Manager, Financial Reporting & Accounting

PAY GRADE: 32E

CONTEXT OF THE JOB:

Within University Finance, the Controller’s Office is responsible for maintaining the University’s financial accounting and reporting in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), FASB standards. The department ensures the accuracy and reliability of the University’s accounting records, prepares the consolidated financial statements, and supports audits, internal controls, and compliance reporting.

The Manager of Financial Reporting & Accounting provides management of the University’s external financial reporting, interim reporting, and key accounting functions. Under the direction of the Assistant Controller, the  Manager ensures the timely and accurate preparation of financial statements, oversees the coordination of audits, manages accounting and reporting processes, and supports initiatives to enhance transparency and efficiency across University Finance.

This position supervises a professional accountant and communicates with academic and administrative units across campus. The Manager plays a critical role in improving processes, maintaining compliance with accounting standards, and providing high-quality financial reporting.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

Financial Reporting & Audits

• Provide support of the preparation of the University’s annual audited consolidated financial statements, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and compliance with GAAP and FASB standards.
• Direct and review the development of audit workpapers and supporting documentation for the financial statements
• Partner closely with the Manager of Technical Accounting & Compliance and the Assistant Controller to resolve complex accounting questions, implement new reporting standards, manage audit deliverables, and prepare materials presented to the Audit Committee.

Interim Financial Reporting

• Manage the University’s quarterly interim financial reporting process, including the coordination and oversight of all required closing activities. Establish and manage reporting timelines to ensure the timely and accurate completion of interim reports and analyses.
• Conduct financial analyses to interpret interim results and identify significant variances.

Accounting Processes & Closes

• Manage the University’s monthly financial accounting and closing processes, ensuring accurate and timely recording of assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses.
• Lead the review and approval of monthly, quarterly, and annual closing entries, maintaining internal controls and documentation standards to support financial reporting. Oversee reconciliations, analyses, and journal entries to ensure that accounting activity is complete, consistent, and properly supported for both interim and year-end financial reporting and audit requirements.
• Drive continuous improvement in accounting operations by identifying and implementing opportunities to enhance efficiency, automate recurring processes, strengthen internal controls, and streamline workflows across financial systems.

State Appropriations Management

• Oversee the accounting, reporting, and annual audit of State of Delaware appropriations provided to the University. Manage staff responsible for requesting and recording monthly revenue draws from the State of Delaware and ensuring timely reconciliation of related bank activity.
• Collaborate closely with academic colleges and administrative units that spend state funds to ensure compliance with appropriation purposes. Lead the preparation of annual financial statements and supporting workpapers for the State of Delaware Appropriations Audit, coordinating with external auditors and state officials to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with applicable reporting standards.

Unclaimed Property & Escheat Compliance

• Oversee University-wide compliance with unclaimed property (escheat) laws and reporting requirements. Establish and maintain procedures to identify dormant property, including uncashed checks, credit balances, and other obligations.
• Supervise due diligence outreach to owners, ensure timely reporting and remittance to the appropriate states, and maintain complete documentation for audit and compliance purposes. Coordinate with Accounts Payable, Payroll, Student Accounts, Development, and Treasury to resolve exceptions and prevent recurrence.
• Monitor statutory changes, maintain an annual filing calendar, and coordinate with external auditors or consultants as needed to ensure ongoing compliance and risk mitigation.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required; Master’s degree or CPA certification preferred.
• Six years of progressive accounting and financial reporting experience, including at least three years in a supervisory or managerial role.
• Demonstrated experience in financial statement preparation, external audits, and compliance with GAAP and FASB standards.
• Experience in higher education or not-for-profit accounting preferred.

• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and financial ERP systems.
• Proven ability to interpret and communicate complex financial information to both financial and non-financial stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, develop, and mentor professional staff in a collaborative and performance-driven environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build partnerships and influence decision-making across organizational levels.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey financial concepts to diverse audiences.
• Proven capacity for strategic thinking, initiative, and accountability in managing complex projects and deadlines.