Director of Accounting - Sponsored Programs

Job Description

Embry-Riddle: Celebrating 100 Years of Leadership in Aviation and Aerospace

As Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University marks its Centennial, we proudly celebrate 100 years of advancing the future of flight and aerospace education. With vibrant residential campuses in Daytona Beach, FL, and Prescott, AZ — and a Worldwide network spanning nearly 120 global locations — Embry-Riddle stands as the world’s largest aviation and aerospace university.

For a century, we have led innovation in STEM education, serving more than 30,000 students around the globe. Our cutting-edge programs in Applied Science, Aviation, Business, Technology, Engineering, Safety, Security, and Space empower the next generation of leaders to shape the future of flight, exploration, and discovery.

As we launch our next century, we remain committed to excellence, innovation, and preparing graduates who will transform industries and redefine what is possible.

The Opportunity

The Director of Accounting – Sponsored Programs is responsible for overseeing financial reporting, compliance, and post-award accounting activities related to sponsored programs. This role has primary responsibility for preparing and submitting the University’s Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA) and State Projects to the U.S. Department of Education and the Florida Auditor General.

Reporting to the Associate Controller, this position develops, implements, and maintains policies, procedures, and internal controls to ensure compliance with Uniform Guidance, Office of Management and Budget (OMB) regulations, grant requirements, and applicable contracts. The Director will also serve as a key liaison between University Accounting and campus partners, including the Office of Sponsored Research Administration and Budget and Finance, promoting collaboration and consistent communication across departments.

This role supervises three accounting professionals (two Senior Accountants and one Staff Accountant) and is responsible for setting performance expectations, managing staff development, and fostering a high-performing team culture. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong leadership, communication skills, professionalism, integrity, and sound ethical judgment while serving as an ambassador for the Controller’s Office and the broader University community.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee post-award accounting and financial reporting for sponsored programs, including awards from federal agencies (e.g., NASA, NSF, FAA) and state agencies (e.g., Florida Department of Education).
• Prepare, review, and process journal entries related to sponsored program activity and general ledger accounts, ensuring accuracy, proper documentation, and audit readiness.
• Compile, analyze, and deliver monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports, reconciliations, and schedules for internal and external stakeholders.
• Lead, supervise, and develop accounting staff, including goal setting, performance management, coaching, training, and professional development.
• Hire, onboard, and manage performance of accounting team members.
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and service delivery for internal and external customers.
• Coordinate with the Associate Controller on internal and external audit requests and support the preparation of the SEFA and State Projects schedules, including related footnotes in accordance with GAAP and Uniform Guidance.
• Ensure compliance with applicable financial policies, governmental regulations, contracts, grant agreements, and accounting standards.
• Prepare technical accounting position papers as needed to support complex financial interpretations or decisions.
• Collaborate with the Office of Sponsored Research Administration on Workday system configuration, reporting, and best practices.
• Serve as a subject matter expert and liaison between Accounting, Sponsored Research, Budget and Finance, and other campus stakeholders.
• Perform other duties as assigned.