Manager Financial Reporting (Hybrid)

Department: Accounting Services
Salary/Grade: EXS/9

Target hiring range for this position will be between $90,000-$110,000 per year. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.

Job Summary:

The Office of the Controller is responsible for the accounting and financial reporting of Northwestern University, providing a wide range of financial services on behalf of and for the University community. Northwestern operates with an annual budget exceeding $3.5 billion, total investments in excess of $15.5 billion (representing one of the largest endowments in the country), more than $750 million in federal research revenue, land, buildings and equipment of $3.7 billion net, and total long-term debt outstanding of $2.9 billion. The University has more than 23,000 students enrolled in 12 colleges and schools on three campuses. Its fiscal year ends August 31.

Reporting directly to the Controller, the Manager Financial Reporting will be the primary source of financial reporting analysis.

In collaboration with various partners across campus, the Manager Financial Reporting will develop, assemble and/or contribute to a reporting library that contains key financial data and reports. Reports include: GAAP financial statement analysis, supplemental financial statements, quarterly financial statement analysis, projections, rating agency reports, debt and liquidity reporting requirements, external surveys, Board of Trustee materials, etc.

• Manages financial operations &/or analysis in support of area/unit's mission & in coordination with central offices such as HR, Budget, Financial Aid, Facilities, Purchasing, IT, Provost, etc.
• Manages daily, monthly, quarterly and annual financial processes for the area or program.
• Applies industry and professional standards, interprets university policy and procedure, federal and state laws, granting agency guidelines, and other regulations (as applicable); recommends accounting policy for the university.
• Represents &/or guides business area on internal & external financial affairs by recommending alternatives & suggestions.

Specific Responsibilities:

Analysis, Statements & Reporting:

• Measures individual net performance of all areas/units as well as consolidated area/unit income statement & balance sheet with the use of pre-defined analytical financial tools.
• Recommends changes to tools to improve analysis, forecasting, modeling & reporting & ultimately quality of financial information & analyses provided to management for planning, evaluating & controlling operations.
• Builds, maintains, and updates financial models and associated financial analysis.
• Development of Management reporting deliverables, including leveraging existing materials, building templates, and standardizing reporting methods
• Contribute to development of Trustee materials, working closely with Controller, AVP Finance, other Business & Finance teams and campus partners

Administration:

• Identifies current & future resource planning & allocation issues & develops, leads, & supervises complex studies & analyses that will assist senior staff in reaching resource planning and allocation decisions.
• Processes & presents associated data & information through the application of sophisticated database, graphic & spreadsheet tools.
• Manages operation of a computer system or system processes that support the area or program.
• Ensures that service level goals are met.
• Development of Management reporting deliverables, including leveraging existing materials, building templates, and standardizing reporting methods
• Support the Assistant Vice President for Finance by carrying out special projects and by providing tactical and strategic reporting-related input

Training:

• Cross train within Financial Services teams for certain coverage of duties.

Miscellaneous

Perform other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications: (Education, experience, and any other certifications or clearances)

• Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree in a major such as accounting, business administration, finance, or related; OR appropriate combination of education and experience.
• 5 years financial, budgeting &/or preparing account reconciliations or financial statements along with financial analysis or other relevant experience.
• Strong analytical skills/experience and ability to walk from transaction level to summary level for conversations with management and campus partners
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain successful tools and reporting
• Ability to work in a team environment towards a common goal or deliverable

Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)

• Excellent computer skills including advanced proficiency in the use of spreadsheet, database, presentation slides and word processing software.
• Strong understanding of financial reporting.
• Intellectually inquisitive: knowledgeable about and open to leading changes and continuous process improvement

Preferred Qualifications: (Education and experience)

• CPA-Certified Public Accountant
• MBA and/or a master's degree in accountancy/finance

Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

• Professional and customer service-oriented attitude
• Flexible:
  • innovative approach to analysis and reporting, adaptable to different partners and customers
  • balancing and anticipating both ad hoc requests and agreed-upon deliverable deadlines with ability of internal and external partners to deliver
• Forward-thinking for future reporting customer needs
• Critical thinking and analytical mindset
• Experience building custom queries and manipulation of data following extraction to Excel
• Experience or familiarity with Oracle PeopleSoft, Blackline, and/or Workiva software.

Benefits:

At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful and competitive benefits. The available benefits package for this position will include health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; paid vacation and holidays; paid medical/sick and parental leave; tuition benefits for the employee and dependents; pre-tax and flex spending accounts for commuting and dependent care; generous retirement savings options; and wellness programs. For a comprehensive overview of available benefits, including eligibility details, visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern's non-discrimination statement. Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process.