Director of Financial Services

Northern Kentucky University; Cold Spring (KY); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Northern Kentucky University seeks a collaborative and strategic financial leader to serve as the Director of Financial Services in University Accounting & Treasury Services. This role oversees day-to-day accounting, treasury operations, and financial reporting, ensuring GAAP and GASB compliance.

The Director supervises staff, partners with campus stakeholders, and acts as a key advisor to the AVP for Financial Services, supporting system enhancements and process improvements.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field.
• Seven+ years of progressively responsible accounting, financial reporting, or treasury experience.
• Demonstrated supervisory or management experience.
• Experience coordinating external audits and financial statements.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and supervision for accounting and treasury staff, including priorities and development.
• Ensure the integrity and accuracy of accounting records, financial transactions, and reporting.
• Coordinate annual financial statements, close activities, and audit schedules.
• Serve as primary liaison with external auditors and respond to audit requests.
• Develop and communicate accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls.

Skills

Leadership

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Problem-solving

GAAP knowledge

Excel proficiency

Adaptability

Education

Master's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or closely related field

Tools

Workday

Job description

Position Title:

Director of Financial Services

Position Type:

Regular

About the Role:

Northern Kentucky University seeks a collaborative and strategicfinancial leader to serve as the Director of Financial Services(University Accounting & Treasury Services).

Reporting to theAssociate Vice President for Financial Services, this position isresponsible for overseeing the University's day-to-day accountingand treasury operations, including general accounting, financialreporting, treasury management, capital asset accounting, andaccounts payable.

The Director ensures the accuracy, integrity, and timeliness of the University's financial records and reporting while maintainingcompliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP),Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) standards, andapplicable federal and state regulations. This position plays acritical leadership role in the annual financial statement auditprocess, development of financial policies and procedures,implementation of accounting systems, and continuous improvement ofbusiness processes.

The Director supervises accounting staff, partners closely withstakeholders across the institution, and serves as a key advisorand backup to the Associate Vice President for FinancialServices.

Primary Responsibilities

Financial Leadership & Oversight

• Provide leadership and supervision for accounting and treasuryservices staff, including assigning work, establishing priorities,evaluating performance, and fostering professionaldevelopment.
• Ensure the integrity and accuracy of the University'saccounting records, financial transactions, and reportingprocesses.
• Review and approve journal entries, account reconciliations,and other accounting transactions to ensure compliance withUniversity policies, GAAP, and GASB standards.
• Oversee the University's accounts payable operations, ensuringtimely and accurate processing of payments and compliance withapplicable policies and procedures.

Financial Reporting & Compliance

• Lead the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annualfinancial reports.
• Coordinate and prepare the University's annual financialstatements and related disclosures.
• Manage year-end closing activities, including preparation ofclosing entries, reconciliations, and audit schedules.
• Serve as the primary liaison with external auditors andcoordinate responses to audit requests.
• Monitor new GASB pronouncements and accounting requirements,assess institutional impact, and implement changes necessary toensure compliance.
• Develop, maintain, and communicate accounting policies,procedures, and internal controls.

Systems & Process Improvement

• Coordinate the development and enhancement of financialaccounting and reporting systems.
• Partner with Information Technology, Human Resources, StudentFinancial Services, and other campus departments to support andimprove integrated financial systems.
• Act as a subject matter expert for financial systems, includingERP and reporting tools.
• Identify opportunities to streamline processes, improveefficiency, strengthen internal controls, and enhance financialreporting capabilities.

External Reporting

• Coordinate the preparation, review, and submission of requiredexternal reports, including but not limited to:
  • FISAP
  • IPEDS
  • Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE) reporting
  • Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR/CAFR)
  • American Bar Association (ABA) reporting
  • Management Information Reports (MIR)
  • Other federal, state, and regulatory reportingrequirements
• Review activity and financial information from affiliatedentities, including foundations, when necessary for externalreporting purposes.

Strategic Support

• Provide financial expertise and guidance to Universityleadership.
• Lead or participate in special projects and strategicinitiatives as assigned.
• Serve as backup to the Associate Vice President for FinancialServices.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master's degree in Accounting, Finance, BusinessAdministration, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsibleaccounting, financial reporting, or treasury managementexperience.
• Demonstrated supervisory or management experience.
• Experience preparing audited financial statements andcoordinating external audits.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP and GASB accounting standards.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) strongly preferred.
• Experience in higher education, governmental, or nonprofitaccounting.
• Experience with Workday, or similar enterprise financialsystems.
• Experience preparing regulatory and compliance reports in ahigher education environment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Comprehensive knowledge of accounting principles, financialreporting, treasury operations, and internal controls.
• Strong understanding of GAAP, GASB, and governmental accountingpractices.
• Exceptional analytical, organizational, and problem-solvingskills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in acomplex environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to build collaborative relationships across departmentsand stakeholders.
• Demonstrated leadership and team development skills.
• High level of accuracy, attention to detail, and commitment tocompliance.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise soundprofessional judgment.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and working knowledgeof Microsoft Office applications.
• Experience with Workday and financial reporting tools ispreferred.