Senior Director of Investment Accounting

A humble college founded before Texas was a state, Baylor now stands as one of the premier institutions of higher education in the world. Baylor has continued to invest in research and doctoral education, both solidifying and elevating its unique status as a preeminent Christian research university. Baylor is among 187 R1 institutions, just 52 of which are private universities.

Since 2011, Baylor has been named as one of the nation's 'Great Colleges to Work For'. Great Colleges to Work For is one of the country's largest and most respected workplace recognition programs. Each year, Great Colleges recognizes the colleges and universities that get top employee ratings regarding workplace practices and policies across 10 areas. This recognition is based on faculty and staff responses to a related annual survey. The survey, conducted by ModernThink, is a way for colleges and universities to gain a deeper understanding of how their employees experience and view various aspects of the institution. This continued recognition further affirms Baylor as a rewarding place to build a career.

What We're Looking For

Baylor University's Controller's Office is seeking a Senior Director of Investment Accounting to join the team. As the Senior Director of Investment Accounting, you will be responsible for providing leadership, integrity and oversight of the University's investment accounting and reporting functions. This role ensures accurate accounting, valuation, reporting, and compliance for the University's endowment, operating investments, split-interest agreements, and other invested assets. The Senior Director will work closely with the Investment Office, external investment managers, custodians, and auditors to ensure transparent and compliant financial reporting in accordance with U.S. GAAP, donor restrictions, and higher education regulatory requirements. This position requires deep expertise in Fair Value Measurements (ASC 820) and a strong understanding of endowment accounting and complex investment vehicles as well as high ethical standards and a fiduciary mindset.

A bachelor's degree in finance, accounting or a related field, a CPA and 7 years of experience are required. A master's degree and 10 or more years of relevant experience is preferred.

The successful candidate will exhibit the following skills, abilities and other characteristics:

• Strong technical accounting expertise, including experience with complex investment vehicles and endowment accounting
• Exceptional analytical ability with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and perform effectively under pressure, both independently and collaboratively
• Capacity to build effective working relationships across all levels of the organization
• Sound judgment, professionalism, and the ability to manage sensitive information with strict confidentiality
• Clear and effective written and verbal communication skills
• Professionalism, tact, and diplomacy when navigating complex or sensitive situations with diverse stakeholders
• Prior experience in nonprofit, college, or university environments preferred

Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States on a Full-Time basis.

What You Will Do

• Direct the accounting for the University's non-operating funds, including preparation and review of journal entries and oversight of investment reporting (monthly endowment balances, analyses and changes, annuity trial balance, and restricted non-scholarship trial balance reports)
• Conduct the review, analysis, reconciliation and correction of transactions and balances in the nonoperating accounts
• Oversee the University's compliance with endowment and annuity agreements
• Maintains endowment distribution schedules in accordance with donor agreements, provides book and market values, distributions, and expenditures to Advancement for annual donor reporting, and performs secondary review and approval of journal entries as needed
• Oversee brokerage account and determining/communicating gift value for stock gifts
• Development and implementation of effective control procedures and adequate documentation
• Directs the University's investment accounting and reporting functions, including maintaining close collaboration with the Investment Office, overseeing preparation of investment journal entries and receipts, and reviewing or preparing investment allocation reports
• Coordinate investment accounting activities with the University Investment Office, external investment managers, and bank trust departments, including monthly reconciliations, fund transmittals and distributions, recording account activity, and oversight of statement adjustments
• Prepare and/or coordinate, review and approve monthly market value adjustments to sub-fund report, investment manager reports, bank trust statements, stock, bond, and real estate holdings
• Development and implementation of effective control procedures and adequate documentation
• Periodically review investment statements to verify proper accounting and financial statement disclosure
• Oversee calculation and recording of endowment and investment earnings for budgeting and planning, including maintaining the endowment model and dividend calculations, projecting distributions for endowment and endowed chair accounts, coordinating account listings, and communicating projections to the Budget Office, Financial Aid, Provost, and academic business offices
• Oversee and/or prepare audit workpapers and financial statement footnotes for endowment and investments, and coordinate investment accounting matters with external auditors
• Track and provide endowment and investment information related to various sections of Form 990
• Perform all other duties as assigned to support the Controller's Office as well as Baylor's mission
• Ability to comply with University policies
• Maintain regular and punctual attendance

What You Can Expect

As part of the Baylor family, eligible employees receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, generous time off, tuition remission, and outstanding automatic retirement contributions. Baylor has a comprehensive benefits plan that supports you and your family's wellbeing and allows you to be a part of the life of a vibrant and active college campus. To learn more, go to Baylor Benefits & Advantages.