Manager of General Accounting

Manager of General Accounting

The Manager of General Accounting provides leadership and oversight for the university's central general accounting function, ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and compliance of financial operations in support of a comprehensive research institution. Reporting to the Director of General Accounting, this position manages operation of the central accounting system, ad hoc financial reporting, internal controls, reconciliations, other financial systems, and month-end and fiscal year-end close activities.

The Manager leads a team responsible for core accounting processes, financial systems administration, and user support, while partnering with departments across the university to improve processes, implement technology solutions, and ensure compliance with GAAP, state regulations, and university policies.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the university's general accounting operations, ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and timeliness of financial reporting and accounting activities.
• Evaluate and strengthen internal controls to safeguard university assets and ensure the reliability of financial information.
• Oversee month-end and fiscal year-end close processes, establishing processing schedules and ensuring timely completion of all accounting activities.
• Analyze financial processes and system integrations to ensure transactions are recorded in accordance with GAAP, state requirements, and university policies.
• Direct the reconciliation of university financial records to state accounting records, bank accounts, and other key financial systems.
• Oversee the accurate posting and reconciliation of university receipts and monitor accounting activity to support complete and accurate financial reporting.
• Lead financial system initiatives, including testing, implementation, and continuous improvement of Banner Finance and related financial applications.
• Develop, implement, and communicate accounting policies, procedures, and best practices to support consistent financial operations across the university.
• Produce and analyze ad hoc financial reports to support university leadership and departmental decision-making.
• Manage and develop a team of accounting professionals, including two direct supervisors overseeing financial systems access, Banner Finance support, training, journal entry audits, daily batch processing, and monthly/quarterly/annual close and reconciliation activities.
• Ensure effective administration of Banner Finance, Hokie Mart, and related financial systems, including user security, access management, and functional support.
• Collaborate with university departments, Information Technology, and state agencies to resolve accounting issues, improve business processes, and support strategic financial initiatives.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, customer service, collaboration, and professional development within the General Accounting team.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Significant professional accounting experience, including leadership or supervisory responsibilities.
• Considerable knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), accounting standards, and financial reporting practices.
• Considerable knowledge of accounting operations, internal controls, and financial management processes, particularly within an automated enterprise environment.
• Working knowledge of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, fund accounting, and integrated financial systems.
• Advanced proficiency in spreadsheet applications, data analytics, and financial reporting tools, with the ability to analyze large and complex data sets and present results effectively.
• Demonstrated analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills with the ability to identify issues, evaluate alternatives, and implement effective solutions.
• Demonstrated ability to design, evaluate, and strengthen internal control systems to ensure financial transactions are accurate, efficient, compliant, and properly safeguarded.
• Demonstrated ability to develop, implement, and continuously improve accounting policies, procedures, automated workflows, and business processes that support efficient financial operations.
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing teams, leading organizational or technology initiatives, and fostering employee development and accountability.
• Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal, and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate complex financial information to diverse audiences and build collaborative relationships across a decentralized organization.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, lead projects, and meet critical deadlines in a complex, highly regulated environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license or other relevant professional accounting certification.
• Experience working with Banner…