Manager, Accounting Operations

Job Type: Regular RAND is seeking a Manager, Accounting Operations to join our Finance team. Under the general direction of the Senior Manager, Accounting Operations, the Manager, Accounting Operations is responsible for overseeing and managing the Travel Accounting and Accounts Payable activities. This role requires using expert knowledge and experience to address moderate to complex administrative, business, and operational tasks. The manager exercises independent judgment and provides analysis on significant issues. Utilizing discretion and sound judgment, the Manager handles low to highly complex situations, applying in-depth knowledge of department and organizational policies and practices along with travel industry insight, and aptitude and experience with administration, enhancement projects, and overall comfort with IT systems which are instrumental in executing the area’s activities. Additionally, the Manager assists the Senior Manager in compiling datasets and preparing reports for both internal and external clients. It is essential to ensure the delivery of timely, high-quality, and coordinated administrative services to RAND research and operations staff, as well as external entities including technical training, as appropriate. The position demands a proactive approach and the ability to work independently, with guidance provided only for the most complex situations. Adaptability to varied work approaches while maintaining a focus on achieving objectives efficiently and effectively is crucial for success in this role. Management & Customer Support Collaborate with the Senior Manager, Accounting Operations, and Director, Finance and Accounting on all aspects of strategic planning and assigning and monitoring workflow of department staff. Provide leadership and motivation by establishing clear expectations, communicating specific performance feedback, and delivering timely and thorough performance reviews. Coordinate with Workday Service Center (WSC) leads for transaction-related activities and to advance the use of the Workday and SAP Concur (Concur) systems as they evolve. Conduct and participate in special projects as needed, particularly those that improve the effectiveness of RAND’s internal controls related to Travel Accounting and Accounts Payable. Develop, implement, and monitor policies and procedures to ensure compliance with laws, regulations, and best practices. Assist the Senior Manager in compiling required documentation for audits, preparing reports and providing follow-up responses to auditor inquiries. Collaborate with other Finance & Operations leaders to identify areas for improvement in office procedures and policies and to create and implement new methods. Travel Accounting Oversee the relationship with the travel management company (TMC) by serving as the direct point of contact between the Account Manager and the over-the-phone Travel Counselors. Administer Concur software functions to ensure efficient and optimal use by managing the system’s configuration and controls, all in alignment with RAND’s travel and expense policy and internal financial controls. Customize and update workflows, approval hierarchies, and reporting templates to enhance the use of Concur and reduce administrative workload. Manage relationships and negotiate contracts with external travel vendors, including airlines, hotels, and car rental companies. Monitor travel expenditures through custom reporting to gain business insights into traveler trends and effective internal controls. Adjudicate complex travel and expense requests in collaboration with travelers, administrators, and travel accountants to ensure accurate guidance is provided and expedite expense reimbursements. Develop, maintain, and administer the travel policy by staying informed of regulatory and industry changes, monitoring annual GSA per diem rate changes, and negotiating RAND-specific rates directly with hotels. Manage the RAND travel card program with U.S. Bank for frequent travelers and staff with unique business needs. Conduct various training sessions for key internal stakeholders, such as the Research Administrative Operations (RAO), Research Finance Operations (RFO), and Research & Analysis teams, to ensure adherence to travel policy and effective use of the Concur system, including creating user guides and training materials. Accounts Payable Lead the Accounts Payable team by providing guidance and support to achieve departmental goals. Oversee the daily operations of the Accounts Payable department, including invoice processing and payment disbursement through settlement runs. Develop and maintain accounts payable policies and procedures to ensure robust internal controls and compliance, preventing fraud through regular audits and transaction monitoring. Manage the Purchasing Card program with external bank vendors and internal RAND staff, monitoring Small Dollar Purchase Program credit limits, and providing guidance for verifying transactions in Workday. Analyze and enhance accounts payable processes to improve throughput and first-pass accuracy by leveraging Workday’s Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology by automating the extraction of data from invoices and other financial documents. Develop and maintain processing statistics to ensure efficient processing continues and allows for monitoring bottlenecks and staffing needs. Manage various period-ending business duties, including Accounts Payable-related general ledger accounts and bank reconciliations, as well as annual required reports like the 1099 IRS filing. Oversee audits and review all transactions to verify dollar amounts for accuracy, completeness, and conformance when responding to audit requests. Lead discussions related to control systems and concerns raised by auditors. Build and maintain strong relationships with vendors and internal departments such as Procurement, Research Finance Operations, and Accounts Receivable/General Ledger. Qualifications Firm knowledge of accounting regulations and procedures, including the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). Experience administering SAP Concur or a similar travel related software Prior relationship management with Travel Management Company (TMC) and various travel related vendors (e.g. air, hotel, car). Proficiency in Microsoft Office required. Must have superior communications skills; able to assess what information is needed and effectively communicate to all internal and external clients. Experience with general ledger functions. Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively with internal and cross-functional teams. General understanding of database management is a plus. Exposure to contracts and grants is a plus. Must have the ability to maintain sensitive and confidential information appropriately. Education Requirements BS/BA in Finance, Accounting, Business or similar discipline is required. MS/MA in Business Administration, Accounting, or Finance preferred. Experience Minimum of 6-8 years of experience required. 9-10 years of experience is preferred. Location We are hiring for this position in Pittsburgh, PA , Washington, DC, and Santa Monica, CA. We offer a hybrid work arrangement, combining work from home and on-site options. Salary Range: $102,800 - $156,500 RAND considers a variety of factors when formulating an offer, including but not limited to, the specific role and associated responsibilities; a candidate’s work experience, education/training, skills, expertise; and internal equity. The salary range includes base pay plus RAND’s sabbatic pay (which provides additional compensation above base pay when vacation is taken). In addition, RAND provides strong benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, paid time-off and more. Equal Opportunity Employer: race/color/religion/sex/sexual orientation/gender identity/national origin/disability/vet RAND is a research organization that develops solutions to public policy challenges to help make communities throughout the world safer and more secure, healthier and more prosperous. RAND’s research and analysis address issues that impact people everywhere, including security, health, education, sustainability, growth, and development. RAND has approximately 2,025 people from more than 50 countries working in offices in the United States, Europe and Australia, with annual revenues of $435.8 million. RAND is nonprofit, nonpartisan, and committed to the public interest. Our research is sponsored by government agencies, international organizations, and foundations. We rely on philanthropic support to pursue visionary ideas; address critical problems that are under-researched; and devise innovative approaches for solving acute, complex, or provocative policy challenges. RAND values objectivity and integrity in both its research processes and internal interactions. We emphasize a collegial environment that respects the contributions and dignity of all staff. RAND's reputation is built on quality and objectivity. RAND provides an exciting intellectual environment and opportunities for career growth with challenging assignments. As collaboration in interdisciplinary teams is an essential operating principle at RAND, we hire highly qualified talent and empower our people to do their best work by fostering a culture in which different views, backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are valued and respected, and staff have a sense of belonging with their colleagues, fair access to opportunities, and feel comfortable bringing their best selves to work each day. As part of our commitment to Equal Opportunity Employment, we welcome all applicants from a broad range of backgrounds and experiences to apply for this exciting opportunity. RAND is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or in order to perform the essential functions of a position, please contact Human Resources at (310) 393-0411 or at jobs@rand.org and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.

Salary : $102,800 - $156,500