Senior Director of Accounting Operations

Baylor University • Waco, TX

1d

About The Position

Baylor University’s Controller’s Office is seeking a Senior Director of Accounting Operations to join the team. As the Senior Director of Accounting Operations, you will be responsible for providing strategic leadership and oversight of the University’s accounting functions, ensuring and facilitating accurate and timely financial reporting, strong internal controls, and compliance with accounting standards and regulatory requirements. This role manages the daily operations of the University’s accounting including general ledger, subledger, interface activities, capital projects and fixed assets, and month-end and year-end financial close operations. The Senior Director will work closely with cross functional groups across campus as well as central office groups to implement best practices ensure transparent and compliant financial reporting in accordance with U.S. GAAP, University policies, and regulatory requirements. This position requires deep expertise in financial accounting and reporting, internal controls, higher education business operations and the interpretation of GAAP and FASB standards. A bachelor's degree in finance, accounting or a related field, a CPA and 7 years of experience are required. A master's degree and 10 or more years of relevant experience is preferred. The successful candidate will exhibit the following skills, abilities and other characteristics: Strong technical accounting skills and expertise A collaborative and high-performing team culture by building effective working relationships across all levels of the organization Exceptional analytical ability with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and perform effectively under pressure, both independently and collaboratively Sound judgment, professionalism, and the ability to manage sensitive information with strict confidentiality Clear and effective written and verbal communication skills Professionalism, tact, and diplomacy when navigating complex or sensitive situations with diverse stakeholders Prior experience in nonprofit, college, or university environments preferred Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States on a Full-Time basis.

Requirements

• A bachelor's degree in finance, accounting or a related field
• CPA
• 7 years of experience
• Strong technical accounting skills and expertise
• A collaborative and high-performing team culture by building effective working relationships across all levels of the organization
• Exceptional analytical ability with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and perform effectively under pressure, both independently and collaboratively
• Sound judgment, professionalism, and the ability to manage sensitive information with strict confidentiality
• Clear and effective written and verbal communication skills
• Professionalism, tact, and diplomacy when navigating complex or sensitive situations with diverse stakeholders
• Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States on a Full-Time basis.

Nice To Haves

• A master's degree and 10 or more years of relevant experience is preferred
• Prior experience in nonprofit, college, or university environments preferred

Responsibilities

• Maintain current expertise in GAAP, FASB standards, and University policies and procedures, exercising sound professional judgment to ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, including those related to athletics and auxiliary business operations
• Lead and coordinate routine and complex journal entries supporting daily operations and month-end and year-end close processes
• Oversee system interfaces into the University’s financial system, ensuring accuracy and completeness of data integrations
• Oversee and/or conduct the review, analysis, reconciliation and correction of transactions and balances in the general ledger
• Oversee and/or calculate, record, and analyze distributions; resolve budget issues; review general ledger activity; and prepare or approve adjusting entries as needed
• Oversee monthly and annual close activities by leading analysis of operational accounts, preparation and/or review of journal entries, and coordinating post-close financial statement analysis
• Review and approve entries prepared by accounting staff to ensure accuracy and compliance
• Prepare and/or oversee analysis of financial reports and statements requiring interpretation and professional judgment
• Oversee and lead timely reconciliation of assigned general ledger accounts, proactively identifying discrepancies and recommending corrective actions
• Review and evaluate contracts, agreements, and other financial commitments to determine appropriate accounting treatment and ensure compliance with institutional policies and applicable accounting standards.
• Collaborate with central and operational departments to assess financial terms, identify accounting implications (including revenue recognition, expense classification, and lease considerations), and mitigate financial risk
• Develop and implement effective control procedures and enforce adequate supporting documentation
• Directs the University’s accounting functions, including maintaining close collaboration with campus units and central offices including Budget, Procurement, Facilities, Payroll, and Research offices
• Prepare financial reports and statements requiring interpretation and analysis as needed
• Oversee and confirm reconciliation of University general ledger accounts as assigned, exercising judgment and suggesting corrections
• Oversee and/or prepare audit schedules and workpapers and financial statement footnotes operational accounting activities and support transaction testing and assist in the completion of audited financial statements and required reports
• Coordinate and oversee the establishment, change or deletion of operational departments and accounts of the University, within the University financial system utilizing accounting knowledge and judgment
• Perform all other duties as assigned to support the Controller's Office as well as Baylor’s mission
• Ability to comply with University policies
• Maintain regular and punctual attendance

Benefits

• As part of the Baylor family, eligible employees receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, generous time off, tuition remission, and outstanding automatic retirement contributions.

What This Job Offers

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