Senior Manager, Accounting And Reporting

The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success of Howard University.Hiring staff "for fit" makes significant contributions to Howard University's overall mission.At Howard University, we prioritize well-being and professional growth.Here is what we offer:Health & Wellness:Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus mental health supportWork-Life Balance:PTO, paid holidays, flexible work arrangementsFinancial Wellness:Competitive salary, 403(b) with company matchProfessional Development:Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement pathsAdditional Perks:Wellness programs, commuter benefits, and a vibrant company cultureJoin Howard University and thrive with ushttps://hr.howard.edu/benefits-wellnessSUPERVISORY AUTHORITY:The Senior Manager will directly oversee an Accounting Manager, and two Senior Accountants.Provides direct supervision and leadership within the Financial Reporting Team.Oversees staff performance management, coaching, and professional development.Assist with team structure recommendations and recruitment efforts to ensure adequate coverage and expertise.NATURE AND SCOPE:Internal contacts include University executives, administrators, and employees across all divisions and departments.External contacts include independent auditors, vendors, and representatives from federal, state, and local regulatory agencies.PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:Lead the preparation and review of annual, quarterly, and monthly consolidated financial statements, stand-alone entity reports, and external financial surveys.Interpret and implement accounting standards; ensure compliance with GAAP, federal and state regulations, and University policies.Evaluate and implement new accounting standards, policies, and procedures to ensure successful adoption and compliance.Oversee technical accounting research, preparation of position papers, and recommendation to management regarding complex transactions.Maintain ongoing awareness of evolving accounting guidance and best practices relevant to higher education and not-for-profit organizations.Supervise and mentor staff through all phases of the financial reporting cycle, including reconciliations, disclosures, and analysis.Drive process improvements and automation initiatives to strengthen reporting accuracy and timeliness.Collaborate with General Accounting, Divisional Finance Leads, and other stakeholders to ensure consistent accounting treatment University-wide.CORE COMPETENCIES:Comprehensive understanding of U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), particularly for not-for-profit and higher education institutions.Strong analytical, research, and problem-solving skills; able to translate complex topics into clear, actionable recommendations.Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with attention to precision and clarity.Demonstrated leadership ability to manage, develop, and motivate professional staff.Ability to effectively collaborate across departments, balancing strategic priorities with operational demands.Proven ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a dynamic environment.Commitment to integrity, professional excellence, and continuous improvement.MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance required; Master's degree in Accounting, Finance or Business Administration strongly preferred.Certified Public Accountant (CPA) required.7+ years of progressive accounting and financial reporting experience, including at least two years in a supervisory or managerial capacity.Experience in public accounting (Big 4 or another top-tier firm) or higher education/nonprofit sector strongly preferred.Proven expertise in technical accounting research, policy implementation, and financial process improvement.Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills, with demonstrated success operating in a collaborative, matrixed environment.Compliance Salary Range Disclosure$140,000-$150,000