Learning & Development Manager

Job Description & Summary

BMSS was established in Birmingham in 1991 and has grown to become a top 100 advisory and CPA firm in the U.S. We have five locations in Alabama (Hoover, Downtown Birmingham, Gadsden, Huntsville, Mobile) as well as one in Mississippi (Ridgeland). This position can be based out of any of our office locations!

Our services include tax planning, compliance and assurance, merger, and acquisition, advisory, wealth management, accounting services, payroll, and IT Support. BMSS strives to give all clients "peace of mind" and believes in exceptional client experience.

The Learning and Development Manager will oversee and administer all learning and development programs for the BMSS Family of Companies staff

Key Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with department leaders to identify, measure and support learning outcomes and competencies needed to develop programs that support the achievement of business goals and strategy
• Develop, design, and facilitate training programs on various soft skill topics in alignment with BMSS strategic initiatives and culture which support the training needs of the staff
• Partner with department leaders to define learning paths, competencies, and related development programs for employees
• Evaluate the effectiveness, value and ROI of these programs, systems, and services
• Stay current with industry trends and ensure training programs align with the latest compliance, technology, and best practices.
• Ensure consistency of training across all office locations, with a particular focus on newly merged in locations.
• Negotiate and coordinate the use of outside training consultants to ensure they meet the training needs and effectiveness criteria established by BMSS. Work with outside vendors to provide relevant and timely in-house training. Coordinate content and logistics including material reproduction, registration, and evaluation
• Evaluate effectiveness for all courses, both by internal and external instructors, to ensure training supports organizational needs. Obtain and maintain training effectiveness ratings on all instructors. Provide regular feedback to instructors to ensure they continue to meet the firm's expectations for delivery and content
• Maintain internal Learning Management System (BMSS U/LC Vista) including the relevance of course information, monitoring registrations, running needed reports, and oversee issuing certificates of completion. Orient staff on using the LMS system as part of the New Hire Orientation process
• Assist employees in developing career path plans. Provide coaching to homerooms/mentors regarding career paths, goal setting and soft skills development for their direct reports
• Monitor continuing education compliance for various licenses and certifications; collaborate with individuals to ensure all requirements are met; assist with CPA application process; assist with out-of-state CPA licenses to convert to valid AL/MS licenses; monitor completion of CPE requirements; create and distribute status reports to department leaders
• Maintain the firm Training calendar and schedule for Summer Training Series as well as recurring annual training for internal and external speakers. Communicate necessary or required training to the appropriate audience.
• Review external conferences and learning curriculum to ensure appropriate staff registrations, discounts, and on-time registrations
• Participate in BDO and/or other L&D roundtables or relevant associations.
• Perform other duties as assigned

What We're Looking For:

• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously
• Strong communication skills with the ability to interact with professionals at all levels, both internally and externally
• Ability to work independently with expanding duties and responsibilities
• Position requires demonstrated poise, tact and diplomacy, and excellent presentation skills
• Aptitude for thriving in a fast-paced, growing environment
• Ability to provide effective training to all levels of staff
• Ability to keep information confidential
• Ability to work under pressure; maintain problem solving attitude
• Ability to train and monitor others who may be added to assist in the L&D function

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in human resources, organizational development, business administration, education, or related field
• 5 years of proven experience in corporate training, preferably in a multi-service or professional services environment (CPA, IT, payroll, or financial services experience a plus).
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, Zoom, experience with LCVista or other LMS strongly preferred
• Ability to adapt training to various learning styles and environments.
• Knowledge of instructional design and e-learning development is a plus.
• Experience in higher education is preferred
• This person will be expected to travel to all firm's locations as needed

BMSS offers are contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment drug test and background check.