GASB Project Manager

Project Manager

The primary role of a Project Manager is to manage GASB technical projects—ranging in scope and complexity from narrow practice issues to significant areas of guidance—from inception to issuance of authoritative literature (for example, Statements of Governmental Accounting Standards). A Project Manager also may manage research activities, post-implementation reviews (PIRs), and functional activities as assigned by the Director of RTA. A Project Manager is able to lead technically demanding and difficult projects and research activities with support from the Director of RTA and the Assistant Directors (senior staff).

In carrying out the responsibilities of this position, the Project Manager is expected to (a) plan and meet the project timetable (project plan); (b) provide high quality analysis of issues for the Board; (c) effectively communicate with Board members, staff, and stakeholders; and (d) effectively lead, motivate, and develop other technical staff assigned to the project.

The Project Manager is responsible for managing the decision-making process at the GASB on the projects assigned. This requires leadership of ideas, thoughts, recommendations, and discussion with Board members. This also requires an ability to be persuasive and to work with Board as a group and individually. The Project Manager is accountable to the Director of RTA, but on technical projects, research activities, and PIRs will work under the supervision of the Assistant Director(s).

Planning and Completion of Work

• Develop, with senior staff guidance, the proposed research, project, or PIR plan, recommend how the plan would be implemented, and manage the approved plan.
• Direct activities of staff team in making appropriate use of the knowledge and expertise of its members.
• Complete research, project, or PIR in accordance with plan. Update the plan informally on a real-time basis and formally three times a year and promptly advise the senior staff of any possible changes in the scope of the research or project or any delays in meeting milestones and reasons thereof.
• Comply with research, project, and PIR management policies and procedures described in the GASB RTA Manual and Rules of Procedure, including due process and interaction with FAF support functions.

Technical Research and Analysis

• Oversee or prepare the analysis of issues that serves as the basis for Board deliberations. That analysis should be neutral and identify possible solutions that are technically and conceptually sound and that reflect consideration of cost/benefit and operational issues.
• Communicate that analysis in written materials that are clear, concise, logically organized, and distributed within the timeframe allotted.
• Prepare due process and final documents (such as Statements and Exposure Drafts) that reflect (a) in-depth analysis of the issues, (b) consideration of the needs of users of financial information, (c) a sound conceptual basis, (d) practical solutions, (e) consideration of relevant research on the issues, (f) consideration of other accounting standards, including the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB), International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board (IPSASB), and Federal Accounting Standards Advisory Board (FASAB), and (g) consideration of costs versus benefits for proposed solutions to issues.
  
  Ensure that Board decisions are accurately reflected in those documents.

Communications

• Effectively lead discussions at Board meetings, education sessions, and various meetings with stakeholder groups (as appropriate) with senior staff support.
• Effectively communicate with staff leading other research activities, projects, and PIRs to exchange ideas and benefit from each other's experience and expertise.
• Effectively communicate with stakeholders, especially task force and consultative group members, and Governmental Accounting Standards Advisory Council (GASAC) members with senior staff support.
• Develop Board materials, due process documents, and final pronouncements that are clear and concise and prepared in accordance with the GASB RTA Manual and Rules of Procedure and the FAF Comprehensive…