Manager, Financial Reporting & Accounting

The Manager of Financial Reporting & Accounting within University Finance is responsible for:

• Supporting the preparation of the University’s annual audited consolidated financial statements.
• Directing and reviewing the development of audit workpapers and supporting documentation for the financial statements.
• Partnering with the Manager of Technical Accounting & Compliance and the Assistant Controller to resolve complex accounting questions, implement new reporting standards, manage audit deliverables, and prepare materials for the Audit Committee.
• Managing the University’s quarterly interim financial reporting process, including coordination and oversight of all required closing activities.
• Conducting financial analyses to interpret interim results and identify significant variances.
• Overseeing the University’s monthly financial accounting and closing processes, ensuring accurate and timely recording of assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses.
• Led the review and approval of monthly, quarterly, and annual closing entries, maintaining internal controls and documentation standards to support financial reporting.
• Driving continuous improvement in accounting operations by identifying and implementing opportunities to enhance efficiency, automate recurring processes, strengthen internal controls, and streamline workflows across financial systems.

Additionally, this position oversees:

• The accounting, reporting, and annual audit of State of Delaware appropriations provided to the University.
• Staff responsible for requesting and recording monthly revenue draws from the State of Delaware and ensuring timely reconciliation of related bank activity.
• Collaboration with academic colleges and administrative units that spend state funds to ensure compliance with appropriation purposes.
• The preparation of annual financial statements and supporting workpapers for the State of Delaware Appropriations Audit, coordinating with external auditors and state officials to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with applicable reporting standards.

Furthermore, the Manager is responsible for:

• Overseeing University-wide compliance with unclaimed property (escheat) laws and reporting requirements.
• Establishing and maintaining procedures to identify dormant property, including uncashed checks, credit balances, and other obligations.
• Supervising due diligence outreach to owners, ensuring timely reporting and remittance to the appropriate states, and maintaining complete documentation for audit and compliance purposes.
• Coinciding with Accounts Payable, Payroll, Student Accounts, Development, and Treasury to resolve exceptions and prevent recurrence.
• Monitoring statutory changes, maintaining an annual filing calendar, and coordinating with external auditors or consultants as needed to ensure ongoing compliance and risk mitigation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required; Master’s degree or CPA certification preferred.
• Six years of progressive accounting and financial reporting experience, including at least three years in a supervisory or managerial role.
• Demonstrated experience in financial statement preparation, external audits, and compliance with GAAP and FASB standards.
• Experience in higher education or not-for-profit accounting preferred.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and financial ERP systems.
• Prowess in interpreting and communicating complex financial information to both financial and non-financial stakeholders.
• Proven ability to lead, develop, and mentor professional staff in a collaborative and performance-driven environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build partnerships and influence decision-making across organizational levels.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey financial concepts to diverse audiences.
• Proven capacity for strategic thinking, initiative, and accountability in managing complex projects and deadlines.