Project Director, Financial Reporting

Columbia University is one of the world's most important centers of research and at the same time a distinctive and distinguished learning environment for undergraduates and graduate students in many scholarly and professional fields. The University recognizes the importance of its location in New York City and seeks to link its research and teaching to the vast resources of a great metropolis. It seeks to attract a diverse and international faculty and student body, to support research and teaching on global issues, and to create academic relationships with many countries and regions. It expects all areas of the university to advance knowledge and learning at the highest level and to convey the products of its efforts to the world.  Columbia is one of the top academic and research institutions in the world, conducting path breaking research in medicine, science, the arts, and the humanities. It includes three undergraduate schools, thirteen graduate and professional schools, and a school of continuing education.

Reporting to the Deputy Controller for Financial Reporting & Operations, the Project Director will plan, coordinate, and manage projects across the Controller's Office.  The Project Director will assess and prioritize projects, and be the main point of contact with senior Finance administration; design and plan project strategy; perform research and analysis and prepare manuals and models; work closely with University schools and departments; develop and implement recommendations.

Projects / initiatives will include a review of processes and procedures in the following areas: bank reconciliations; investment accounting; DAF (Departmental Authorization Function). Working closely with school and department representatives, develops documentation, policy and procedure manuals and training materials for internal and external use. Participates as the Financial Reporting & Operations representative on University-wide project teams. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirement

Bachelor's degree in finance or accounting required; advanced degree or other professional certification strongly preferred.  A minimum of eight years experience in finance or accounting required; some public accounting experience preferred.  Strong technical skills in financial analysis, reporting and accounting, along with demonstrated analytical skills to examine processing problems and develop reasonable and practical solutions, required.  Knowledge of fund accounting (including direct and indirect cost allocation) required.  Knowledge of current FASB and AICPA disclosure and presentation issues a plus.  Good working knowledge of FAS highly desirable.  Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) required, along with a demonstrated ability to prepare reports, summaries and analyses and present findings and recommendations.  Demonstrated planning and project management skills required, as well as a demonstrated ability to collect and analyze data and evaluate information.  Must be detail-oriented with strong organizational and problem solving skills, and have the ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously.  Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills, including active listening skills, plus the ability to work closely and effectively with a diverse group of University administrators, characterized by strong consensus building and relationship building skills, essential.  Must be able to negotiate issues and resolve problems.  In addition, the successful candidate must be able to work well with all levels of management, both internally and externally, be flexible in nature, have sound judgment with an open and collaborative style of leadership that encourages teamwork and cooperation beyond the immediate team to the broader organization, and a strong role model, manager and coach.  Must have a passion for excellent customer service and commitment to exceptional quality.

To be considered an applicant, all interested parties MUST apply through the Columbia University online employment application system. Paste the following quick link into your browser to access this position posting:

 

jobs.columbia.edu/applicants/Central?quickFind=109695  

 

Columbia University is an Equal Employment / Affirmative Action Employer.