Accounting Manager

Milwaukee School of Engineering; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

403(b) retirement plan

Educational benefits

State-of-the-art fitness center

Job summary

Milwaukee School of Engineering invites applications for a full-time Manager of Accounting to lead the university's accounting and financial reporting. You will drive accuracy, GAAP compliance, and operational efficiency while overseeing a small accounting team.

You will partner with academic and administrative leaders, manage audits and tax filings, and develop processes to strengthen internal controls and data quality.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting required.
• 5+ years of broad-based accounting experience required.
• Experience in supervising accounting and clerical staff required.
• Higher education and/or not-for-profit accounting experience preferred.
• Solid knowledge of accounting principles, financial reporting, and analysis.

Responsibilities

• Manage accounting, close processes, and financial reporting with reconciliations and analyses.
• Oversee banking, accounts payable, and post-grant accounting and administration.
• Recommend improvements to systems and processes for accuracy and internal controls.
• Develop and maintain policies for accounting, reporting, and financial operations.
• Manage external financial audits and liaise with the audit team.
• Coordinate annual tax returns (990s, etc.) with external providers.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

Leadership

Financial analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting

Tools

ERP systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

Join Milwaukee School of Engineering as our Manager of Accounting, where operational leadership meets hands‑on financial excellence. In this pivotal role, you will drive the integrity, accuracy, and efficiency of the institution’s financial operations and compliance processes; be a trusted partner to academic and administrative leaders; and lead a small passionate and dedicated accounting team. This role offers the unique opportunity to combine hands‑on technical expertise with collaboration and leadership. If you thrive in a mission‑driven environment and are passionate about improving processes, supporting institutional success, and driving and developing your team, this is your opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

Who We Are

Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) is an academic institution intrinsically tied to the real world - a confluence of industry knowledge, work ethic and an enduring desire to know more. The university offers Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in engineering, computer science, machine learning, user experience, construction management, actuarial science, business and nursing. With about 3,000 students, faculty and staff, MSOE is large enough for big opportunities and small enough for personal attention.

A Small University Dedicated to Achieving Big Things

MSOE is a supportive environment where everyone is valued. Our method of learning by doing is our distinction: it is how we teach, how we learn and how we serve. MSOE’s top priority is serving our students. By joining our community, you are building the leaders of tomorrow.

Our Mission

MSOE is the university of choice for those seeking an inclusive community of experiential learners driven to solve the complex challenges of today and tomorrow. We are united by our six values - collaboration, excellence, inclusion, innovation, integrity and stewardship - which represent the core of our campus culture. MSOE has embarked on an ambitious strategic plan, Extraordinary Together, that propels the institution forward. At MSOE, we are dedicated to promoting an academic environment marked by an unwavering respect for every individual.

Summary

MSOE invites applications for a full‑time Manager of Accounting to join our Finance team! The Manager of Accounting leads accounting and financial reporting for the university. The Manager drives operational efficiency and financial integrity through the leadership of the accounting function and staff.

Essential Job Functions

• Manage accounting, close processes, and financial reporting, including all supporting reconciliations and analyses. Maintain accurate financial records in accordance with GAAP and research/resolve accounting issues.
• Manage banking, accounts payable, and post‑grant accounting and administration. Facilitate information flow by working collaboratively with other university departments.
• Recommend accounting and financial reporting improvements to use systems effectively and efficiently while maintaining a high level of accuracy and strong internal controls. Identify opportunities for process improvements and implement best practices in accounting operations.
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of policies and procedures for accounting, reporting, and financial operations.
• Maintain the accounting and financial operations system including set‑up, testing, reporting, and assisting with issue resolution. Develop an understanding of related systems.
• Plan and manage external financial audits. Serve as the primary liaison to the external audit team and act as their point of contact with others across campus. Ensure required information, schedules, and financials are provided timely and accurately. Be proactive by engaging auditors on new initiatives, accounting, and policy changes. Stay current and comply with A‑133 audit requirements.
• Plan and manage the preparation of the annual 990, 990‑T, and other tax returns with the external tax provider. Ensure required information is provided timely and accurately and understood by the tax provider. Review, obtain approval, and file tax returns.
• Develop and lead a small high‑performing team, including recruiting, training, and management. Develop and monitor organizational and individual goals and objectives. Contribute to employee professional development.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

• Prepare various financial statements and reports required for regulatory agencies and others, both internal and external to the University, i.e. Higher Learning Commission, IPED’s Department of Education, etc.
• Assist with debt compliance and S&P rating presentation.

This list of duties and responsibilities is not all‑inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities as management may deem necessary from time to time.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting required.
• 5+ years of broad‑based accounting experience required.
• Experience in supervising accounting and clerical staff required.
• Higher education and/or not‑for‑profit accounting experience preferred.
• Solid knowledge of accounting principles, financial reporting, and analysis. Must have experience in the preparation of complicated financial reports, such as cash flow statements and ratio analysis.
• Experience leading the development and implementation of new processes.
• Proficient with accounting ERP systems and Microsoft products.

Why Join MSOE?

At MSOE, we invest in our employees’ professional and personal growth.

• MSOE offers competitive, fully comprehensive benefit plans to all full‑time employees including medical, dental, life, disability and vision insurance, 13 paid holidays, Paid Time Off, and paid parental leave, as well as a 403(b) retirement plan with company matching of up to 6% of employee earnings and immediate vesting.
• Educational benefits are available for employees and family members.
• Employees have access to our state‑of‑the‑art fitness center at no charge.

The above statements reflect the general details necessary to describe the principle functions of the occupation described and shall not be construed as a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be inherent in the occupation. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

It is the policy of MSOE to provide equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, ethnicity, color, creed, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, military and veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic characteristics, marital status or any other characteristic protected by local, state or federal law. This policy applies to all jobs at the University and to all the terms, benefits, and conditions of employment/enrollment.