Director, Shared Accounting & Financial Services

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Oxford (OH); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc. is seeking a professional to direct the Shared Accounting and Financial Services Department. This role involves developing financial plans and overseeing financial transactions related to university operations.

The successful candidate will manage a team, ensure budget compliance, and implement process improvements using Lean methodologies. A Bachelor’s degree in Finance or Accounting and significant experience in budget management are required.

Qualifications

• Minimum eight years of professional experience.
• Five years of experience in fiscal oversight or budget management.

Responsibilities

• Direct development and assessment of annual financial plans.
• Oversee office operations and supervise accounting staff.
• Identify and implement process improvements using Lean methodologies.
• Manage comprehensive office operations and oversee financial frameworks.
• Produce financial assessments and recurring reports.

Skills

Financial planning

Budget management

Lean methodologies

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance or Accounting

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

Workday ERP

Tableau

Job description

Job Description Summary

Directs the activities of the Shared Accounting and Financial Services Department, with responsibility for financial planning and execution of the financial and human resource transactions related to the facilities and auxiliary operations of the University. This includes developing an annual budget and financial processes for these operations, monitoring and providing oversight of the budget and financial transactions associated with these operations, and ensuring compliance with the related university policies and financial outcomes established for these functions. The position is pivotal in the University's recent transition to the Workday ERP and meeting the financial performance expectations set for these university businesses and operations. The position works daily with the Vice President for Facilities Planning and Operations and the University's Athletic Director but the position's primary accountability is to the Senior Vice President for Finance and Business Services and the Budget Office of the University.

Job Description

• Direct the development, monitoring, and assessment of annual financial plans for all business units under the Vice President for Facilities Planning and Operations and Intercollegiate Athletics including all sports, Physical Facilities and Residence and Dining Halls. Partner with head coaches and department heads to manage auxiliary budgets and meet long-term fiscal performance goals.
• Oversee office operations and provide direct supervision to the Assistant Director, Accounting Manager, and accounting specialists. Maintain financial frameworks for athletic and auxiliary programs, ensuring all accounting tasks are accurate and compliant with contractual terms.
• Utilize Lean methodologies to identify and implement process improvements.
• Orchestrates the formulation, oversight, and evaluation of annual fiscal plans for each business entity within the Physical Facilities Department, Intercollegiate Athletics, Residence and Dining Halls, and various auxiliary and administrative sectors reporting to the Vice President for Facilities Planning and Operations. Collaborates extensively with department directors and head coaches to develop and monitor auxiliary budgets, sports, employing a strategic approach to address both immediate and long-term financial requirements and performance targets for these areas.
• Manages the comprehensive operations of the office, providing direct supervision to an Assistant Director, Accounting Manager, and a team of accounting specialists located within the department and Intercollegiate Athletics. Directs the financial frameworks essential for a robust business office supporting auxiliary units and athletic programs. Confirms that all accounting activities are executed with precision and efficiency while adhering to established contractual obligations. Proactively identifies opportunities for process refinement utilizing Lean methodologies.
• Performs detailed financial assessments and produces recurring reports, such as executive dashboard summaries, to ensure departmental financial objectives are achieved and that the units are positioned for future fiscal sustainability.
• Establishes performance metrics and tracking mechanisms for all functional units. Provides oversight for complex financial planning models, forecasting instruments, and monitoring systems, ensuring full compliance with best practices and standard accounting and budgeting protocols.
• Assess existing business workflows within auxiliary units and offers strategic guidance to senior leadership regarding necessary adjustments and enhancements within the Workday ERP environment.

Minimum Qualifications

• Possession of a Bachelor's degree in Finance or Accounting
• A minimum of eight years professional experience
• No fewer than five years of experience in fiscal oversight or budget management with increasing responsibility

Preferred Qualifications

• Attainment of a Master's degree
• Prior proficiency with Tableau and the Workday ERP system
• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Comprehensive understanding of fundamental accounting practices, budgeting tenets, and mechanisms for internal financial control
  • Extensive record of guiding teams and administering complex financial projects or operations
  • Exceptional interpersonal capabilities with the ability to navigate complex organizational dynamics with professionalism, diplomacy, and tact

Required Application Documents

Resume and Cover Letter