Reporting to the Assistant Vice President, Finance, Budget & Accounting, the Associate Director, Accounting manages Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable and financial reporting. The Associate Director, Accounting will be responsible for supervising a team of accounting professionals. The Associate Director develops the processes and programs required to implement the department’s strategy and manages the resources of the function. The Associate Director is also accountable for effective day-to-day operations and implements initiatives to ensure results are attained and quality standards are met. The Associate Director supervises the Associate Billing Accountant, the Systems Accountant, and the Accounts Payable Associate.
Responsibilities include the development and maintenance of internal controls to ensure the safeguarding of assets, efficiency and effectiveness of operations, and reliability of financial statements.
Financial Reporting, General Ledger Analysis and Budgeting:
Prepare, review, analyze and interpret financial and budgetary
Coordinates and improves, in conjunction with the AVP, the timeliness of the monthly and annual closing processes in support of accurate financial
Provide data analytics and make recommendations to ACE program
Monitor ACE operations to support organization’s financial health and achievement of its overall
Monitor ACE’s operational environment to ensure knowledge of and compliance with legal, nonprofit, and GAAP
Create and maintain documentation on ACE’s accounting policies and procedures including records retention. Work with AVP to ensure efficiency and effectiveness of
In coordination with the AVP, conduct the annual financial audit, including preparing, reviewing and responding to audit schedules relied upon by the independent auditors in reaching their audit
In coordination with the VP develop the organization’s annual budget, assisting staff and administrators in budget preparation, implementation and control.
Supervise the work of A/R, A/P, G/L, and Financial Software staff.
Manage Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable Functions:
Set objectives for A/R and A/P staff that aligns with the Finance department’s goals.
Monitor processing of invoices and payments to ensure timely and accurate reconciliations.
Ensure A/R and A/P policies follow accounting principles.
Mentor A/R and A/P staff in their professional development.
Evaluate, annually, the performance of the A/R and A/P staff.
Accounting Software:
Develop and maintain knowledge of current accounting software and related policies, practices and
Work with IT Services or third party vendors in the implementation and maintenance scheduling of accounting
Develop and conduct training programs to educate end users on new and existing financial software
Recommend changes to the accounting software environment to reduce duplication of effort by
Mentor the financial software systems staff person in accomplishing divisional and organizational
Evaluate, annually, the performance of the financial software systems staff person.
Taxation and Compliance:
Manage annual tax return procedure, compiling records to prepare IRS Forms 990, 990-T and other information returns as
Maintains schedules of taxation and compliance reporting requirements, according to various federal and state regulations and laws.
Researches tax issues as required; participates in latest tax legislative, regulatory sessions to comprehend tax
Maintain knowledge of annual changes to ensure ACE remains compliant in all matters.
Education/Experience/Specialized Knowledge and Competencies
Required:
Bachelor’s in Accounting or associated field.
Minimum 8 years of experience to include staff management.
Understanding of Non Profit accounting.
General management and supervisory experience.
General knowledge of federal policy and procedures.
Preferred:
Master’s in Accounting, MBA, or related field of study.
CPA, CMA or other relevant certification.
Experience with Microsoft Great Plains Dynamics, BI360, and PN3
**To apply please submit your resume and cover letter during the application process.**
The American Council on Education is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, disability, matriculation, genetic information, credit information or protected veteran status.
About American Council on Education
The American Council on Education (ACE) is a higher education, non-profit organization with almost 1,700 member institutions and educational organizations. ACE's mission is to provide leadership and a unified voice on key higher education issues through advocacy, research, and program initiatives. ACE programs include several leadership programs for college and university administrators and faculty. (For more information on ACE: www.acenet.edu)