Director, Controller and Financial Operations

The University System of New Hampshire is the largest provider of postsecondary education in the Granite State. With approximately 30,000 enrolled students annually and more than 90,000 alumni living in state, the institutions of the University System - the University of New Hampshire - Durham, the University of New Hampshire School of Law, the University of New Hampshire at Manchester, Plymouth State University, and Keene State College - have a direct impact on hundreds of thousands of New Hampshire citizens every year.

In concert with our commitment to teaching, our community outreach and service programs expand knowledge and have a positive impact on the state, and our research efforts add insight and understanding to subjects as varied as air quality, economic development, family health, teacher training, and ocean mapping.

Reporting to and collaborating with the Assistant Vice Chancellor, Financial Affairs and supervising the Manager(s). Finance Support, Accounting & Financial Reporting, and Payroll. This position serves as the lead business officer overseeing all accounting, transactional, and back-office finance work performed within the USNH Financial Operations Center, as well as annual financial reporting, tax needs, and represents the System on finance-related administrative matters.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Establishes and maintains chart of accounts and directs its management via relevant accounting departments.
• Oversees all USNH Financial Operations Center operations and serves as primary liaison to System and institutional leadership, as well as to stakeholders and external partners.
• Directs strategic planning initiatives that align with System-wide goals and establishes unit objectives to ensure appropriate use of financial resources and systems.
• Guides the development of strategy, processes, and policies to ensure accuracy and compliance in the System's accounting and payroll functions and directs the maintenance, monitoring, and preparation of enterprise-wide records.
• Develops and implements financial reporting controls and prepares annual audited financial statements, as well as reporting for IPEDS and other industry surveys in coordination with Institutional Research and remains informed on relevant regulatory and policy developments related to accounting and reporting functions.
• Obtains, validates, and shares data to support strategic decision-making.
• Establishes and maintains a consultative and collaborative working relationship with institutional financial units, other financial shared services units such as Procurement, Treasury, Financial Planning & Analysis, Risk Management, Internal Audit, etc., as well as non-financial shared services teams (Legal, Human Resources, etc.).
• Provides leadership and oversight of all information systems utilized by the financial services organization and liaises with IT leadership to support overall vision and direction for technology needs, as well as with Facilities to ensure all USNH Financial Operations Center facility needs and/or regulatory compliance requirements are met.
• Develops and administers the USNH Financial Operations Center budget in support of broader System financial goals.
• Provide supervision, training, and guidance to direct reports within Financial Affairs and, where necessary, exercises supervisory authority over USNH Financial Operations Center personnel, including hiring, transferring, suspending, promoting, managing conduct and performance, discharging, assigning, rewarding, disciplining, and/or approving hours worked.
• Performing related duties, as assigned.

Requirements

Minimum Acceptable Education & Experience:

• 7+ years minimum with supervisory experience.
• Advanced degree in a relevant field and/or relevant credentials (e.g. Certified Public Accountant, Chartered Global Management Accountant, or Chartered Management Accountant.

Required Licenses & Certifications:

• Certified Public Accountant

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Demonstrated expertise in general accounting methods and operations, as well as payroll management/compliance.
• Thorough knowledge of relevant regulatory/compliance requirements and financial reporting requirements, both state and federal understanding of external audit procedures, tax compliance for a tax-exempt organization working with external tax partners.
• Understanding of and proficiency in navigating computerized financial systems.
• Ability to set concrete goals, develop aligned strategy, and make data-informed decisions. Excellent mathematical, organizational, and analytical skills.
• Effective communication skills, both verbal and written, with ability to interface with diverse audiences including employees/staff, faculty, students, and the general public.
• Ability to build consensus, set direction, and lead through change.
• Desire to work in a collaborative environment with System and institutional leaders, as well as colleagues in other financial affairs departments.
• Ability to perceive and balance multiple interests and perspectives.
• Openness to 360-degree feedback and desire to learn and grow continuously.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's Degree in a relevant field strongly preferred.
• Experience with change management and/or recent organizational redesigns strongly preferred.
• Experience with external auditing and financial reporting strongly preferred.
• Experience operating or leading in a shared service setting strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of and/or direct experience with Workday (ERP) and Adaptive Planning (Planning and Budgeting) strongly preferred.

Required Applicant Materials:

• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter
• Contact Information for 3 Professional References

EEO Statement

The University System of New Hampshire is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access/Affirmative Action employer. The University System is committed to creating an environment that values and supports diversity and inclusiveness across our campus communities and encourages applications from qualified individuals who will help us achieve this mission. The University System prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or marital status.

Location:
Concord