Director of Accounting

Job Summary

Reporting to the Senior Vice President / Chief Financial Officer (CFO), the Director of Accounting will be responsible for the oversight of all Jacksonville University accounting and financial operations and for maintaining a strong financial and internal control environment. S/he will oversee accounting functions that include payroll processing, general accounting operations, accounts payable, internal and external financial reporting, and tax reporting. The person in this position will work closely with other areas of financial affairs on treasury operations, long-range financial planning, and the annual budget preparation process. The Director of Accounting will support the CFO in presentations to the Finance and Audit & Legal Affairs Committees of the Board of Trustees and work closely with the University’s senior leadership team. The Director will provide high-quality service and solutions, engaging with all areas of the College in a transparent manner to strengthen the overall effectiveness of the College's financial operations and works to improve the dissemination and use of financial information.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Accounting and Financial Statements—The Director supervises the Assistant Controller and participates in creating accounting records and journal entries during the monthly closing process. The director also documents and monitors internal financial controls and drafts GAAP financial statements.
• Investments and Treasury—The Director works closely with the Board’s Finance Committee and the Director of Treasury Services and manages all aspects of outstanding debt and working capital balances.
• Disbursements- The Director supervises the Assistant Director of Disbursements, providing management, oversight, performance, and proper control of transactions and operational activities such as payroll, accounts payable, travel, and expense reimbursements.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include, but not limited to:

Fiscal Operations and Office Management and Leadership

• Develops capacity of financial and business operations to continue to meet the needs of a growing campus in a high-quality, customer-oriented, and cost-effective manner.
• Formulates department goals and objectives, sets priorities and evaluates staff performance.
• Organizes staff to meet all campus fiscal demands and assesses the level of service offered to the campus community to maximize affordability and accountability through partnership and teamwork.
• Implement systems, procedures, processes, and new approaches that continually promote and assure quality improvement.

University Revenue and Expenditure Control

• Identify strategic opportunities to improve processes within the department and throughout the University, including involvement in establishing practices for new University initiatives.
• Manages the reporting of financial information from all operations.
• Responsible for debt financing activities.
• Establish and maintain relationships with the College's banking partners and other financial institutions
• Supports other Financial Affairs leadership in developing the capital forecast. Administers capital expenditures.

University fiscal integrity and audit compliance

• Ensure tax-exempt bond accounting and compliance.
• Monitor financial and internal controls including, but not limited to the timely performance, documentation and review of account reconciliations.
• Maintain the general ledger system and chart of accounts; assure that any accounting issues are promptly identified and resolved.
• Ensure the accuracy and timeliness of all financial reporting; prepare the College's annual financial statements; meet other external reporting requirements; prepare or oversee the College's various tax filings (IRS Forms 990 and 990T; state reporting requirements; sales tax, employment taxes, etc.)
• Ensures that University financial policies and practices comply with all regulatory, legal, oversight bodies (accreditors, NCAA, etc.) and prudent business standards; monitors internal and external deadlines and requirements; acts as primary contact for tax issues. Proactively and strategically communicate those developments and their projected impact on the College, while ensuring adequate enforcement.
• Develop and maintain private higher education business models and key operating metrics.
• Reviews the output of direct and indirect reports to ensure the quality and integrity of the financial data and ensure that all applicable reporting deadlines are met.
• Provides fiscal leadership to this reporting unit and oversight to the campus community for fiscal policy adherence.
• Acts as the point of contact for all audit activities within the University.
• Reviews all audit findings and implements corrective action as required.

University fiscal policy and procedure advisement and development

• Participates as a member of various University committees, teams and work groups. Attends regular meetings of Financial Affairs management team and other groups, as required.
• Interprets laws and regulations to assist administrators at all levels in resolving fiscal problems.
• Provides fiscal consultation as requested.
• Facilitates communications through campus, system-wide and other various forums.

Performs other job-related duties and special projects as assigned

Education, Certificates, Licenses, and Experience

Required

• Bachelor's degree
• 10 years of progressively responsible accounting and finance experience, including managing a professional staff.
• Preference will be given to candidates with a Certified Public Accountant (C.P.A.) or similar certification.
• Ability to manage people and processes as well as perform analysis and tasks independently as required.
• Keen analytic and organizational skills that allow for strategic data interpretation in addition to reporting.
• Strong problem solving skills with proactive approach to devising and implementing improvements to financial operations and reporting.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; experience in effectively communicating key data, including presentations to senior management, Board of Directors, and external partners; ability to translate complex financial concepts to individuals at all levels including finance and non-finance managers.
• Expertise with enterprise (ERP) systems, with a preference for previous experience with Ellucian’s Colleague system.

Preferred

• Master’s degree
• Experience in a complex private, non-profit, higher education organization.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent time management skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and to delegate them when appropriate.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
• Must be able to lift and carry equipment and supplies weighing up to 20 pounds.
• Must be able to bend, stoop, and reach.
• Manual dexterity to efficiently operate a computer keyboard and other business machines.
• Adequate hearing to communicate effectively in person and by phone.

Important Note

This is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and/or skills required for this position. The University reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet organizational needs.

Acknowledgment

By submitting my application, I acknowledge receipt and understanding of this job description. I verify that I am capable of and willing to fulfill all essential functions of this position. I am willing to be flexible and willing to do various jobs that are not listed, as the need arises.