Manager of General Accounting

Job Summary

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution is currently searching for a Manager of General Accounting to join the Finance & Accounting Department. This is a regular, full-time, exempt position, and is eligible for benefits. This position reports into the Director of Accounting.

The Manager of General Accounting is a leader on the accounting team, manages several direct reports, and works closely and collaboratively with other teams within the Finance & Accounting department and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution’s Community. This position is responsible for the Institution’s financial accounting and reporting activities, ensuring accuracy and effectiveness in all accounting tasks. Ensures that account analysis and financial reporting are performed routinely and timely and that all transactions are recorded based on Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and that proper internal controls are maintained over the accounting functions. Develops and reviews reports needed for internal controls, business process improvement, and other management needs. This individual combines excellent analytical skills with a thorough knowledge of accounting principles to analyze financial reports versus budget and forecast. This position consciously fosters a positive employee-oriented environment by working to allocate tasks evenly across the accounting team, mentor team members and always creating an overall culture of trust among the team.

Job Description

Essential Functions & Duties

• Identify and plan the growth and development of the General Accounting staff to include supervision, training, evaluation and mentoring. Work with staff to develop priorities and training programs and opportunities.
• Assign & review the work of the general accounting staff work. Review and approve various account reconciliations and analyses.
• Assist in the development and review of complex financial and account reporting requirements. Identify and participate in the implementation and education of new financial standards as applicable.
• Assist with provision of technical support and advice on existing and new accounting standards to finance and operations.
• Lead and manage the preparation of monthly and annual financial statements and month-end and year-end close process. This includes cash flow analysis, net asset reconciliation, financial statement roll-forward and support, all in accordance with GAAP. Ensure financial reports accurately reflect the Institution’s financial position monthly, quarterly, and at fiscal year-end.
• Manage and lead the annual financial statement audit, as well as building and maintaining relationships with the Institutions external business partners.
• Manage the Retirement & 403b Plan annual audits and the Medical Benefit Plan annual audit.
• Endowment plan accounting; liaison with Development on Endowment Valuation reporting; projection for annual plan distribution.
• Review and recommend modifications to accounting systems and procedures to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
• Manage the development and documentation of business processes and accounting policies to maintain and strengthen internal controls, ensure compliance with GAAP principles & partner with our Director of Accounting to improve financial procedures.
• Analyze financial data (actual vs budget) and develops projections; identifies problems and creates solutions.
• Ensure compliance with Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and GAAP cost principles, with collaboration with our compliance and Grant Contract Services department.
• Coordinate monthly and fiscal year-end schedules and associated deadlines for accounting activity & communication of same throughout the Institution.
• Participate in the Institution’s IRS Form 990 process and other related tax returns and coordinates completion of tax forms.
  
  

Non-Essential Functions

Performs other duties as deemed necessary.

Required Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Business Administration.
• Minimum of 7-10 years of related experience with progressive responsibilities, including experience in commercial firms, research, not-for-profit organization, and/or as an auditor with a major audit firm.
• Demonstrated experience compiling financial statements and accounting for complex transactions.
• Must have experience managing or supervising a team, including both day-to-day activity oversight and staff development.
• Strong analytic, technical, and computer skills required. Intermediate-advanced Microsoft Office skills & large ERP system (eg Workday, Netsuite) working knowledge.
• Highly developed attention to detail.
• Ability to effectively manage deadlines and multiple priorities.
• Ability to successfully plan, schedule, oversee and review the work of professional staff members in a collegial and effective manner across all levels of the Institution, maintaining a professional demeanor.
• Demonstrated ability to use independent judgment, show initiative, problem-solve, and direct activities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and decision-making skills.
• Strong work ethic and willingness to work flexible hours to meet deadlines.
  
  

Preferred Experience

• Proven experience as an Accounting Supervisor, or Senior Accountant.
• Thorough knowledge of basic accounting procedures, in-depth understanding of Generally accepted principle (GAAP), awareness of business trends, familiarity with financial accounting statements, experience with general ledger functions and month-end/year end close process, advance Microsoft Excel skills including v-lookups and pivot tables, accuracy and attention detail, aptitude for numbers and quantitative skills.
• Experienced collaborating and/or assisting in managing a team of accounting staff in a professional and respectable manner.
• CPA is highly desirable.
• Large ERP implementation experience.
  
  

Additional Job Requirements

Physical Requirements

Physical tasks include mostly sedentary with occasional prolonged standing/walking, use of hands for basic grasping and manipulation, and repetitive motion. Other occupational requirements include talking, working around others, and with others. Physical duties are subject to change.

Affirmative Action/EEO Statement

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.