Director of Accounting
About the Department
Since its origins in 1890 as one of the three main divisions of the University of Chicago, the University of Chicago Press has embraced as its mission the obligation to disseminate scholarship of the highest standard and to publish serious works that promote education, foster public understanding, and enrich cultural life. Through our books and journals, we seek not only to advance scholarly conversation within and across traditional disciplines but, in keeping with the University of Chicago's experimental tradition, to help define new areas of knowledge and intellectual endeavor.
About the Role
Supervising two other accountants and an accounts payable clerk, the Director of Accounting will oversee all aspects of Press operating statement and balance sheet activities for all three divisions: Books, Journals, and the Chicago Distribution Center. These include but are not limited to, recording and posting monthly revenue and expense journal entries, billing entries, tax obligations, banking activities, and balance sheet reconciliations. Under the immediate supervision of the CFO, the Accounting Director will also oversee the work of two accountants and the clerk for accounts payable – and will work closely with the Journals Division Financial Administrator.
Responsibilities
- Oversee all monthly posted revenue and expense journal entries.
- Approve requisitions and purchase orders.
- Oversee monthly operating statement creation.
- Oversee and review distribution center statement creation and distribution.
- Manage Press Bank3 Northern Trust bank account.
- Advise on posting external vendor monthly sales to CISPUB.
- Manage oversight of sales tax filing and payment.
- Ensure that the Press's accounts receivable (A/R), accounts payable (A/P), and cash transactions – deposits, refunds, chargebacks, etc. - are accurate and that all activity is properly accounted for on the various internal systems and University ledgers – and are reconciled on a monthly basis.
- Responsible for annual University audit workpaper efforts concerning balance sheet account reconciliations.
- Manages professional staff. Establishes performance goals, allocates resources and assesses policies for direct subordinates.
- Advises and monitors accounting policies and controls, fiscal controls, preparing financial reports and safeguarding assets.
- Other tasks as assigned by the CFO.
Qualifications
- College or university degree in related field.
- 7+ years of work experience in a related job discipline.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree.
- CPA.
- Accounting experience.
Preferred Competencies
- Exceptional general computer spreadsheet and mathematical skills.
- Familiarity with Oracle.
- Work in detail with very large reports and spreadsheets.
- Ability to become familiar with multiple computer systems and technologies.
- Ability to work independently and over time to work with minimal supervision.
- Excellent organizational skills.
Working Conditions
- Using a PC for long periods of time.
- Hybrid work environment available.
Pay
$102,000.00 - $132,000.00
Schedule
Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40
Benefits
Benefits eligible. The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off.
Application Documents
- Resume (required)
- Cover Letter (preferred)