An Accounting Manager manages the accounting department of a company or organization. Directs the accounting staff that prepare financial statements and business activity and forecasting reports and tax filings. Monitors accounting data. Implements and manages accounting policies and procedures. Advises management with regard to finance decisions.
Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), the Accounting Manager oversees the day‑to‑day accounting operations of the Business Office and serves as the primary steward of the University s financial records. This position ensures the integrity of the general ledger, manages cash monitoring and bank reconciliations, supports the preparation of internal and external financial reports, and maintains strong internal controls across financial operations. The Accounting Manager leads core accounting functions including cash management, month‑end close, general ledger oversight, and audit preparation. The role also supervises transactional financial operations including Accounts Payable and collaborates closely with Student Financial Services to ensure accurate posting of payments, charges, and adjustments to student accounts. The Accounting Manager works closely with the CFO to support financial reporting to executive leadership, the Resources Committee, and the Board of Trustees, and ensures compliance with institutional policies, GAAP standards, and applicable federal and regulatory requirements. The A/P specialist reports to this position.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Maintain oversight of the University s general ledger and ensure accuracy of all financial transactions. Manage daily cash monitoring including review of bank balances and coordination of transfers between accounts. Perform and review bank reconciliations and ensure timely resolution of reconciling items. Support the preparation of internal financial reports including monthly financial statements and supporting schedules. Oversee the month‑end and year‑end closing processes ensuring timely and accurate completion. Review and approve journal entries for accuracy and appropriate general ledger classification. Supervise Accounts Payable operations including invoice processing, payment batches, vendor records, and documentation controls. Coordinate with Student Financial Services to ensure accurate posting of payments, charges, and adjustments affecting student receivable accounts. Support reconciliation between the student information system and the general ledger. Prepare audit schedules and coordinate documentation required for annual financial and compliance audits. Maintain internal control procedures and segregation of duties across accounting operations. Monitor purchasing and payment processes to ensure compliance with institutional policies. Assist the CFO with financial analysis, special projects, and financial reporting initiatives.
ADDITIONAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Establish and maintain controls over cash and cash equivalent accounts. Ensure reconciliation of subsidiary ledgers to the general ledger. Support monitoring of departmental budgets in coordination with the Budget & Financial Analyst. Assist with the preparation of year‑end financial schedules and reporting requirements. Provide support for donor‑restricted fund accounting and other institutional financial reporting requirements. Maintain organized documentation to support financial reporting, audit readiness, and compliance. Collaborate with Business Office leadership to improve financial processes and operational efficiency.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES
Thorough knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). Understanding of financial reporting requirements applicable to higher education institutions. Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and financial reconciliation skills. Proficiency with accounting systems, spreadsheets, and financial reporting tools. Ability to review financial transactions and detect inconsistencies or errors. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Ability to work collaboratively across departments including Student Financial Services, Human Resources, and academic units. High level of integrity, professional ethics, and attention to detail. Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet reporting deadlines.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Bachelor s degree in Accounting required. Master s degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration preferred. CPA or CPA‑track strongly preferred. Minimum of 6-8 years of progressive accounting experience, preferably within higher education, nonprofit, or similarly complex organizational environments. Experience with financial reporting, bank reconciliations, general ledger management, and audit preparation is required.
