Director of Accounting

Description

Stephens College is seeking a Director of Accounting to provide leadership and management to the accounting and financial reporting functions and processes of the College. This includes assuring compliance with all applicable Federal, State and College regulations and policies, management of the general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, student billing and collection functions, and oversees completion of tax filings (Forms 990, 990-T, 1099, 1098-T). The Director of Accounting manages a staff of three and reports to the Chief Financial Officer. This is a full-time, salaried, exempt staff position.

Responsibilities

• Ensures the accurate and timely processing of all accounting transactions and compliance with federal, state, and college regulations and policies and generally accepted accounting practices.
• Prepares periodic management and financial reports and surveys as required for internal and external users including senior management and regulatory agencies.
• Serves as the college's primary point of contact for external accounting and auditing entities. Manages the external audit calendar and coordinates with the external auditor.
• Prepares the annual financial statements of the College. Prepares documents in support of all audit activities.
• Maintains the subsidiary ledger (Fundriver) to account for all investment and endowment activity. Prepares the annual endowment distribution. Communicates available funding to Financial Aid and Advancement.
• Is actively engaged in the daily operations of the department, provides guidance, and is a direct contributor to the daily workflow and operations of the department. Reviews work products for accuracy and completeness. Assures the work for all accounting functions are completed timely.
• Develops and monitors cash flow analysis to support planning and management of college resources.
• Identifies and recommends policies and procedures related to the financial and business practices of the college. Plans and implements new operating procedures and information technology advances to improve service quality and efficiency of service delivery.
• Sets a standard of exemplary service to all customers; fosters and maintains positive relationships and works collaboratively with faculty, staff, and students.
• Develops and implements short- and long-range department goals consistent with college strategic directions and senior management directions.
• Takes functional leadership responsibility for accounting information systems (Great Plains), including the interface(s) from College’s Ellucian (student) system software and interfaces with other institutional systems, including e-commerce applications.
• Has signature authority for college documents.
  
  

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in accounting.
• Three (3) to five (5) years related accounting experience and one (1) to three (3) years progressive management experience and training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Knowledge of and demonstrated expertise in fund accounting, including state, federal and institutional fund accounts. Knowledge of FASB accounting rules in higher education.
• Must be able to: read, analyze, and interpret complex financial data; respond effectively to questions and prepare material in response to inquiries; make concise and effective presentations on complex topics; exercise judgment and discretion as well as handle confidential information.
• Must have previous experience using production accounting and reporting application(s) and production databases and possess excellent end user computer skills, including Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• The Director of Accounting must be able to step in and provide backup support in critical functions to meet and cover staff absences.
• Must be well-organized, flexible, and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
• MBA or master’s degree in related field.
• Previous experience working in higher education
• Previous experience with Great Plains.
• Previous experience using Ellucian.
  
  

Founded in 1833, Stephens College is the second-oldest women's college in the United States, dedicated to providing innovative, experiential, and career-focused education across various disciplines. Located in Columbia, Missouri, Stephens College continues to be a leader in women's education, fostering a community where students are empowered to lead, innovate, and excel. The college also provides flexible, co-educational master’s degrees and certificates for working professionals, and is home to a co-educational Conservatory for the Performing Arts.

Ranked (over and over again) as one of the best college towns in America, Columbia, Missouri, is home to 36,000+ college students and 118,000 residents. Columbia — conveniently located approximately 100 miles from both Kansas City and St. Louis — has it all: big-time college sports, film, music and arts festivals, a high-energy arts community, amazing recreation, and a great downtown with lots of places to eat, shop, snack and check out the latest bands. The Columbia community offers outstanding health care options, as well as excellent educational opportunities for every level of student (including our own Children’s School).

Stephens offers an attractive benefits package that includes health insurance, an Employee Assistance Program, Supplemental Retirement Annuity, Faculty/Staff Grants, tuition waivers and tuition paid undergraduate classes for dependents. Full-time staff work 36 hours and are paid for 40!!

Be a part of this amazing community of innovative thinkers, doers and dreamers.

Stephens is an Equal Opportunity Employer and will recruit and employ qualified personnel without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or status as a veteran.