Manager of General Accounting

About the role

The Manager of General Accounting provides leadership and oversight for the university's central general accounting function, ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and compliance of financial operations in support of a comprehensive research institution. Reporting to the Director of General Accounting, this position manages operation of the central accounting system, ad hoc financial reporting, internal controls, reconciliations, other financial systems, and month-end and fiscal year-end close activities.

The Manager leads a team responsible for core accounting processes, financial systems administration, and user support, while partnering with departments across the university to improve processes, implement technology solutions, and ensure compliance with GAAP, state regulations, and university policies.

Responsibilities

• Lead the university's general accounting operations, ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and timeliness of financial reporting and accounting activities.
• Evaluate and strengthen internal controls to safeguard university assets and ensure the reliability of financial information.
• Oversee month-end and fiscal year-end close processes, establishing processing schedules and ensuring timely completion of all accounting activities.
• Analyze financial processes and system integrations to ensure transactions are recorded in accordance with GAAP, state requirements, and university policies.
• Direct the reconciliation of university financial records to state accounting records, bank accounts, and other key financial systems.
• Oversee the accurate posting and reconciliation of university receipts and monitor accounting activity to support complete and accurate financial reporting.
• Lead financial system initiatives, including testing, implementation, and continuous improvement of Banner Finance and related financial applications.
• Develop, implement, and communicate accounting policies, procedures, and best practices to support consistent financial operations across the university.
• Produce and analyze ad hoc financial reports to support university leadership and departmental decision-making.
• Manage and develop a team of accounting professionals, including two direct supervisors overseeing financial systems access, Banner Finance support, training, journal entry audits, daily batch processing, and monthly/quarterly/annual close and reconciliation activities.
• Ensure effective administration of Banner Finance, HokieMart, and related financial systems, including user security, access management, and functional support.
• Collaborate with university departments, Information Technology, and state agencies to resolve accounting issues, improve business processes, and support strategic financial initiatives.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, customer service, collaboration, and professional development within the General Accounting team.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Significant professional accounting experience, including leadership or supervisory responsibilities.
• Considerable knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), accounting standards, and financial reporting practices.
• Considerable knowledge of accounting operations, internal controls, and financial management processes, particularly within an automated enterprise environment.
• Working knowledge of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, fund accounting, and integrated financial systems.
• Advanced proficiency in spreadsheet applications, data analytics, and financial reporting tools, with the ability to analyze large and complex data sets and present results effectively.
• Demonstrated analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills with the ability to identify issues, evaluate alternatives, and implement effective solutions.
• Demonstrated ability to design, evaluate, and strengthen internal control systems to ensure financial transactions are accurate, efficient, compliant, and properly safeguarded.
• Demonstrated ability to develop, implement, and continuously improve accounting policies, procedures, automated workflows, and business processes that support efficient financial operations.
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing teams, leading organizational or technology initiatives, and fostering employee development and accountability.
• Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal, and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate complex financial information to diverse audiences and build collaborative relationships across a decentralized organization.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, lead projects, and meet critical deadlines in a complex, highly regulated environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license or other relevant professional accounting certification.
• Experience working with Banner Finance or another large Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system in a complex organizational environment.
• Knowledge of higher education financial operations, fund accounting, and university financial and academic policies and procedures.
• Experience in a higher education institution or a similarly large, decentralized public or private organization.
• Demonstrated experience developing, implementing, and communicating financial policies, procedures, and internal controls that promote compliance and operational effectiveness.
• Experience leading financial systems enhancements, technology implementations, or process automation initiatives.
• Demonstrated proficiency with business intelligence and data visualization tools, such as Strategy, Power BI, or similar reporting platforms.
• Experience using data analytics to support financial reporting, operational decision-making, and continuous process improvement.
• Experience leading cross-functional projects and collaborating with stakeholders to improve financial processes and customer service.

Pay

Salary range of $95,000 - $98,000

Schedule

40 hours per week

Overtime Status: Exempt (Not eligible for overtime)

Appointment Type: Regular

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College.

The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.