Director, Financial Reporting and Post-Award ...

OverviewJob Title: Director of Financial Reporting and Post Award AccountingWake Forest University seeks a highly skilled and experienced Director of Financial Reporting and Post Award Accounting to provide strategic financial leadership, emphasizing accurate and timely financial reporting and compliance related to federal and state grants. Reporting to the Assistant Vice President for Finance & Controller, the Director, Financial Reporting and Post-Award Accounting will ensure the accuracy and integrity of the University’s financial records, maintain strict adherence to all applicable regulations and standards, and provide expert financial analysis to support the University’s mission. A critical aspect of this role is the oversight of the external audits and federal grant processes and reporting, ensuring proper stewardship of funds.Note: This position profile identifies the key responsibilities and expectations for performance. It cannot encompass all specific job tasks that an employee may be required to perform. Employees are required to follow any other job-related instructions and perform job-related duties as may be reasonably assigned by his/her supervisor.ResponsibilitiesFinancial Reporting and Compliance:Direct the preparation and timely submission of all financial reports following GAAP, NACUBO, and other relevant standards as well as internal policies and proceduresManage the consolidation of the WFU entities, including coordination of subsidiary reporting and audits, production of interim and fiscal year-end financial statementsDirect preparation and submission of internal and external financial surveys (eg, IPEDS, SACSCOC, US Census Bureau, ezAudit)Oversee all financial systems underlying the financial reporting and grant reporting processCoordinate all annual external financial audit processes, including coordination with external auditors and related subsidiariesPerform all necessary analysis for financial data presented in financial statements, compliance audits, and various surveys, to ensure accuracyMaintain and update accounting policies and proceduresOversee the implementation and maintenance of all new accounting or regulatory standards within the areas of responsibilityCompletes monthly financial trend analysis regarding month over month and year over year variances and other dashboards as requested by University administrators, officers, Board of Trustees and external agenciesPrepares policies, administrative procedures, training and educational materials related to financial reporting and implements training programs for finance staff and the campus communityMaintain strong relationships with the external auditors, internal audit and compliance offices, senior business officers, business officers, and all subsidiary organizationsGrants Accounting and Compliance:Manage post-award activities to ensure that all deadlines are met and research accounts are handled in accordance with State, University, and sponsor policies and proceduresEnsure compliance with all federal and state regulations, including OMB Circulars (e.g., Uniform Guidance)Responsible for post-award sponsored research oversight to ensure that federal and agency policies and procedures governing post-award grant administration provide for accurate and timely tracking, reporting, and cash draws from sponsoring agenciesMaintain strong relationship with the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (pre-award)Develop, implement, and provide training for the campus community on policies and procedures that properly administer and report grant fundsMonitor grant expenditures and ensure adherence to grant terms and conditionsPrepare and submit accurate and timely financial reports to grantorsDirect the federal facilities & administrative (F&A) cost proposal preparation, responding to federal auditor questions and coordinating the University’s F&A negotiationsDirect the annual federal pooled fringe rate calculation, communication with external consultants and federal representatives as well as internal with stakeholdersMonitors and implements changes in grant accounting, regulations, and compliance requirements impacting higher educationDirectly responsible for all federal, state, or sponsored research program audit(s), including correcting audit materials, responding to auditor inquiries, and finalizing the program audit(s)Technology and Systems:Evaluate and implement accounting software and systemsEnsure the integrity and security of financial dataLeadership and Collaboration:Serve as a key member of the finance leadership teamCollaborate with other departments to provide financial guidanceRepresent the finance department in university-wide initiativesEducation, Knowledge, Skills, and AbilitiesRequired:Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required; Master’s degree preferredActive Certified Public Accountant (CPA) licenseMinimum of 7 years of progressive experience in accounting and financial management, preferably in higher educationStrong understanding of GAAP, NACUBO, and OMB CircularsProven experience in managing financial audits and ensuring regulatory complianceDemonstrated ability to lead a team and manage complex projectsExcellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skillsProficiency in accounting software and systemsStrong analytical and problem-solving skillsPreferred:Experience in Higher Education accountingKnowledge of and technical proficiency with accounting systems and related applicationsExperience with Workday ERPExperience working with grant management software, and donor management software is a plusAccountabilities:Supervises, reviews, and oversees work of less-experienced staffProvides direct supervision to Financial Reporting and Post-Award Sponsored Research staffAdditional InformationTime Type Requirement: Full timeNote to Applicant: This position profile identifies the key responsibilities and expectations for performance. It cannot encompass all specific job tasks that an employee may be required to perform. Employees are required to follow any other job-related instructions and perform job-related duties as may be reasonably assigned by his/her supervisor.This employer conducts background investigations and drug screens for all final staff candidates being considered for employment.Equal Opportunity and AccommodationsEqual Opportunity Statement: The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all qualified candidates to apply without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, disability and military or veteran status.Accommodations for Applicants: If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please contact or (336) 758-4700. #J-18808-Ljbffr

Created: 2025-09-17