Director of Financial Services

Northern Kentucky University; United States; On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Northern Kentucky University seeks a collaborative and strategic financial leader to serve as the Director of Financial Services (University Accounting & Treasury Services). The role oversees day-to-day accounting, treasury operations, financial reporting, capital asset accounting, and accounts payable, ensuring GAAP and GASB compliance.

Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Financial Services, the Director supervises staff, partners with campus stakeholders, and supports external audits

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a closely related field.
• Seven (7) years of progressively responsible accounting, financial reporting, or treasury management experience.
• Demonstrated supervisory or management experience.
• Experience preparing audited financial statements and coordinating external audits.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP and GASB accounting standards.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and supervision for accounting and treasury services staff, including assigning work and evaluating performance.
• Lead the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports and external disclosures.
• Coordinate year-end closing activities and liaise with external auditors.
• Oversee accounts payable, journal entries, reconciliations, and policy compliance.
• Drive process improvements and implement changes to strengthen internal controls.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

GASB knowledge

Excel proficiency

Leadership

Communication

Education

Master's degree in Accounting/Finance/Business Admin

Tools

Workday

Job description

Position Title: Director of Financial Services

Position Type: Regular

About the Role: Northern Kentucky University seeks a collaborative and strategic financial leader to serve as the Director of Financial Services (University Accounting & Treasury Services). Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Financial Services, this position is responsible for overseeing the University's day-to-day accounting and treasury operations, including general accounting, financial reporting, treasury management, capital asset accounting, and accounts payable. The Director ensures the accuracy, integrity, and timeliness of the University's financial records and reporting while maintaining compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) standards, and applicable federal and state regulations. This position plays a critical leadership role in the annual financial statement audit process, development of financial policies and procedures, implementation of accounting systems, and continuous improvement of business processes. The Director supervises accounting staff, partners closely with stakeholders across the institution, and serves as a key advisor and backup to the Associate Vice President for Financial Services.

Primary Responsibilities

Financial Leadership & Oversight

Provide leadership and supervision for accounting and treasury services staff, including assigning work, establishing priorities, evaluating performance, and fostering professional development. Ensure the integrity and accuracy of the University's accounting records, financial transactions, and reporting processes. Review and approve journal entries, account reconciliations, and other accounting transactions to ensure compliance with University policies, GAAP, and GASB standards. Oversee the University's accounts payable operations, ensuring timely and accurate processing of payments and compliance with applicable policies and procedures.

Financial Reporting & Compliance

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

Systems & Process Improvement

Coordinate the development and enhancement of financial accounting and reporting systems. Partner with Information Technology, Human Resources, Student Financial Services, and other campus departments to support and improve integrated financial systems. Act as a subject matter expert for financial systems, including ERP and reporting tools. Identify opportunities to streamline processes, improve efficiency, strengthen internal controls, and enhance financial reporting capabilities.

External Reporting

Coordinate the preparation, review, and submission of required external 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 reporting requirements. Review activity and financial information from affiliated entities, including foundations, when necessary for external reporting purposes.

Strategic Support

Provide financial expertise and guidance to University leadership. Lead or participate in special projects and strategic initiatives as assigned. Serve as backup to the Associate Vice President for Financial Services.

Minimum Qualifications

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

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) strongly preferred.
• Experience in higher education, governmental, or nonprofit accounting.
• Experience with Workday, or similar enterprise financial systems.
• Experience preparing regulatory and compliance reports in a higher education environment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Comprehensive knowledge of accounting principles, financial reporting, treasury operations, and internal controls.
• Strong understanding of GAAP, GASB, and governmental accounting practices.
• Exceptional analytical, organizational, and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a complex environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to build collaborative relationships across departments and stakeholders.
• Demonstrated leadership and team development skills.
• High level of accuracy, attention to detail, and commitment to compliance.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.
• Experience with Workday and financial reporting tools is preferred.

Why Work at Northern Kentucky University

At NKU, our work revolves around three things: opening doors, helping people finish what they start, and connecting learning to real life. Those pillars - Access, Completion, and Career & Community Engagement - aren’t just strategic‑plan wallpaper. They shape how we hire, how we serve students, and how we show up for the region.

About NKU

Northern Kentucky University is a public, student-centered institution located just minutes from downtown Cincinnati. Our vision is clear: to be nationally recognized as a student-ready, regionally-engaged university that empowers diverse learners for economic and social mobility. We focus on opening doors, supporting students through graduation, and connecting learning to real opportunity in our region. NKU offers the reach of a comprehensive university with the feel of a close, collaborative campus.