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; 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; coordinating with the Recharge Committee to monitor compliance with the university's recharge policy; 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; 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; knowledge of budget modeling, long-term forecasting, and data-driven decision support tools; understanding of risk assessment, control design, and audit trail documentation; advanced skills in Excel, ERP systems (e.g., Banner), and data visualization tools (e.g., Micro Strategy, Power BI); strong written and verbal communication; ability to draft reports, internal audit narratives, and policy documents clearly and accurately;

and high attention to detail and accuracy.

Preferred qualifications include a master's degree in related field; generally, 10+ years of fiscal management, audit coordination, or compliance experience with demonstrated exposure to F&A rate proposals, recharge center management, and bond compliance; progressively responsible accounting, auditing, or financial analysis experience in a higher education or government environment; understanding of federal tax-exempt bond regulations, DCAA (Defense Contract Audit Agency) audits, and internal control standards;

skilled in identifying financial…