Position Title:
Director of Financial Services
Position Type:
Regular
About the Role:
Northern Kentucky University seeks a collaborative and strategic
financial leader to serve as the Director of Financial Services
(University Accounting & Treasury Services). Reporting to the
Associate Vice President for Financial Services, this position is
responsible for overseeing the University's day-to-day accounting
and treasury operations, including general accounting, financial
reporting, treasury management, capital asset accounting, and
accounts payable.
The Director ensures the accuracy, integrity, and timeliness of the
University's financial records and reporting while maintaining
compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP),
Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) standards, and
applicable federal and state regulations. This position plays a
critical leadership role in the annual financial statement audit
process, development of financial policies and procedures,
implementation of accounting systems, and continuous improvement of
business processes.
The Director supervises accounting staff, partners closely with
stakeholders across the institution, and serves as a key advisor
and backup to the Associate Vice President for Financial
Services.
Primary Responsibilities
Financial Leadership & Oversight
- Provide leadership and supervision for accounting and treasury
services staff, including assigning work, establishing priorities,
evaluating performance, and fostering professional
development.
Ensure the integrity and accuracy of the University's
accounting records, financial transactions, and reporting
processes.
Review and approve journal entries, account reconciliations,
and other accounting transactions to ensure compliance with
University policies, GAAP, and GASB standards.
Oversee the University's accounts payable operations, ensuring
timely and accurate processing of payments and compliance with
applicable policies and procedures.
Financial Reporting & Compliance
- Lead the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual
financial reports.
- Coordinate and prepare the University's annual financial
statements and related disclosures.
- Manage year-end closing activities, including preparation of
closing entries, reconciliations, and audit schedules.
- Serve as the primary liaison with external auditors and
coordinate responses to audit requests.
- Monitor new GASB pronouncements and accounting requirements,
assess institutional impact, and implement changes necessary to
ensure compliance.
- Develop, maintain, and communicate accounting policies,
procedures, and internal controls.
Systems & Process Improvement
- Coordinate the development and enhancement of financial
accounting and reporting systems.
- Partner with Information Technology, Human Resources, Student
Financial Services, and other campus departments to support and
improve integrated financial systems.
- Act as a subject matter expert for financial systems, including
ERP and reporting tools.
- Identify opportunities to streamline processes, improve
efficiency, strengthen internal controls, and enhance financial
reporting capabilities.
External Reporting
- Coordinate the preparation, review, and submission of required
external reports, including but not limited to:
- FISAP
- IPEDS
- Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE) reporting
- Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR/CAFR)
- American Bar Association (ABA) reporting
- Management Information Reports (MIR)
- Other federal, state, and regulatory reporting
requirements
- Review activity and financial information from affiliated
entities, including foundations, when necessary for external
reporting purposes.
Strategic Support
- Provide financial expertise and guidance to University
leadership.
- Lead or participate in special projects and strategic
initiatives as assigned.
- Serve as backup to the Associate Vice President for Financial
Services.
Minimum Qualifications
- Master's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business
Administration, or a closely related field.
- Minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible
accounting, financial reporting, or treasury management
experience.
- Demonstrated supervisory or management experience.
- Experience preparing audited financial statements and
coordinating external audits.
- Strong knowledge of GAAP and GASB accounting standards.
Preferred Qualifications
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA) strongly preferred.
- Experience in higher education, governmental, or nonprofit
accounting.
- Experience with Workday, or similar enterprise financial
systems.
- Experience preparing regulatory and compliance reports in a
higher education environment.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Comprehensive knowledge of accounting principles, financial
reporting, treasury operations, and internal controls.
- Strong understanding of GAAP, GASB, and governmental accounting
practices.
- Exceptional analytical, organizational, and problem-solving
skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a
complex environment.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to build collaborative relationships across departments
and stakeholders.
- Demonstrated leadership and team development skills.
- High level of accuracy, attention to detail, and commitment to
compliance.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound
professional judgment.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and working knowledge
of Microsoft Office applications.
- Experience with Workday and financial reporting tools is
preferred.
Please attach a resume, cover letter and references.
Posted Salary:
Work Environment & Physical Demands: