Manager of Financial Accounting

The Manager of Financial Accounting administers accounting and control procedures to ensure compliance with generally accepted accounting principles; plans, organizes, coordinates and controls the services and activities of the Senior (2) and Financial (2) Accountants including cash management, endowment, fixed asset, grant and all other general accounting functions. The Manager of Financial Accounting is responsible for the timely and accurate presentation of all financial accounting reports, tax filings & reports, corporate and some other information returns required of High Point University. The Manager of Financial Accounting is also responsible for the administration and establishment of policies, guidelines, procedures and other management decisions necessary to effectively manage the University’s resources; assist in relations with internal management with responsibilities pertaining to budgeting, accounting, endowment management, and other activities; coordinates all of the University’s audits; prepares financial reports, summaries and forecasts. The Manager of Financial Accounting is involved in all aspects of the financial accounting operation of High Point University and works closely with the Vice President for Financial Affairs in all aspects of the accounting operation.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education, Experience and Training:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting with seven or more years of experience, preferably in higher education or the non-profit field. 
• CPA certification or Master Degree in Accountancy preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, Ability:

• Knowledge of accounting systems and general accounting principles, GAAP and FASB pronouncements, U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance - formerly known as Circular A-133), Department of Education Title IV and other Federal and State loan programs, NCAA agreed upon procedures, and tax guidelines related to administering the payroll function and the University’s tax reporting requirements (990).
• Knowledge and ability to utilize the Internet, Microsoft Office software, E-Commerce and ERP software such as Ellucian-Datatel/Banner or Workday or a related higher education software package.
• Knowledge of general ledger setup and maintenance, fixed assets, contributions and pledges receivable.
• Knowledge and ability to utilize internal systems such as Unimarket or other online purchasing systems, Perceptive Content, BudgetTracker/Clarity, Entrinsik Informer and Blackboard/Blackboard Reporting System.
• Knowledge of UPMIFA for assistance in administration of the endowment.
• Knowledge of DOL rules and regulations for the University’s Retirement Plan monitoring and compliance.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Effective communication skills and ability to work both independently and as a team. 
• Strong organizational and time management skills including the ability to multi-task, prioritize competing work responsibilities and meet deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with internal and external personnel.
• Ability to work confidently and competently under tight deadlines.
• Ability to quickly analyze situations, consider alternatives, and take appropriate course of action.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Train and supervises office staff to perform all accounting job responsibilities. Assign and schedule work of four accountants (two Senior Accountants and two Financial Accountants); monitors work performance for accuracy and completeness to ensure compliance with established policies.
• Establishes accounting procedures compatible with the ERP System to facilitate all financial reports to conform to generally accepted accounting principles.
• Shared responsibility with the Assistant Vice President for Business Services and VPFA for the chart of accounts, general and subsidiary ledgers, and the timeliness and accuracy of the posting of accounting adjustments and journal entries. Approve journal entries of direct reports.
• Approves and transmits wire transfers as needed.
• Responsible for the monthly and annual financial closings, production of the related monthly financial reports and variance analysis, and annual Audited Financial Statements.
• Oversees the University Endowment including monitoring endowment deposits, ensuring transfers to the Endowment Investment Managers are done on a timely basis, and reviewing periodic performance reports.
• Oversees monthly and quarterly financial aid reconciliations prepared by the Accountants; work with Financial Planning Office to process return of funds as needed.
• Coordinates management of Federal Title IV and Federal Loan programs through the e-grants Department of
  Education website.  Ensure reconciliation of activity with the general ledger and preparation of the financial portions of the annual FISAP report submitted electronically by the Office of Financial Planning. Responsible for the coordination and approval of work papers required for the annual financial aid Uniform Guidance Audit Report. 
• Ensures the Financial Planning and Institutional Advancement offices are provided annual restricted scholarship award levels.
• Works with the VPFA to manage debt service requirements, covenants, and other banking relations.
• Assists the VPFA and Budget Manager in the preparation and administration of the annual budget.
• Completes all required financial statements or reports requested by federal, state, educational, institutional, or other agencies.
• Coordinates the year-end audit and ensure preparation of all year-ending work papers requested by the external auditors as itemized on their prepared by client (PBC) list.
• Prepares Annual Form 990 & 990T income tax returns, ensure annual distribution of the 1042 forms and filing of those returns with the IRS. 
• Works with the Budget Manager and/or VPFA in performing various financial or budget analyses in the areas of revenue planning, capital expenditures, investments and cash flow budgeting.
• Performs travel card audits of Vice Presidents and Associate/Assistant Vice Presidents directly.
• Oversees performance of additional monthly audits of the travel card program which is administered within the office by the accountant serving the role of internal auditor.
• Serves as the Financial Accounting ERP system liaison representative.
• Ad hoc reporting as needed for departments and executive management.
• Performs other duties as the VPFA or SVPBA may assign.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

This position provides for the administration, management and control of the functions of the Financial Accounting operation including responsibility for accounting, tax return preparation and all internal and external financial reports. 

This position supervises two Senior Accountants and two Financial Accountants. Assistance is provided with the supervision of the Payroll function as needed.

ACCOUNTABILITY:

As delegated by the Financial Affairs policies and procedures, the incumbent directs daily activities related to the monthly and year-end financial closings, in order for the financial statements to reflect accurately the results of the monthly and annual financial operations of the University.  The incumbent works closely with the Vice President for Financial Affairs to ensure compliance with University policy and with all federal and state regulations and laws. 

CONTACT INFORMATION:

For more information about this position, please contact Brian Shollenberger, Assistant Vice President for Accounting at [email protected]