Associate Director of Accounting

About the role

Join Milwaukee School of Engineering as our Associate Director 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 passionate and dedicated accounting team. This role offers the unique opportunity to combine hands-on technical expertise with collaboration and leadership.

Responsibilities

• Manage accounting, close processes, and financial reporting, including all supporting reconciliations and analyses.
• Manage all aspects of the general ledger.
• Maintain accurate financial records in accordance with GAAP and research/resolve accounting issues.
• Manage financial operations including 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.
• Develop, implement, document, and maintain 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 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, i.e. Higher Learning Commission, IPED’s Department of Education, etc.
• Assist with debt compliance and S&P rating presentation.

Qualifications

• 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.
• Extensive 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.