Director, Financial Analysis & Cost Management Accounting

Director, Financial Analysis & Cost Management Accounting

The Director, Financial Analysis & Cost Management Accounting, is responsible for analyzing financial data, developing forecasts, and providing strategic insights to support business decisions within the Controller's Office. The position requires a strong background in financial modeling, cost accounting principles, internal control management, compliance mandates and data-driven decision-making. Position objectives are to prepare the triennial federal facilities and administrative (F&A) cost proposal, review and support the annual fringe benefit proposal, coordinate activities related to the university's recharge committee, provide leadership support and guidance on assigned fiscal initiatives and projects, manage invoicing and reporting for state-funded sponsored projects, support financial models to support forecasting and budgeting, and support debt facility compliance.

This position works collaboratively with key stakeholders on efforts that align with the needs and mission of the university. This position is an individual contributor supervising one position.

George Mason University provides a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that supports your well-being, financial security, and career growth. Highlights include: employer-supported retirement plans, tuition assistance for employees and dependents, generous paid leave, and access to professional development resources. Employees also benefit from wellness programs and services designed to promote work-life balance and overall health.

Responsibilities include supporting and working alongside other teams within Fiscal Services, as directed by supervisor, Associate Vice President and Controller, and Finance leadership on assigned fiscal projects/initiatives; supporting fiscal year-end close activities, including account reconciliations and state filings; creating and maintaining internal audit narratives that document and strengthen the control environment across the university; providing input and simulating complex financial models to support forecasting, budgeting, and strategic decision-making initiatives;

facilitating the university's triennial Facilities and Administrative (F&A) rate proposal by serving as contract administrator for the outside firm preparing the proposal and facilitating all aspects of data gathering for supporting the work of the contractor; providing analysis and feedback, including financial forecasts and models, to management and Space Committee on impact of internal decisions and external factors, such as regulatory changes;

reviewing proposal prepared by contractor for overall reasonableness and accuracy prior to submission to cognizant agency (ONR); reviewing annual fringe benefit proposal prepared in Fiscal Services for overall reasonableness and accuracy; supporting the DCAA audit of the proposal percentage allocated to the F&A function will be higher in years when proposal is due; coordinating with the Recharge Committee to monitor compliance with the university's recharge policy to include the following activities: reviewing annual analysis of recharge units;

reviewing submissions and following up with units as needed; working with units on any additional analysis needed for Budget and Planning Team review; working with units when a new recharge is established; ensuring units understand recharge policy; ensuring rate development is in compliance with OMB Uniformed Guidance; assisting units with initial processing of recharge; notifying the Office of Sponsored Programs when recharge rates that impact sponsored projects are revised;

assisting in monitoring and tracking the private business use of facilities financed with tax-exempt bonds to ensure adherence to institutional policies and federal tax-exempt regulations; supporting the review and analysis of private business use activities within bond-financed facilities and helping compile and maintain documentation such as leases, management contracts, sponsored research agreements, and other related agreements; participating in the annual private business use survey and reporting process and collaborating with internal departments and external parties to identify and report potential private use;

and maintaining comprehensive records to support audits and compliance reviews related to private business use.

Required qualifications include a bachelor's degree in related field or the equivalent combination of education and experience; 5 - 10 years of progressively responsible accounting, auditing, or financial analysis experience; familiarity with OMB Uniform Guidance, F&A (Facilities & Administrative) rate development, fringe benefit proposals, and recharge center compliance; thorough knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) requirements;

understanding of fiscal year-end close processes, audit preparation, and reconciliation methods;…