Accounting Manager

About the Role

Join Milwaukee School of Engineering as our Manager of Accounting, where operational leadership meets hands-on financial excellence. In this pivotal role, you will drive the integrity, accuracy, and efficiency of the institution’s financial operations and compliance processes; be a trusted partner to academic and administrative leaders; and lead a small passionate and dedicated accounting team. This role offers the unique opportunity to combine hands-on technical expertise with collaboration and leadership. If you thrive in a mission-driven environment and are passionate about improving processes, supporting institutional success, and driving and developing your team, this is your opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

About MSOE

Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) is an academic institution intrinsically tied to the real world—a confluence of industry knowledge, work ethic, and an enduring desire to know more. The university offers Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in engineering, computer science, machine learning, user experience, construction management, actuarial science, business, and nursing. With about 3,000 students, faculty, and staff, MSOE is large enough for big opportunities and small enough for personal attention.

A Small University Dedicated to Achieving Big Things
MSOE is a supportive environment where everyone is valued. Our method of learning by doing is our distinction: it is how we teach, how we learn, and how we serve. MSOE’s top priority is serving our students. By joining our community, you are building the leaders of tomorrow.

Our Mission
MSOE is the university of choice for those seeking an inclusive community of experiential learners driven to solve the complex challenges of today and tomorrow. We are united by our six values—collaboration, excellence, inclusion, innovation, integrity, and stewardship—which represent the core of our campus culture. MSOE has embarked on an ambitious strategic plan, Extraordinary Together, that propels the institution forward. At MSOE, we are dedicated to promoting an academic environment marked by an unwavering respect for every individual.

Responsibilities

• Manage accounting, close processes, and financial reporting, including all supporting reconciliations and analyses.
• Maintain accurate financial records in accordance with GAAP and research/resolve accounting issues.
• Manage banking, accounts payable, and post-grant accounting and administration.
• Facilitate information flow by working collaboratively with other university departments.
• Recommend accounting and financial reporting improvements to use systems effectively and efficiently while maintaining a high level of accuracy and strong internal controls.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements and implement best practices in accounting operations.
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of policies and procedures for accounting, reporting, and financial operations.
• Maintain the accounting and financial operations system including set-up, testing, reporting, and assisting with issue resolution. Develop an understanding of related systems.
• Plan and manage external financial audits. Serve as the primary liaison to the external audit team and act as their point of contact with others across campus. Ensure required information, schedules, and financials are provided timely and accurately. Be proactive by engaging auditors on new initiatives, accounting, and policy changes. Stay current and comply with A-133 audit requirements.
• Plan and manage the preparation of the annual 990, 990-T, and other tax returns with the external tax provider. Ensure required information is provided timely and accurately and understood by the tax provider. Review, obtain approval, and file tax returns.
• Develop and lead a small high-performing team, including recruiting, training, and management. Develop and monitor organizational and individual goals and objectives. Contribute to employee professional development.
• Prepare various financial statements and reports required for regulatory agencies and others, both internal and external to the University (e.g., Higher Learning Commission, IPED’s Department of Education).
• Assist with debt compliance and S&P rating presentation.

This list of duties and responsibilities is not all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities as management may deem necessary from time to time.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting required.
• 5+ years of broad-based accounting experience required.
• Experience in supervising accounting and clerical staff required.
• Higher education and/or not-for-profit accounting experience preferred.
• Solid knowledge of accounting principles, financial reporting, and analysis. Must have experience in the preparation of complicated financial reports, such as cash flow statements and ratio analysis.
• Experience leading the development and implementation of new processes.
• Proficient with accounting ERP systems and Microsoft products.

Benefits

At MSOE, we invest in our employees’ professional and personal growth. MSOE offers competitive, fully comprehensive benefit plans to all full-time employees including:

• Medical, dental, life, disability, and vision insurance.
• 13 paid holidays, Paid Time Off, and paid parental leave.
• A 403(b) retirement plan with company matching of up to 6% of employee earnings and immediate vesting.
• Educational benefits for employees and family members.
• Access to our state-of-the-art fitness center at no charge.

Located in the heart of downtown Milwaukee, MSOE is just blocks away from the beautiful lakefront, the theater district, museums, sports and music venues, parks, and shopping.