Director of Financial Reporting

Posting Date:January 20, 2026

Position #:

# of positions: 1

LOCATION:

Bismarck, ND

TYPE OF APPOINTMENT:

This is a full-time, 12-month, benefited position in the 1000/Director job classification exempt/ not overtime eligible.

CLOSING DATE:

Applications received by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, February 8, 2026, will be given first consideration. Open until filled.

SALARY:

$125,000+ annual salary (dependent on experience and level of preparation), plus a competitive benefit package.

BENEFITS:

The North Dakota University System offers a competitive benefit package including a generous retirement plan and employer paid family health insurance, basic life insurance, sick leave, annual leave, employee tuition waiver, spouse/dependent tuition discount, and 10 paid holidays.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Deputy Commissioner/Chief Finance Officer, this position prepares the consolidated annual financial statements for the North Dakota University System; and, in cooperation with the campus Controllers and Chief Accountants, leads System accounting and auditing activities to ensure compliance with accounting, auditing, state and federal requirements.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with major in accounting
• Minimum of five years of professional accounting experience
• Knowledge of procedures and methods of a large accounting system
• Working knowledge of accounting and auditing principles, techniques, and the laws and regulations regarding accounting procedures, including interpreting and implementing GASB or FASB standards.
• Must be a self-starter, able to work and make decisions with minimal supervision
• Strong demonstrated interpersonal/communication skills (verbal and written)
• Demonstrated ability to work on multiple projects concurrently
• Possess strong and demonstrated computer software knowledge (i.e. Excel, Word).

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in related field
• CPA certificate
• Experience in a comparable position in post-secondary education
• Working knowledge of accounting and auditing principles, techniques, and the laws and regulations regarding accounting procedures, in higher education. Including interpreting and implementing GASB or FASB standards.
• Audit experience

Duties and Responsibilities

Financial Reporting (40%):

• Preparation and publish of the annual NDUS consolidated financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
• Provide timely and appropriate financial information and in-depth financial analysis for management and the board, as needed.
• In cooperation with the campus Controllers, develop, recommend and implement policies and procedures to ensure financial transactions are recorded and reported in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles across the NDUS.
• Maintain and update, as needed, the NDUS accounting manual on the NDUS website.
• Provide advice, guidance and assistance to campuses in preparation of their annual financial statements and on accounting and audit issues throughout the year.
• Prepare monthly bank reconciliation for NDUS System Office (NDUSO) cash account.
• Successfully implement new GASB accounting standards for the NDUS.

Audits (30%):

• Serve as primary liaison with State Auditor's Office and external auditors for the financial statement audit and NDUSO operations audit, maintain regular communication to resolve issues and identify process improvements on a timely basis.
• Prepare and coordinate responses to all NDUS financial statement and NDUSO operations audit recommendations. Update periodic status reports on implementation status.
• Serve as a reference to campuses on audit and internal control issues.
• Assist the campus Controllers when needed, to establish proper NDUS internal control procedures.

Financial Systems (5%):

• Assist the Director of Financial Systems with determining the impact on administrative systems of regulations and requirements imposed by external or internal parties.
• Participate in defining requirements and designing financial system solutions.
• Review and analyze administrative systems to recommend opportunities for greater efficiency and effectiveness.

Other (25%):

• Prepare the Annual Financial Review Report and present it to the SBHE Budget and Finance Committee.
• Coordinate the annual composite financial index (CFI) calculation with campus Controllers and review the completed CFI calculations.
• Provide periodic updates on emerging issues and educational briefs for campus Controller's/Chief Accountants.
• Review and analyze business processes to recommend opportunities for greater efficiency and effectiveness.
• Advise on accounting and internal control issues.
• Participate in regular professional development training to remain current on accounting and auditing standards.
• Identify opportunities for coordinated professional development and education for campus Controllers/Chief Accountants.
• Lead the institution-wide Controller committee monthly meetings, which includes preparing agendas, chairing meetings, coordinating work plans and work products.
• Serve on various other NDUS committees, as assigned.
• Present accounting and auditing policies, procedures and other issues, as necessary, to Commissioner's Cabinet, Administrative Affairs Council and State Board of Higher Education.
• Other special projects, as assigned.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

Applicants should apply online at and upload a cover letter specifically addressing the job qualifications, a current resume and names and email addresses of three professional references.

Applicants who are veterans and eligible to claim veteran's preference must include Form DD214 with the application for employment; claims for disabled veteran's preference must include Form DD214 and a letter less than one year old from the Department of Veterans' Affairs indicating disability; claims for preference as the eligible spouse of a disabled or deceased veteran must include Form DD214, a marriage certificate and a letter less than one year old from the Department of Veterans' Affairs indicating disability, or the veteran's death certificate. Due to access to restricted information, the successful candidate will be required to complete a satisfactory criminal background check.

Applicants must be eligible to work in the U.S. and I-9 employment certification is required at hire. There is no sponsorship available for this position.

Persons who may need additional job information or may require accommodation or assistance with the application or interview process should contact Jane Grinde at , or e-mail TTY Number

CONFIDENTIALITY OF APPLICATION MATERIALS: Pursuant to NDCC , applications and any records related to the applications that identify an applicant are exempt, except records related to the finalists of the position, which are open to the public after the search committee has identified the top three finalists.

EEO/AA STATEMENT: NDUS/Core Technology Services is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.

VETERAN'S PREFERENCE NOTICE: Veterans claiming preference must submit all proof of eligibility by the closing date. Proof of eligibility includes a DD-214 and if claiming disabled status, a current letter of disability from the VA dated within the last 12 months.

NO SMOKING NOTICE: As an employer, the State of North Dakota prohibits smoking in all places of state employment in accordance with N.D.C.C. §