SUMMARY:

Reporting to the Vice President for Finance and Business Affairs, the Director of Accounting is responsible for supervising, organizing and directing all daily activities of the Accounting Office, General Accounting , and Grants & Contracts.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• The design and implementation of the University’s financial systems, month-end closings, all account and bank reconciliations, all external and internal financial reporting, the coordination and execution of the University’s external independent audit.
• Develop, implement and monitor accounting policies and procedures and all internal controls.
• Responsible for the establishment and maintenance of the University’s general ledger and all account code structure.
• Ensures timely and accurate processing of University transactions in accordance with regulations and requirements imposed by the Commonwealth of Kentucky, the Government Accounting Standards Board (“GASB”), the Board of Regents, Federal and State grantors and other external sources.
• Responsible for the processing of all disbursements for the University.
• Responsible for the reporting of all federal compliance returns and issued related to payroll, students and vendors.
• Responsible for the processing of all collection activities of the University.
• Responsible for the processing of transactions and makes recommendations for the University’s investment activities. Makes recommendations on all cash management programs and is responsible for all University cash accounts.
• Responsible for the processing of all transactions and accounting for all capital asset purchases and transactions, along with maintaining fixed asset records.
• Responsible for the accounting of and reporting of all federal and state grants and contracts, working with the various grant administrators.
• Responsible for the payments, accounting and reporting of all University debt requirements.
• Conducts projects, studies and analyses as assigned by the University’s Vice President of Finance & Business Affairs.
• Establishes and implements short- and long-range organizational goals, objectives, policies, and operating procedures; monitors and evaluates program effectiveness; effects changes required for improvement.
• Designs, establishes, and maintains staffing and an organizational structure to effectively accomplish the department function; recruits, employs, supervises and evaluates departmental staff; directs the implementation of management development, skills training, and safety and labor relations programs.
• Develops and manages annual budgets for the organization and performs periodic cost and productivity analyses.

MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting required; a master’s degree and/or CPA preferred.
• Five years of progressively more responsible accounting practice required, including supervisory responsibilities. Accounting experience in higher education, along with detailed knowledge of GASB regulations required.
• Strong analytical capabilities; excellent written, verbal, problem solving and communication skills; in-depth working knowledge of computerized accounting systems (SCT experience a plus); demonstrated track record as a team player; proven experience with Microsoft office suite product.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Ability to foster a cooperative work environment.
• Employee development and performance management skills.
• Knowledge of organizational structure, workflow, and operating procedures.
• Skill in examining and re-engineering operations and procedures, formulating policy, and developing and implementing new strategies and procedures.
• Knowledge of customer service standards and procedures.
• Ability to supervise and train staff, including organizing, prioritizing, and scheduling work assignments.
• Ability to make administrative/procedural decisions and judgments.
• Skill in budget preparation and fiscal management.
• Knowledge of equal opportunity and affirmative action programs.
• Strategic planning skills.
• Outstanding interpersonal and community relations skills and the ability to communicate and work effectively within a diverse community.
• Knowledge of financial/business analysis techniques.
• Ability to use independent judgment and to manage and impart information to a range of clientele and/or media sources.
• Ability to provide technical guidance and leadership to professional personnel in area of expertise.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL EFFORT:

• Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.
• No or very limited physical effort required.
• No or very limited exposure to physical risk.