Department
F&A FIN - Financial Operations
About the Department
The primary goal of Financial Services is to support the core mission of the University through exemplary fiscal stewardship. Our services and programs are geared toward providing our customers outstanding response and service while fulfilling compliance and fiduciary obligations. Among many duties, Financial Services has responsibility for accounting and financial reporting; cash, endowment, and debt management; payroll; sponsored award accounting; and purchasing and paying for goods and services.
Job Summary
The Director of Accounting and Reporting has management responsibility over two functional areas in Financial Services, financial reporting and general accounting. Reporting is responsible for the coordination of the fiscal year-end close, liaison with the external auditors, preparation of internal and external financial reports and the completion of regulatory filings, such as unclaimed property escheatment and government mandated surveys. General accounting responsibilities includes maintenance and oversight activity within the University’s Financial Accounting System (FAS), oversight of University bank reconciliations, supervision of the accounting for University internal loans, and accounts for specialty accounting areas. Position has a leading role in the design and implementation of a new, modern financial system.
In this role, the Director works with department leadership to enhance the service delivery efforts of Financial Services. Provides advice and counsel to the organization in all matters related to accounting.
This position reports to the Executive Director of Accounting and Financial Reporting and has direct management responsibilities for at least two teams of professionals.
Responsibilities
- Prepares quarterly internal financial statements.
- Oversees accounting and financial reporting activities of the University. Ensures timely and accurate reporting of all transactions. Ensures that University procedures are followed. Reviews general ledger account analysis and ensures that the University’s financial records are accurate.
- Coordinates year-end audit with the external auditors and ensures that the year-end audit package is accurate and complete. Coordinates work with external auditors.
- Reviews established accounting practices and procedures. Recommends changes in and additions to such practices and procedures designed to improve service delivery to the University community. Implements changes where applicable.
- Recommends and implements changes in operating policy and procedures based on accounting, reporting, and regulatory changes promulgated by the FASB, AICPA, NACUBO, and State and Federal requirements
- Key contact person for departmental and divisional administrators for questions relating to reporting and the accounting system. Acts as liaison to other departments. Interprets office's policies and procedures to the University community.
- Performs duties inherent in all supervisory, professional and administrative positions. Instructs and trains employees in the performance of their duties. Recommends hiring, promotion, transfer, discipline or discharge of personnel.
- Manages managers and professional staff. Establishes performance goals, allocates resources and assesses policies for direct subordinates.
- Develops and implements accounting policies and controls, fiscal controls, preparing financial reports and safeguarding assets. Approves and implements procedures for improved operations.
- Performs other related work as needed.
Minimum Qualifications
Education:
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
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Work Experience:
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 7+ years of work experience in a related job discipline.
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Certifications:
-
Preferred Qualifications
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting, business, or related field.
Experience:
- At least seven years of accounting experience with progressive direct supervisory responsibilities.
- Higher education experience a plus.
Certifications:
- CPA certification highly preferred.
Technical Skills or Knowledge:
- Knowledge of financial principles, practices and applications.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office.
- Proficient financial reporting skills.
Preferred Competencies
- Plan, organize, direct and manage staff to achieve work objectives of the unit.
- Analytical, assessment problem-solving skills.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Strong managerial skills, including training staff.
- Independently complete projects with a high degree of accuracy often under considerable time pressure with minimal supervision.
Application Documents
- Resume/CV (required)
- Cover Letter (required)
- References Contact Information (3)(required)
When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.
Job Family
Financial Management
Role Impact
People Manager
FLSA Status
Exempt
Pay Frequency
Monthly
Scheduled Weekly Hours
37.5
Benefits Eligible
Yes
Drug Test Required
No
Health Screen Required
No
Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
No
Posting Statement
The University of Chicago is an
Affirmative Action/
Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer
and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the
University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.
Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via
Applicant Inquiry Form.
We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.
All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.
The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at:
http://securityreport.uchicago.edu
. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.