Description

The Director of Accounting provides expertise and operational oversight for the institution’s accounting and business service functions, ensuring accurate financial reporting, strong internal controls, and compliance with applicable University of Missouri System, federal, state, and regulatory requirements. This role supports the institution’s mission by safeguarding financial integrity, enhancing financial transparency, and promoting best practices. This position collaborates closely with the University of Missouri System Controllers Office and serves as the campus subject matter expert on accounting policies, practices, and related operations. Success requires possession of a strong technical accounting foundation, excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to meet both internal and external reporting deadlines while maintaining a high standard of quality and professionalism.

This position is primarily a single contributor with limited supervisory responsibilities reporting directly to the Senior Director of Accounting and Financial Planning.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Financial Leadership & Oversight

• Manage fiscal year end close including preparing, reviewing, and approving transactions and uploads.
• Manage annual financial sub-certification responsibilities including review and response to noted exceptions.
• Manage campus accounting operations, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll accounting, fixed assets, and financial reporting.
• Collaborate successfully with UM System and Shared Services on polices and best practices.
• Ensure timely and accurate preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and ad hoc reports.
• Support institutional initiatives, accreditation processes, and long-term financial sustainability efforts.
• Collaborate with Financial Planning to prepare quarterly and ad hoc forecasts and variance analysis for Board of Curators and campus leadership.
• Lead plant fund accounting, asset management and capitalization efforts.

Compliance & Reporting

• Oversee external audits, single audits, and related reporting; serve as the primary liaison with external auditors.
• Support regulatory and compliance reporting, including financial statements, tax filings, and grant-related reports for UMSL and its affiliated units.
• Ensure campus compliance with Unrelated Business Income (UBI) and Private Business Use (PBU) requirements, including analysis, documentation, and coordination with UM System Controllers Office.
• Provide assistance with preparation of financial sections of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) reports both annually and periodic 3-year Division II audit (Agreed Upon Procedures).
• Ensure compliance with university internal controls by developing, reviewing, testing, and maintaining campus wide accounting policies, processes, and procedures.
• Perform ad hoc and specialized funding compliance on select restricted funding sources.
• Support reconciliation of subsidiary systems including Advancement and Student Financial systems.

Team Leadership & Development

• Mentor business managers and promote a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Evaluate complex accounting matters including performing analysis, conducting independent research and recommend practical solutions.
• Oversee daily transactional activities to ensure accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with policies and internal controls, while maintaining responsive, high-quality customer service and effective relationship with University of Missouri Shared Services
• Perform fixed asset accounting, including capitalization, impairment and disposals, monthly accounting.
• Ensure completion of accounting deliverables, designing, and implementing complex templates as needed to support accurate and efficient reporting.
• Supervise small staff directly and on special projects as needed.

Systems & Process Improvement

• Collaborate with University of Missouri Controller’s Office to ensure the effective use of financial systems and ERP platforms, partner with IT and functional stakeholders on system enhancements and implementations.
• Identify opportunities to streamline processes, improve efficiency, and strengthen data accuracy.
• Collaborate with university-wide finance partners to continuously improve accounting practices and compliance with audit, disclosure, and regulatory requirements.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. The University will not sponsor applicants for this position for employment visas.

Shift
40 hours/week, Monday thru Friday on site

Anticipated Hiring Range
Salary Range: $80,142.40-$122,491.20 per year
Grade: GGS-013
University Title: Director I Finance
Internal applicants can determine their University title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.

Application Materials

• Application materials include a cover letter and resume. Finalists will be asked to provide references at a later date.
• Applicants must combine all application materials into one PDF or Microsoft Word document and upload as a resume attachment.

Benefit Eligibility
This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses.  For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.  

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer. To request ADA accommodations, please email umslhr@umsl.edu. 

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

• A Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least 6 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or closely related field.
  CPA or equivalent professional certification.
• 6 to 10 years of progressively responsible accounting experience in higher education, government, or similarly complex organization
• Experience with higher education financial systems and fund accounting.
• Demonstrated knowledge of GAAP, GASB, internal controls, and audit processes.
• Experience with grants, restricted funds, and compliance reporting.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to translate complex financial information for non-financial audiences.
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and attention to detail.
• Highly proficient with computer applications, such as Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Microsoft Planner and Power BI.
• Demonstrated ability to quickly develop expertise in new and/or additional technical tools and enterprise financial systems.
• Initiative, sound judgment and ability to work independently.