Strategic Lead, Capital Assets & Leases Accounting

Columbia University in the City of New York; New York (NY); On-site; USD 125,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Columbia University in the City of New York seeks an Associate Director of Accounting and Inventory to oversee capital assets, leases, and financial reporting.

Reporting to the Assistant Controller, this role leads accounting operations, ensures GAAP compliance, and supports year-end audits across university units.

Candidates should have a CPA or advanced degree preferred, plus experience with PeopleSoft or ERP and a track record of process improvements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or related field.
• Five years’ accounting experience.
• Advanced degree and/or CPA preferred.
• Capital assets and/or lease accounting experience desired.
• Experience in a large, complex academic or research environment.
• Experience with PeopleSoft or any large ERP system.
• Must have experience preparing financial statements and/or researching GAAP.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel.

Responsibilities

• Oversee accounting functions related to the University’s capital assets, including financial statement reporting and footnotes, journal entries, and subledger-to-general ledger reconciliations.
• Oversee tracking and reconciliation of all capital assets, including asset tagging and periodic inventories.
• Manage accounting for the University’s leases (finance and right-of-use).
• Ensure compliance with control standards and proper reconciliation with University records.
• Research new accounting rules and advise on applicability and implementation.
• Approve purchase requisitions for equipment and ensure regulatory reporting compliance.
• Act as liaison to Schools and departments for capital asset processes and provide training.
• Collaborate with Facilities Management on asset acquisitions and complex transactions.
• Interface with Treasury, OMB, RPIC and central departments; support reporting needs.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

Financial reporting

Leadership / mentoring

Excel proficiency

ERP / PeopleSoft experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or related field

Advanced degree and/or CPA

Tools

PeopleSoft

Job description

Columbia University in the City of New York seeks an Associate Director of Accounting and Inventory to oversee capital assets, leases, and financial reporting.

Reporting to the Assistant Controller, this role leads accounting operations, ensures GAAP compliance, and supports year-end audits across university units.

Candidates should have a CPA or advanced degree preferred, plus experience with PeopleSoft or ERP and a track record of process improvements.