Senior Director of Accounting - Higher Education

newhaven; West Haven (CT); On-site; USD 130,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health & Welfare Programs

Wellness & Fitness on campus

Tuition assistance for employees and a

Employee discounts on products and教育

Job summary

The University of New Haven is seeking a Senior Director of Accounting to lead the accounting and accounts payable functions. This role ensures GAAP compliance, manages the annual financial statement audit, and coordinates with external auditors with a hands-on approach to treasury and tax tasks.

Reporting to the Associate VP for Finance, you will drive accounting policy, implement internal controls, and oversee close processes across university departments while maintaining donor and grant

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance or Business Administration required.
• 7+ years of related accounting experience with at least 3 years in a supervisory capacity.
• MBA or CPA license preferred.
• Experience with fund accounting, restricted funds, endowments, grants, capital projects, and financial statement prep.
• ERP systems experience: Ellucian Banner or Workday or PeopleSoft.
• Experience with AP automation, document imaging and vendor management.
• Knowledge of NACUBO reporting concepts and nonprofit financial reporting standards.
• Strong supervisory and staff development skills.
• Ability to explain accounting and policy matters clearly to non-finance users.
• Ability to operate during peak periods (year-end close, audit, budget cycles).

Responsibilities

• Oversee general accounting operations including journal entries and reconciliations.
• Manage quarterly and year-end close processes with detailed documentation.
• Coordinate audits with external auditors and ensure audit readiness.
• Support preparation of annual financial statements, footnotes and schedules.
• Oversee Treasury functions and safeguarding university cash.
• Lead Accounts Payable functions including vendor payments and 1099s.
• Collaborate with Purchasing and campus departments to resolve issues.
• Monitor compliance with GAAP, FASB and regulatory requirements.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Attention to detail

Problem solving

Explain policy to non-finance users

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance or Business Administration

MBA or CPA preferred

Tools

Ellucian Banner

Workday

PeopleSoft

Job description

The University of New Haven is seeking a Senior Director of Accounting to lead the accounting and accounts payable functions. This role ensures GAAP compliance, manages the annual financial statement audit, and coordinates with external auditors with a hands-on approach to treasury and tax tasks.

Reporting to the Associate VP for Finance, you will drive accounting policy, implement internal controls, and oversee close processes across university departments while maintaining donor and grant