingers, speaking and active listening demands.
Ability to pull, push, bend, grasp, reach and lift up to 20 lbs.
Computer monitor, reading.
Fast paced, multi-tasking, high production/busy office, comfortable temperatures.
At times multiple conversations occurring simultaneously.
Proficient in Google Apps., Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Familiar with analytical tools including EXCEL.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Accounting, MBA or CPA or equivalent professional experience preferred.
PeopleSoft and Adaptive Insights a plus.

Responsibilities

Manages a team of accountants and student workers.
Manages the Chart of Accounts for the University, establishing new codes and ensuring that fund/account combinations are appropriate.
In partnership with the Budget Manager, upkeeps the account definitions for staff.
Ensures compliance with internal policies and external agencies (FASB, GAAP, etc.).
Effectively manages the period-end closing process including monitoring, reviewing and verifying accounting transactions for accuracy, timeliness and adequacy of supporting documentation.
Verifies the accuracy and validity of complex accounting transactions; prepares entries to correct accounting errors and performs regular review of daily journal entries.
Responsible for monthly and year-end closings.
Creates and maintains financial calendar to inform parties of necessary deadline adherence for the monthly, quarterly and yearly financial closings.
Oversees banking, cash management, investments, and taxes, financial services accounting functions and reconciliations
Works closely with student financial services (SFS) on draw down of loan funds from various governmental agencies.
Serves as a resource for funding agencies and SFS to provide requested or required financial information and reports.
Clarify or research issues as necessary.
Oversees research of outstanding reconciliation items ensuring that correcting entries are prepared.
Reviews monthly transactions recorded to the financial statements to ensure accurate reporting.
Monitors and ensure timely identification and compliance with evolving accounting guidance, providing GAAP, FASB and GASB interpretation particularly in regard to non-profit accounting.
Identifies actual or potential problems and performs corrective action.
Contributes in the development and documentation of business processes and accounting policies to maintain and strengthen internal controls, to ensure compliance with University policies and ensure staff adherence.
Participates in the design and installation of financial systems upgrades and required testing and verification of results; conducting extensive financial data compilation, querying, and drilling on large volumes of financial data.
Works with internal and external "customers” to assure reasonable needs for information are met; inform and educate where appropriate.
Performs analyses and reconciliations of financial information with data to ensure accuracy, compliance, and integrity of the financial information for reporting financial results, financial forecasts, and key business metrics.
Collaborates with developing and reporting cash flow and financial projections identifying key risks to meeting the University financial objectives and strategic goals.
Prepares for external audits; liaising with auditors to address complex accounting and related internal control challenges.
Assists with the preparation of the annual financial statement audit and external financial reports, such as Forms 990, together with related footnotes ensuring quality reporting and compliance with associated regulatory reporting and disclosure requirements.
Works closely with accounting team to address any issues with coding of expenses and journal adjustments.
Evaluates impact of new GASB/FASB accounting standards as it applies to financials and participate in planning and developing financial reporting tools/guides for implementing new standards.
Serves as the primary contact for financial reporting related matters with their respective external auditors, as needed.
Assists in the review of the completion of corrective action plans for significant deficiencies arising from audits.
Provides ongoing financial reporting support and performs various complex related accounting and project management duties as assigned by supervisor and senior management, including ad hoc reporting and committee membership as needed.
Performs related duties as assigned and makes a positive contribution as demonstrated by making suggestions for business office process improvement, learning new skills, procedures and processes.
Coaches, mentors, motivates, and encourages collaboration and influences team members to take positive action and accountability for their assigned project work.
Completes special assignments, which include research activities over complex accounting problems/issues, as required.
Performs other duties related to job description as assigned by supervisor.