Senior Manager Accounting (Hybrid)

Department: Accounting Services
Salary/Grade: EXS/10

Job Summary:

Reporting directly to the Assistant Controller, the Senior Manager of Accounting will significantly contribute to the overall management of financial reporting of the university including but not limited to gift, endowment, and investments accounting. The Senior Manager Accounting will also research technical accounting, interpret and provide recommendations for implementation of technical accounting standards, regulations, and requirements that impact University reporting. This position supports the planning, preparation, review, and consolidation of quarterly and annual financial statements and corresponding footnotes and disclosures, as well as review, preparation and contribution to planned and ad hoc analyses and forecasts provided to management and the Board.

Specific Responsibilities:

Financial Oversight and Reporting

• Oversee accurate, efficient, and compliant workflow of all transactional processes across areas reviews status of university unit accounts and processes, troubleshooting issues as needed.
• Supervises investment reconciliations, pool pricing, related investment activity and other accounting matters. Oversee investment accounting for pooled investments, individual endowments, and annuity and life income funds from inception to closing of funds.
• Analyzes financial performance at both unit and consolidated levels; recommends process and tool improvements to enhance forecasting, modeling, and reporting. Prepares sections of annual financial statements and disclosures; completes reconciliations, analytical reviews, and transaction research; serves as primary contact for external auditors and develops supporting audit materials.
• Serves as technical expert for areas in Current State (endowment, gift, investments), but will also take on research for capital, debt, leases, and consolidations (Rubicon, UK Foundation, RF LLC).
• Establishes proper accounting and audit trails for revenue and expenses related to programs and initiatives; oversees monthly reconciliations and reports on current financial performance, identifying impacts on year-end forecasts (both consolidated and financial operations flow through budget), opportunities, and risks.

Stakeholder Collaboration

• Interacts with external customers and campus partners (ARD, Investment Office, Schools/Units) regarding endowment, gift, investment and other related matters; provides financial guidance and ensures optimal customer service across areas/units.

• Identifies current and future resource planning and allocation issues; leads and supervises studies and analyses to assist senior staff in making resource decisions; acts as project manager for the design and implementation of regulatory and system changes.

Team Leadership and Process Improvement

• Manages and supervises a team of 4 accountants; hires, trains, evaluates performance, and provides work direction to staff.
• Promotes a process improvement mindset, identifying opportunities for simplification, automation, and elimination of inefficient processes. Ensures team members are properly trained and that sufficient cross-training/back-ups are in place to cover gaps.
• Provides leadership to the team, fostering collaboration across departments and presenting to senior leadership as needed.

Miscellaneous

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree in accounting, business administration, finance, or related field; or appropriate combination of education and experience.

• CPA-Certified Public Accountant or in-process of obtaining CPA license

• 8 years financial, budgeting and/or preparing account reconciliations or financial statements along with accounting/financial analysis or other relevant experience.

• Supervisory or project leader experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with accounting in non-profit and/or private university endowment (unit pricing)

• Familiarity with nonprofit accounting and reporting for investments

• Strong understanding of financial reporting, including GAAP, FASB, and UPMIFA.

• Demonstrated executive presence and exceptional communication skills, with the ability to convey complex financial information clearly and confidently to senior leadership, campus partners, and external stakeholders

• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to prioritize multiple tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Understanding of PeopleSoft Financials (creating reports) and Fundriver by Evertrue (endowment software tool).

• Proficiency with Blackline and Workiva platforms for financial reporting and reconciliation.

• Excellent computer skills including proficiency in the use of spreadsheet, database and word processing software; proficient in MS Office applications and creating reports.

• Strong conceptual understanding of accounting theory and financial systems; proven ability to perform account reconciliations and/or perform analyses.

• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with others; self-starter and ability to work independently.

• Proficient in data analyses.

Target hiring range for this position will be between $87,899- $119,196 per year. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.

Benefits:
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern's non-discrimination statement. Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process.