Senior Director of Accounting

High Point University’s Finance and Accounting function is seeking a Senior Director of Accounting. The Senior Director of 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 Accounting Manager and team. This involves cash management, endowment accounting, fixed asset accounting, grant accounting, and all other general accounting functions, including all general ledger accounts. The Sr. Director of Accounting is responsible for the timely and accurate presentation of all financial accounting reports, tax filings, and miscellaneous other information returns required of High Point University. The Sr. Director of Accounting is also responsible for administering policies, guidelines, and procedures necessary to effectively manage the University’s resources; assisting with relations with internal management as they pertain to budgeting, accounting, and endowment management; and coordinating the University’s various audits. The Sr. Director of Accounting oversees all aspects of High Point University's financial accounting operations and works closely with the finance and accounting team on these matters.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education, Experience and Training:

• Master's degree with five or more years’ experience in finance and accounting. 
• CPA certification is required.

 

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 or other related software packages.
• Knowledge of general ledger setup and maintenance, fixed assets, contributions, and pledges receivable.
• 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 multitask, 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 courses of action.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Establishes accounting procedures compatible with the ERP System to facilitate all financial reports to conform to generally accepted accounting principles.
• Is responsible for the chart of accounts, general and subsidiary ledgers, and the timeliness and accuracy of the posting of accounting adjustments and journal entries.
• Approves and transmits wire transfers as needed.
• Responsible for the monthly and annual financial closings.
• Oversees the University Endowment accounting, 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; works with the 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.  Ensures 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 Finance and Accounting leadership to manage debt service requirements, covenants, and other banking relations.
• Completes all required financial statements or reports requested by federal, state, educational, institutional, or other agencies.
• Coordinates the year-end audit and ensures preparation of all year-ending work papers requested by the external auditors as itemized on their prepared-by-client (PBC) list.
• Ensures annual distribution of the 1042-s forms and filing of those returns with the IRS. 
• Oversees performance of additional monthly audits of the travel card program, which is administered within the office by the accountant serving as 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 assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

This position supervises the general accounting function within the Business Office

ACCOUNTABILITY:

As delegated by the Financial Affairs policies and procedures, the incumbent directs daily activities related to the monthly and year-end financial closings to ensure the financial statements accurately reflect the results of the University's monthly and annual financial operations.  The incumbent works closely with Finance and Accounting leadership to ensure compliance with University policies and with all federal and state regulations and laws. 

ACCOUNTABILITY:

For more information about this position, please contact Brian Shollenberger, Vice President for Financial Affairs and University Development at [email protected]