Associate Director, Accountancy

Job Description

POSITION OBJECTIVE

The Associate Director will work with the Accountancy faculty to develop and implement strategic initiatives especially related to undergraduate and graduate education.

This position will develop and market educational programs; and recruit, onboard, and provide continued support to students.

The associate director will maintain relationships with alumni of all Accountancy programs; develop and maintain relationships with external organizations and individuals critical to the successful employment of graduates.

The associate director will also have primary responsibility for core operational functions of the Accountancy department, working directly with the department chair and faculty director(s) of accountancy-based programs: operations, finances, and personnel management.

The associate director will be a primary point of contact for internal and external parties, utilizing knowledge of Accountancy professions, ethical standards, market needs, and key players.

The associate director will plan and direct a wide range of activities related to student success and will be familiar with all aspects of undergraduate and graduate Accountancy programs, recruiting events, and regularly scheduled alumni and professional events.

This position will direct Accountancy accreditation with the AACSB, and plan and direct department-focused committee, board, alumni, and faculty meetings.

The associate director will proactively stay abreast of changes in the professional market, and help the department¿s offerings stay fresh and relevant over time.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Develop and execute admission review criteria and methodology for post-graduate programs. Interview all prospective candidates; make initial admissions and financial aid decisions. (10%)
• Initiate, direct, and complete accreditation activities on a continual basis. Direct related faculty activities and reporting, and draft all required reports, working with the Weatherhead School of Management team to complete the school¿s accreditation, and ensure the two are in sync. (6%)
• Direct the creation and delivery of experiences and events for students in all Accountancy programs to enhance the quality of both the academic and overall student experience. Plan the incoming student orientations. Identify and promote additional experiences and opportunities to further enhance the student experience and professional development. (7%)
• Initiate and lead the regular updates of teaching schedules and course assignments, adjunct contracts, student expense reimbursements, department budgets, faculty reviews, and other critical operational functions. Coordinate faculty recruiting and development efforts. (10%)
• Anticipate, plan, coordinate, and direct as necessary internal meetings and department-level scheduling. This includes, but is not limited to the Accountancy Advisory Board, external speakers, Alumni gatherings, Accountancy Curriculum Committee, Accountancy PhD Committee, Accountancy Planning Committee, Accountancy Department meetings, and International Accountancy-based courses. (10%)
• Work closely with the Accountancy Advisory Board and faculty to identify industry needs and professional licensing requirements to continually enhance program offerings. Monitor professional news and literature for critical updates, working with marketing and other Weatherhead School of Management functions. (10%)
• Hire, train, and supervise graduate assistants who provide teaching, research, and support for faculty members and for the department director. This includes but is not limited to administration, processing of applications, coordinating student training, etc. (6%)
• Proactively identify student challenges with coursework, job-search, academic behavior and development. Work with faculty to resolve student academic and other issues. (6%)
• Independently counsel Accountancy students regarding course and program selection and class scheduling. Proactively support faculty in student advising processes. (10%)
• Maintain student records and direct department interactions with Case Western Reserve University division of Student Affairs, Weatherhead School of Management Graduate Student Success, Registrar, and other relevant student-support centers. (7%)
• Develop and maintain relationships with corporate stakeholders, donors, professional partners, and alumni for recruiting and engagement. (7%)

NON
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Proactively monitor and direct external communications through the Accountancy web site, department emails, etc. (5%)
• Support faculty with administrative functions, including but not limited to expense reimbursement, periodic classroom assistance. Educate faculty on the use of administrative technology and procedures when needed. (2%)
• Coordinate with Executive Education to identify needs and opportunities for Accountancy faculty to engage. (2%)
• Perform other duties as assigned. (2%)

CONTACTS

Department:

Frequent interaction with the Accountancy department chair and Post-Graduate Faculty Program Director(s); regular contact with department colleagues (e.g., coordinate and participate in departmental meetings).

University:

Moderate contact with other faculty and staff at Weatherhead; and occasional contact with Office of International Affairs, Registrar, Student Affairs, school/university leadership.

External:
Occasional contact with alumni, corporate partners, guests, and employers, representing the department.

Students:
Frequent interactions with students to coordinate their primary activities, and to provide assistance and counseling.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
Supervise undergraduate or graduate assistants assigned to various department support functions.

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience: 5 years of experience in a management setting, including some combination of student coordination and advising, team management, strategic planning, and operations.

Education:
Bachelor¿s degree, preferably in a management discipline.

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Appropriate level of understanding of undergraduate and graduate accounting curriculum and processes, including assisting in student course schedule construction.
• Ability to comfortably engage in professional settings with internal and external parties at all levels.
• Familiarity with student application processing and approval.
• Proven successful experience of managing programs and budgets.
• Experience conducting interviews of student candidates to assess soft skills and potential for admission to courses and programs of study at the undergraduate and graduate level.
• Comprehension of accountancy and general business hiring practices.
• Ability to think creatively, flexibly, and strategically, and act proactively with a high sense of commitment.
• Demonstrated ability to successfully manage multiple projects with tight deadlines, often with little supervision and with multiple and sometimes conflicting priorities.
• Sufficient management and analytical skills including the ability to interpret data, form reasonable conclusions, and formulate proactive plans to address issues and opportunities.
• Proficiency in office productivity software: Microsoft OneDrive, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; Google Calendar, Forms, and Drive. Must have a desire to learn new technology skills to enhance productivity of self and others.
• Excellent professional, communication, interpersonal and networking skills.
• Ability and willingness to handle confidential information with discretion.
• Ability to meet consistent attendance.
• Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors and customers face to face.

WORKING CONDITIONS
General office environment. In person during the school year, with hybrid over the summer. Occasional evenings and weekend hours are a part of this position¿s responsibilities on an as needed basis.

Hybrid Eligibility

This position is eligible for hybrid work arrangement up to two remote days per week at the discretion of the department.

New employees may begin a hybrid schedule upon approval from the supervisor, successful completion of an orientation period and signing the remote work checklist certification form.

Diversity Statement

In employment, as in education, Case Western Reserve University is committed to Equal Opportunity and Diversity. Women, veterans, members of underrepresented minority groups, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

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Reasonable Accommodations

Case Western Reserve University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the Office of Equity at to request a reasonable accommodation.

Determinations as to granting reasonable accommodations for any applicant will be made on a case-by-case basis.

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