Director of Accounting

Join Milwaukee School of Engineering as our Director of Accounting
, where operational leadership meets hands‑on financial excellence. In this pivotal role, you will drive the integrity, accuracy, and efficiency of the institution’s financial operations and compliance processes; be a trusted partner to academic and administrative leaders; and lead a passionate and dedicated accounting team. This role offers the unique opportunity to combine hands‑on technical expertise with collaboration and leadership. If you thrive in a mission‑driven environment and are passionate about improving processes, supporting institutional success, and driving and developing your team, this is your opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

MSOE invites applications for a full‑time Director of Accounting to join our Finance team! The Director of Accounting leads accounting, financial operations, and financial reporting for the university. The Director serves as the liaison to academic and staff department leaders to analyze and interpret financial health while also driving operational efficiency and financial integrity through the leadership of the accounting function and staff.

• Manage accounting, close processes, and financial reporting, including all supporting reconciliations and analyses. Manage all aspects of the general ledger. Maintain accurate financial records in accordance with GAAP and research/resolve accounting issues.
• Manage financial operations including banking, accounts payable, and post‑grant accounting and administration. Facilitate information flow by working collaboratively with other university departments.
• Recommend accounting and financial reporting improvements to use systems effectively and efficiently while maintaining a high level of accuracy and strong internal controls. Identify opportunities for process improvements and implement best practices in accounting operations.
• Develop, implement, document, and maintain policies and procedures for accounting, reporting, and financial operations.
• Maintain the accounting and financial operations system including set‑up, testing, reporting, and assisting with issue resolution. Develop an understanding of related systems.
• Plan and manage external financial audits. Serve as the primary liaison to the external audit team and act as their point of contact with others across campus. Ensure required information, schedules, and financials are provided timely and accurately. Be proactive by engaging auditors on new initiatives, accounting, and policy changes. Stay current and comply with A‑133 audit requirements.
• Plan and manage the preparation of the annual 990, 990‑T, and other tax returns with the external tax provider. Ensure required information is provided timely and accurately and understood by the tax provider. Review, obtain approval, and file tax returns.
• Develop and lead a high‑performing team, including recruiting, training, and management. Develop and monitor organizational and individual goals and objectives. Contribute to employee professional development.

• Prepare various financial statements and reports required for regulatory agencies and others, both internal and external to the University, i.e. Higher Learning Commission, IPED’s Department of Education, etc.
• Assist with debt compliance and S&P rating presentation.

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting required.
• 5+ years of broad‑based accounting experience required.
• Experience in supervising accounting and clerical staff required.
• Higher education and/or not‑for‑profit accounting experience preferred.
• Extensive knowledge of accounting principles, financial reporting, and analysis. Must have experience in the preparation of complicated financial reports, such as cash flow statements and ratio analysis.
• Experience leading the development and implementation of new processes.
• Proficient with accounting ERP systems and Microsoft products.

At MSOE, we invest in our employees’ professional and personal growth. MSOE offers competitive, fully comprehensive benefit plans to all full‑time employees including medical, dental,…