Manager Enterprise Accounting Operations

Advocate Health; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Advocate Health is seeking an experienced Accounting Operations Leader to manage all accounting functions, from GL to payroll, with a strong emphasis on GAAP compliance and internal controls. You will supervise a team, coordinate audits, and drive continued process improvements within a healthcare enterprise.

The role requires CPA, a Bachelor’s in accounting/finance, and 5+ years of progressive accounting experience, including leadership.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive accounting experience with at least 2 years in a management role.
• Healthcare experience or work in a complex enterprise preferred.
• CPA designation required.

Responsibilities

• Oversee accounting operations including general ledger, payroll, A/P, A/R, and financial close.
• Lead cash accounting, treasury support, investments, and endowments management.
• Ensure GAAP compliance and internal controls; coordinate audits and ICFR.
• Direct monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting and analyses.
• Drive process improvements, system implementations, and policy updates.

Skills

GAAP

Month-end Close

Journal Entries

Reconciliations

Budgeting

Forecasting

Regulatory Compliance

ERP Systems

Excel Proficiency

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's in Accounting/Finance

MBA

Tools

Oracle

SAP

Workday

Job description

Major Responsibilities:

• Accounting Operations Management: Manages all accounting operations, including general ledger management, cashaccounting and analytics, investments, insurance, grants and endowments, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payrolland fringe benefits, fixedassetsand leasing, and the financial close processes. Ensure accuracy and timeliness of allfinancial transactions,reconciliationsand reports.
• Cash Accounting Applications & Treasury Support: Manages the cash accounting applications and analyticssystems/processes, bankreconciliationsand the accounting team’s support ofthe enterprisetreasury operations.
• Ensureaccountingpolicies and procedures are followed to support the enterprise liquidity, debt management, and investmentstrategies.
• Financial Reporting: Manages the preparation and presentation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports, analysesand reconciliationsin accordance withGenerally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), applicable regulatory standardsand internal control policies. Ensure that financial reporting reflects the organization’s true financial position.
• Internal Controls: Managesteam oncontinuously developing and improving robust internal controls to safeguard

organizational assets, ensure compliance with GAAP,lawsand regulations (including HIPAA and Sarbanes-Oxley asapplicable), andprevent fraud or errors. Partner with the Internal Audit and ICFR teams to conduct periodic reviews andaudits to assess the effectiveness of controls.

• Compliance and Regulatory Oversight:Maintainup-to-date knowledge of accounting, tax, and health care regulations.
• Ensure full compliance with federal, state, and local requirements, including Medicare and Medicaid rules, IRS regulations,and other critical standards.
• Process Optimization: Manages team process improvements, automation initiatives,standardizationand system
• enhancements to increase operational efficiency and effectiveness. Evaluate current accounting workflows and leadtechnological solutions to streamline operations.
• Team Leadership and Development: Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing accounting team. Set clear goals, provideregular feedback, and promote professional growth through coaching, training, and succession planning.
• Recommend allteammate compensation changes, resolution plans of teammate concerns, corrective actionplansand terminations.
• Budgeting and Forecasting: Support the budgeting and forecasting process by providingaccuratehistorical data, trendanalysis, and insightful financial perspectives.
• Audit Management: Manage annual external audits and internal audit reviews. Serve as a liaison to auditors, ensuringtimelypreparationand delivery of required documentation and swiftly addressing audit findings.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Build andmaintainstrong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including financeleadership, department leaders, regulatory agencies, and vendors.
• Communicate complex financial information clearly tooperational finance team and non-financial audiences.
• Change Management: Manage change initiatives related to accounting operations, including system implementations, policyupdates, and process redesigns. Manage team through transitions and foster a culture of adaptability and continuousimprovement.
• Risk Management:Identifyfinancial and compliance risks, recommend mitigation strategies, and manage theimplementation of risk management practices tailored to the unique needs of the accounting department ina healthcareenvironment.
• Special Projects: Manage the team in various special projects including mergers and acquisitions, system integrations, andnew business initiatives, providing accountingexpertiseand due diligence.

Licensure, Registration, and/or Certification Required:

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation required.

Education Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance required.

Preferred Education

• Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Experience Required:

• Minimum of 5 years of progressive accounting experience, with at least 2 years in a management or leadership role, preferably within a health care organization or similarly complex environment.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:

• Technical Skills:Demonstratedexpertisein GAAP, the month-end close process, including journal entries,reconciliations, andfinancial statement preparation, budgeting, forecasting, and regulatory compliance.Proficiencyin accounting software(e.g., Oracle, SAP, Workday, or healthcare-specific platforms).
• Leadership Abilities: Strong ability in developing talent, leading teams, and driving organizational change. Exceptionalcommunication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills.
• Analytical Skills: Strong problem-solving abilities, with a keen attention to detail and a capacity for strategic thinking.Systems & Data Skills:Proficiencywith ERP/accounting systems (e.g., Oracle, SAP, Workday) and strong Excel skills; ability toleveragedata toidentifyissues, trends, and opportunities.
• Controls & Compliance: Working knowledge of internal controls, policy adherence, and audit support; experience with ICFRexpectations is a plus where applicable.
• Health Care Knowledge: Familiarity with health care industry operations, terminology, and regulatory requirements(Medicare, Medicaid, HIPAA, etc.).
• Ethical Standards:High levelof integrity, professionalism, and commitment to ethical conduct.
• Operational Excellence: Commitment to process improvement, efficiency, and quality in all aspects of accountingoperations.
• Collaboration: Effective in working across departments, building consensus, and driving results through teamwork.
• Communication: Skilled at conveying complex accounting and financial concepts to diverse audiences, including cliniciansand non-financial stakeholders.
• Adaptability: Comfortable navigating ambiguity, leading through change, and balancing competing priorities in a fast-pacedenvironment

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• The role is typically based at the organization’s divisional headquarters, with occasional travel required to regional sites, external meetings, or industry conferences.
• The Accounting Operations leader must be comfortable working in a dynamic, deadline-driven setting and adept at managing competing priorities within a large, complex health care and academic enterprise.

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.