Financial Services Director

Job Overview

• Vanderbilt University is seeking an experienced accounting professional to serve as the Accounting Manager for its Finance department.

The successful candidate will be responsible for providing daily guidance, supervision, and direction for the accounting personnel within Finance, overseeing general ledger activities, fixed assets, and reconciliations to ensure adequate compliance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and ensuring adequate control of the university's financial resources.

About the Work Unit

• The Accounting and Financial Reporting team is the single point of contact for all centralized accounting and financial reporting activities of the university.
• This team maintains the general ledger and chart of accounts and implements internal controls to ensure the integrity of financial records and reporting for Vanderbilt.
• This team collaboratively approaches accounting and financial reporting topics and questions and maintains effective and efficient accounting operations that ensure the accuracy of financial information in compliance with all financial regulations and university policies and procedures.

Key Functions and Expected Performance

1. Ensure accuracy and integrity of general ledger accounts including revenue, expense, assets, and liabilities in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
2. Oversee the month-end general ledger close process and reconciliations of balance sheet accounts ensuring prompt resolution of any identified discrepancies.
3. Oversee fixed asset accounting and inventory processes working with the fixed asset team to ensure accurate and timely recording of fixed asset transactions and adherence to university policies and procedures.
4. Participate in quarterly and annual financial reporting processes including assisting in footnote preparation, review of financial statements, and variance analysis in support of the financial reporting function.
5. Provide leadership in mentoring and training quality staff through recruitment, retention, and development including providing guidance to accounting staff to ensure daily operations run efficiently.
6. Serve as functional lead on all financial system(s) projects and maintenance to ensure efficient servicing and improved and/or enhanced financial functions. Collaborates on selection, modification, and implementation of financial systems. Assist in product development, training, business process review, and written procedures.
7. Analyze financial data and prepare reports for senior management.
8. Work with various areas within the university to expedite resolution to accounting issues.
9. Lead process improvement projects related to accounting processes and systems. Helps identify and prioritize project work for all systems and processes related to Finance and Oracle ERP modules.

Supervisory Relationships

• This position has direct supervisory responsibility over the Accounting team.
• This position reports administratively and functionally to the Director of Accounting and Financial Reporting.

Education and Certifications

• A Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education is necessary.
• A Bachelor's degree with an emphasis in accounting or finance is preferred.
• CPA or MACC/MBA is preferred.

Experience and Skills

• 5 years of related experience is required. 8 years of relevant experience including supervision is preferred.
• Skill in advanced Excel, Word, and PowerPoint applications is necessary.
• Time management skills and the ability to work well in a team environment is necessary.
• Experience in higher education with focus on general ledger and fixed asset accounting is preferred.
• Experience in an internal service delivery role is preferred.
• Solid working knowledge of accounting principles and practices, auditing methods and procedures, applicable federal privacy laws and regulations, financial analysis, external reporting, and budget is preferred.
• Advanced understanding of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems and General Ledgers is preferred.
• Proven detail-oriented work style in collaboration with effective written and verbal communication skills is preferred.
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with a range of people, understanding their needs and goals is preferred.
• Ability to work co-operatively with others as part of a team, as opposed to working separately or competitively, is preferred.
• Openness to change, adaptability, and the ability to work effectively in a variety of situations, with individuals or groups is preferred.
• Ability to understand and appreciate different and opposing perspectives on an issue is preferred.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders is preferred.