Manager, Accounting and Financial Reporting

Manager, Accounting and Financial Reporting
APU is seeking employees who desire to engage in our thriving culture by cultivating community through professional interactions, demonstrating a posture of lifelong learning, and modeling Christ-like character. Working together, employees at APU commit to establishing a university atmosphere that is pleasing to God and edifying to one another.

Under the direction of the Controller, the Manager, Accounting and Financial Reporting will be the primary person responsible for overseeing the financial activity of the University. Oversees the daily operations of the financial accounting services department, financial record-keeping, financial reporting, and related auditing functions to assure complete, accurate, and timely accounting and reporting of financial statements in accordance with GAAP and GASB/FASB standards, covenant guidelines, federal, state, county and district requirements. Supervises accounting staff, provides training, and evaluates performance. Ensures accurate and complete monthly balance sheet reconciliation. Oversees and directs all period-end closing activities including the review and approval of journal entries.

Required Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Accounting, and/or Finance required.
Master’s degree in Accounting, Master's in Business Administration, or CPA or equivalent professional experience preferred.

Required Experience

Three to seven years of accounting experience in a not-for-profit or higher education institution (fund accounting).
Two or more years of demonstrated skill in employee supervision.
Strong technical skills with the ability to query data.
Three or more years of hands-on experience and demonstrated knowledge of ERP systems; PeopleSoft Finance module preferred.
Understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and GASB/FASB standards.
Knowledge/Experience in preparing complex financial statements and reports; understanding and interpreting laws and rules; communicating effectively with others inside and outside the unit, including conveying complex and technical professional accounting information to non-accountants.

Primary Duties/Essential Functions Management

Manages a team of accountants and student workers.
Manages the Chart of Accounts for the University, establishing new codes and ensuring that fund/account combinations are appropriate. In partnership with the Budget Manager, upkeeps the account definitions for staff.
Ensures compliance with internal policies and external agencies (FASB, GAAP, etc.).
Effectively manages the period-end closing process including monitoring, reviewing, and verifying accounting transactions for accuracy, timeliness, and adequacy of supporting documentation.
Verifies the accuracy and validity of complex accounting transactions; prepares entries to correct accounting errors and performs regular reviews of daily journal entries.
Responsible for monthly and year-end closings.
Creates and maintains financial calendar to inform parties of necessary deadline adherence for the monthly, quarterly and yearly financial closings.
Oversees banking, cash management, investments, taxes, financial services accounting functions, and reconciliations.
Works closely with student financial services (SFS) on the drawdown of loan funds from various governmental agencies.
Serves as a resource for funding agencies and SFS to provide requested or required financial information and reports. Clarify or research issues as necessary.
Oversees research of outstanding reconciliation items ensuring that correcting entries are prepared.
Reviews monthly transactions recorded to the financial statements to ensure accurate reporting.
Monitors and ensures timely identification and compliance with evolving accounting guidance, providing GAAP, FASB, and GASB interpretation, particularly in regard to non-profit accounting.
Identifies actual or potential problems and performs corrective action.
Contribute in the development and documentation of business processes and accounting policies to maintain and strengthen internal controls, to ensure compliance with University policies and ensure staff adherence.
Participates in the design and installation of financial systems upgrades and required testing and verification of results; conducting extensive financial data compilation, querying, and drilling on large volumes of financial data.
Works with internal and external "customers” to ensure reasonable needs for information are met; inform and educate where appropriate.

Financial Reporting and Analysis

Performs analyses and reconciliations of financial information with data to ensure accuracy, compliance, and integrity of the financial information for reporting financial results, financial forecasts, and key business metrics.
Collaborates with developing and reporting cash flow and financial projections identifying key risks to meeting the University financial objectives and strategic goals.

Audit Support

Prepares for external audits; liaising with auditors to address complex accounting and related internal control challenges.
Assists with the preparation of the annual financial statement audit and external financial reports, such as Forms 990, together with related footnotes ensuring quality reporting and compliance with associated regulatory reporting and disclosure requirements.
Works closely with the accounting team to address any issues with coding of expenses and journal adjustments.
Evaluate the impact of new GASB/FASB accounting standards as it applies to financials and participate in planning and developing financial reporting tools/guides for implementing new standards.
Serves as the primary contact for financial reporting-related matters with their respective external auditors, as needed.
Assists in the review of the completion of corrective action plans for significant deficiencies arising from audits.

Other Duties

Provides ongoing financial reporting support and performs various complex related accounting and project management duties as assigned by supervisor and senior management, including ad hoc reporting and committee membership as needed.
Performs related duties as assigned and makes a positive contribution as demonstrated by making suggestions for business office process improvement, and learning new skills, procedures, and processes.
Coaches, mentors, motivates and encourages collaboration, and influences team members to take positive action and accountability for their assigned project work.
Completes special assignments, which include research activities over complex accounting problems/issues, as required.
Performs other duties related to the job description as assigned by the supervisor.

Skills

Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Strong analytical skills.
Excellent multi-tasking, presentation, and verbal communication skills.
Ability to query data from the database.
Ability to work with minimum supervision.
Ability to prioritize and multi-task various duties and projects for completion.
Ability to manage details and follow through.
Must be collaborative and an effective team member and business partner.

Mental Demands

Attention to detail, accuracy, and deadlines.
Ability to develop and document procedures.
Ability to work under pressure and demonstrate confidence in exercising independent judgment and discretion.
In agreement with the purpose and goals of Azusa Pacific University in providing a Christian-based higher education for its students.

Physical Demands

Intermittent sitting and standing, intermittent computer keyboard work.
Substantial repetitive motions with wrist, hand, and/or fingers, speaking, and active listening demands.
Ability to pull, push, bend, grasp, reach, and lift up to 20 lbs.

Visual Demands

Computer monitor, reading.

Environment

Fast-paced, multi-tasking, high production/busy office, comfortable temperatures.
At times multiple conversations occurring simultaneously.

Technologies

Proficient in Google Apps., Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Familiar with analytical tools including EXCEL.
PeopleSoft and Adaptive Insights are a plus.

Compensation

Grade 18: $98,456 to $113,225 is the annual salary for this role and reflects what Azusa Pacific University reasonably expects to pay for this position. Actual compensation may vary based on the qualifications, experience, and internal equity. In addition to compensation, APU offers a competitive benefits package.

Azusa Pacific University is a Christ-centered, multicultural community that values and seeks faculty and staff who are committed to diversity, work effectively with diverse populations, and engage others in ways that honor our rich cultural mosaic and biblical foundation.

Azusa Pacific University will conduct a background check and credit check on all final candidates.
Review of applications will begin immediately, and the position will remain open until filled unless otherwise stated. Azusa Pacific University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.

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