Director - Financial Accounting & Reporting

Hawaii Pacific University; Honolulu, Northern (HI, KY); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Hawaii Pacific University seeks a strategic, collaborative Director of Financial Accounting and Reporting to ensure GAAP-compliant financial records, regulatory reporting, and strong internal controls. The role leads the GL, close processes, and audits, overseeing fund accounting, investments, leases and pledges to support the University’s mission.

The successful candidate will have a CPA, 6+ years of progressive accounting experience, and a proven ability to communicate with executives, boards,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance or related field is required.
• CPA license is required.
• 6+ years of progressive accounting experience including supervisory responsibilities.
• Strong knowledge of US GAAP, nonprofit accounting and financial reporting.

Responsibilities

• Direct and oversee the University’s general ledger accounting operations.
• Lead the monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes.
• Coordinate annual external audits and reporting to lenders, bondholders and regulators.
• Ensure compliance with US GAAP, FASB standards, Uniform Guidance and nonprofit accounting requirements.
• Oversee fund accounting, investments, leases, and endowments reporting.
• Develop, implement and maintain accounting policies, procedures and internal controls.

Skills

US GAAP

Nonprofit accounting

Audit management

Financial systems proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance or related field

CPA license

Job description

Job Summary

Hawai`i Pacific University’s (HPU or the University) seeks a strategic, collaborative, and results-oriented leader to serve as Director of Financial Accounting and Reporting. Reporting to the AVP/Controller, the Director is responsible for ensuring the integrity of the University’s financial records, compliance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), nonprofit accounting standards, regulatory requirements and University policies.

This position provides leadership and oversight of the general ledger and financial reporting team, including management of the monthly and annual close processes, preparation of internal and external financial reports, coordination of annual external audits, and oversight of financial accounting areas, including, but not limited to, fund accounting, Investments, leases, and pledges/scholarships, amongst other areas.

The Director supports the AVP/Controller on accounting matters and promotes strong internal controls, operational efficiency, and financial stewardship in support of the University's mission.

Location

This position is based out of our Waterfront Plaza offices in downtown Honolulu.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance or related field.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license
• Minimum 6 years of progressive accounting experience including supervisory responsibilities.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP, nonprofit accounting and financial reporting
• Experience managing audits and working directly with external auditors
• Proficiency with financial systems, spreadsheets and reporting tools

Desired Qualifications

• Experience in higher education, nonprofit, or other complex institutional environments

• Experience with Banner ERP or similar higher education financial systems.
• Knowledge of federal grant accounting and Uniform Guidance compliance.
• Experience preparing financial information for governing boards and executive leadership.

Other Qualifications

• Report to work obligations to support the department and may require work during HPU’s winter break, if necessary.
• Must meet training and background check qualifications and comply with the Minors on Campus policy.
• Upon hire, candidate must have reliable transportation to all HPU worksites and other locations as required by the position.
• Successful candidate will be able to work in an environment that utilize excellent time and stress management skills.
• Ability to effectively prioritize and execute tasks in a fast past and rapidly changing environment.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in written and oral forms with executive, senior management, faculty, staff, managers, and external stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

1. Financial Accounting Operations and GL Management (30%)

• Direct and oversee the University’s general ledger accounting operations
• Oversee and monitor the accounting and reporting various accounting areas, including the accounting for restricted and unrestricted funds, pledges, grants and endowments, investments and leases, as well as other areas as assigned.
• Lead the monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes to ensure accuracy and timeliness
• Review and approve journal entries, account reconciliations, and analyses prepared by accounting team
• Develop, implement and maintain accounting policies, procedures and internal controls
• Ensure compliance with US GAAP, FASB standards, Uniform Guidance and nonprofit accounting requirements
• Monitor accounting activities to ensure proper classification and recording of financial transactions.

2. Financial Reporting and GL Management (30%)

• Prepare and oversee the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and management reports.
• Analyze financial results and provide meaningful variance analyses and financial insights to senior leadership.
• Coordinate the preparation of reports required by lenders, bondholders, regulatory agencies, and other external stakeholders.
• Support leadership with financial presentations and reporting to the Board of Trustees and Board committees.
• Ensure accurate reporting of net assets and compliance with donor restrictions.

3. Fund Accounting and Restricted Funds (15%)

• Oversee accounting and reporting for restricted and unrestricted funds.
• Ensure proper accounting treatment and reporting of donor-restricted gifts, grants, and endowment funds.
• Monitor fund balances and compliance with donor restrictions and applicable regulations.
• Collaborate with Advancement, Sponsored Programs, and Finance teams to maintain accurate fund activity and reporting.

4. Tax Compliance and Regulatory Reporting (10%)

• Serve as the University's lead accounting professional for tax compliance matters. In partnership with external tax advisors, act as the primary liaison between the Business Office and other University departments to ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local tax laws and regulations. Oversee the preparation, review, and timely filing of all tax-related returns, reports, and informational filings, including but not limited to Form 990, Form 990-T, Form N-70NP, Form 1120, General Excise Tax (GET) returns, Forms 1042 and 1042-S, and other required tax filings. Monitor regulatory changes, assess their impact on the University, provide guidance to campus stakeholders on tax-related matters, and implement appropriate controls and processes to mitigate tax compliance risks.

5. Leadership and Team Development (10%)

• Provide leadership and direction to the General Ledger and Financial Accounting team.
• Recruit, mentor, develop, and evaluate accounting staff.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement, and customer service.
• Establish performance goals and support professional development initiatives.

6. Other (5%)

• Perform other duties and assignments as assigned by the Controller and/or CFO.

This description is not designed to list all activities, duties or responsibilities which may be required for this job. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may be assigned at any time.