Accounting & Financial Planning Manager

San Francisco Conservatory of Music; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

The San Francisco Conservatory of Music seeks a Manager, Accounting & Financial Planning who will support accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and analysis. This role coordinates activities for affiliated for‑profit entities in the US and Europe, working with the Controller, VP of Finance & Administration/CFO, and external advisors.

The ideal candidate is proactive, analytical, and collaborative, with strong GAAP knowledge and meticulous attention to detail, and experience in

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance required.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in accounting or financial analysis.
• Experience in higher education, nonprofit, and/or public accounting strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop comprehensive financial models for revenue and expense forecasting.
• Lead annual budget development with department heads.
• Monitor variances and review performance with departments.
• Prepare monthly actual vs. budget reports for leadership and board.
• Coordinate financial activities for affiliated for‑profit entities in NY, Berlin, London, and the Netherlands.
• Assist in GAAP‑compliant reporting and audit support.

Skills

GAAP accounting

Financial analysis

Excel proficiency

Financial reporting

Communication

Cross-department collaboration

Attention to detail

Independent work

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance

Tools

ERP systems

Financial reporting software

Job description

The San Francisco Conservatory of Music seeks a Manager, Accounting & Financial Planning who will work closely with the Controller, VP of Finance & Administration/CFO, Finance team, and external advisors to support the organization’s accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis activities.

The position will have significant responsibility for general and subsidiary accounting, financial statement preparation and reporting, while also supporting annual budgeting, forecasting, financial modeling, variance analysis, and special finance and accounting projects. The role will have particular responsibility for coordinating the financial and accounting activities of SFCM’s affiliated for-profit entities in the United States and Europe.

The ideal candidate will be a proactive, analytical, and collaborative professional with strong knowledge of GAAP accounting and financial reporting, experience in budgeting and financial analysis, and exceptional attention to detail.

Job Duties

Financial Planning and Analysis

• Develop comprehensive financial models for revenue and expense forecasting to support strategic initiatives and long‑term planning.
• Lead the annual budget development process, partnering with department heads to ensure accuracy and alignment with institutional goals.
• Monitor and evaluate departmental actuals periodically and engage departments in reviewing performance and variances.
• Prepare and distribute monthly actual vs. budget reports, including variance analysis, for executive leadership and board‑level reporting.
• Coordinate with stakeholders to ensure alignment between operating plans and financial projections.

Reporting and Accounting

• Assist in the preparation of internal and external financial statements, including the balance sheet and income statement, in collaboration with the Controller’s team.
• Support financial and management reporting projects and duties, including custom and ad hoc reports as requested.
• Responsible for subsidiary accounting for 3 for‑profit entities in NY & Berlin, London, and the Netherlands. Coordinate and compile monthly reporting, cash flow analysis, budget vs. actual monitoring, board presentations, and general accounting & finance support as needed.
• Collaborate with Controller’s accounting staff to ensure GAAP‑compliant reporting and integration of budget/forecast assumptions into accounting systems.
• Participate in annual audits as requested, ensuring timely delivery of accurate schedules and reconciliations.
• Identify and implement process improvements to streamline financial operations and reporting workflows.

Requirements

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance required.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in accounting or financial analysis.
• Experience in higher education, nonprofit, and/or public accounting strongly preferred.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong knowledge of GAAP accounting, including hands‑on experience with financial statement preparation.
• Demonstrated analytical and problem‑solving skills with the ability to synthesize complex data for strategic decision‑making.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and experience using financial systems and technology to improve processes.
• Exceptionally detail‑oriented with a commitment to accuracy and meeting tight deadlines.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to explain financial information to non‑financial stakeholders.
• Self‑starter with the ability to work independently and take initiative.
• Proven ability to collaborate across departments and levels of the organization.
• Strong organizational and multi‑tasking skills, with the ability to anticipate team needs in a fast‑paced environment.

Working Condition

This position operates in a professional office environment and requires regular use of computers, financial systems, and other standard office technology. The position requires the ability to manage detailed financial information accurately while working collaboratively with colleagues throughout the SFCM. The incumbent must be available for extended or unpredictable hours during critical periods such as budget planning, audit preparation, or special projects.

About Us

SFCM's mission is to transform our students: artistically, intellectually, professionally, and individually. Through the study of music at the highest level, our students learn to seek achievement in every endeavor, to convert challenge into opportunity, to understand the nature of excellence, and to pursue their dreams with vigor and determination. We believe that inspiring the imagination, cultivating the artist, honing the intellect, and developing the professional are the keys to launching innovative graduates who excel in any field. SFCM is located in the heart of one of the world's most innovative and diverse cities, and is home to a vibrant academic community of students, faculty, and staff with a culture of achievement.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The San Francisco Conservatory of Music is an Equal Opportunity employer. Personnel decisions regarding applicants for employment are made without regard to race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, medical condition (including cancer and genetic characteristics), status as a Vietnam‑era veteran or special disabled veteran, age, citizenship, or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state or local laws.