Senior Director, Accounting & Financial Reporting
Biological Sciences Division at the University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
About The Department
The University of Chicago biomedical enterprise houses three entities: the Biological Sciences Division (BSD), the University of Chicago Medicine (UCM), and the Pritzker School of Medicine. Collectively called UCM, we are one of the nation's leading academic medical institutions and have been at the forefront of discovery, education, and clinical care since 1927. Located 20 minutes south of downtown Chicago, our Hyde Park main campus provides a single environment for learning, world-renowned basic science and clinical research, and outstanding clinical care. The BSD is the largest academic unit within the University, comprised of faculty from ten basic science departments, thirteen clinical departments, and several centers and institutes. Approximately 1,300 faculty and 3,000 staff members collaborate across the organization to achieve our mission, vision, and values.
Job Summary The Senior Director, Accounting & Financial Reporting oversees multiple teams responsible for establishing and maintaining accounting policies, controlling fiscal activities, preparing financial reports, and safeguarding assets. The role develops strategy for accounting and financial records, enhances efficiency, accuracy, and value, and leads accounting and financial operations within the BSD, ensuring compliance with University financial policies and GAAP while driving process optimization in a complex academic medical center.
Responsibilities
Leads the planning and execution of complex, cross‑functional projects supporting key accounting and financial reporting processes.
Manages a team of financial administrators across accounting, accounts receivable/payable, capital accounting, financial variance management, and funds management.
Interprets and applies advanced accounting standards (e.g., GAAP/FASB) across the university’s varied institutional structures.
Owns the BSD control framework for accounting operations, establishing risk‑mitigating practices across decentralized units.
Leads general ledger, AP, AR, and funds management, ensuring cross‑training and standardization.
Serves as a thought partner for sound financial management, including review of capital and operating spending.
Establishes and enforces the monthly and annual close calendar, ensuring timely and accurate deliverables.
Designs and delivers advanced training materials for finance functions, including inter‑entity training resources.
Identifies financial risks from delays in receipts or system issues.
Oversees enterprise‑wide monthly and annual close, including reconciliations and eliminations across hospital, medicine, practice plan, and sponsored research.
Prepares and reviews month‑end reviews and consolidated performance reporting.
Consolidates variance information and recommends interventions for strong financial performance.
Acts as accounting liaison with Faculty Practice Finance, Sponsored Research, and FP&A to ensure data integrity.
Coaches managers on complex accounting treatments and audit preparation.
Designs and enforces accounting policies and procedures to support scalability, compliance, and internal consistency.
Engages with and leverages AI tools to optimize financial workflows and decision making.
Advises senior leadership on accounting system modernization, process redesign, shared services models, and ERP integrations.
Reviews and approves accounting and financial records and reports, including general ledger and regulatory reports.
Provides guidance on accounting transactions and data analysis to support decision making.
Performs additional related work as needed.
Education Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in a related field.
Work Experience Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 7+ years of work experience in a related job discipline.
Preferred Education
Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance.
MBA or CPA.
Preferred Experience
7+ years of work experience in higher education, academic medical centre, or health care.
Proven experience presenting strategic insights and recommendations to senior academic and administrative leadership.
Track record of leading and overseeing complex, cross‑functional projects from concept through execution.
Experience interpreting clinical, research, and educational data to inform strategy and improve operations.
Advanced financial analysis and modeling skills for planning, resource allocation, and forecasting.
Leadership experience in system implementations, including stakeholder engagement, change management, and integration of new tools.
Ability to lead teams and manage complex financial operations in a large decentralized organization.
Preferred Certifications
Familiarity with project management methodologies.
Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Adobe Acrobat.
Familiarity with Oracle Cloud ERP.
Extensive knowledge of GAAP and financial reporting.
Preferred Competencies
Ability to identify and develop accounting protocols and financial systems from process identification to full implementation.
Ability to lead a team collaboratively through all points of project development.
High level of independent analysis.
Advanced skills in financial and statistical analysis.
Ability to represent the mission, values, and strategic priorities in communication.
Discretion and sound judgment with confidential materials.
Exceptional oral and written communication skills for diverse audiences.
Ability to build and maintain productive, collaborative relationships with senior leaders.
Fostering a culture of collaboration, inclusion, and shared accountability.
Reliability, drive for results, and motivation of others to meet objectives.
Strong leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills for team development and operational efficiency.
Skillful management of competing priorities and deadlines.
Commitment to data integrity and accurate reporting.
Working Conditions
Office environment.
Pay Range $120,000.00 - $250,000.00
Benefits Eligible Yes
The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.
Posting Statement The University of Chicago is an equal‑opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation should call 773‑702‑5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form. All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.
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Job Summary The Senior Director, Accounting & Financial Reporting oversees multiple teams responsible for establishing and maintaining accounting policies, controlling fiscal activities, preparing financial reports, and safeguarding assets. The role develops strategy for accounting and financial records, enhances efficiency, accuracy, and value, and leads accounting and financial operations within the BSD, ensuring compliance with University financial policies and GAAP while driving process optimization in a complex academic medical center.
Responsibilities
Leads the planning and execution of complex, cross‑functional projects supporting key accounting and financial reporting processes.
Manages a team of financial administrators across accounting, accounts receivable/payable, capital accounting, financial variance management, and funds management.
Interprets and applies advanced accounting standards (e.g., GAAP/FASB) across the university’s varied institutional structures.
Owns the BSD control framework for accounting operations, establishing risk‑mitigating practices across decentralized units.
Leads general ledger, AP, AR, and funds management, ensuring cross‑training and standardization.
Serves as a thought partner for sound financial management, including review of capital and operating spending.
Establishes and enforces the monthly and annual close calendar, ensuring timely and accurate deliverables.
Designs and delivers advanced training materials for finance functions, including inter‑entity training resources.
Identifies financial risks from delays in receipts or system issues.
Oversees enterprise‑wide monthly and annual close, including reconciliations and eliminations across hospital, medicine, practice plan, and sponsored research.
Prepares and reviews month‑end reviews and consolidated performance reporting.
Consolidates variance information and recommends interventions for strong financial performance.
Acts as accounting liaison with Faculty Practice Finance, Sponsored Research, and FP&A to ensure data integrity.
Coaches managers on complex accounting treatments and audit preparation.
Designs and enforces accounting policies and procedures to support scalability, compliance, and internal consistency.
Engages with and leverages AI tools to optimize financial workflows and decision making.
Advises senior leadership on accounting system modernization, process redesign, shared services models, and ERP integrations.
Reviews and approves accounting and financial records and reports, including general ledger and regulatory reports.
Provides guidance on accounting transactions and data analysis to support decision making.
Performs additional related work as needed.
Education Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in a related field.
Work Experience Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 7+ years of work experience in a related job discipline.
Preferred Education
Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance.
MBA or CPA.
Preferred Experience
7+ years of work experience in higher education, academic medical centre, or health care.
Proven experience presenting strategic insights and recommendations to senior academic and administrative leadership.
Track record of leading and overseeing complex, cross‑functional projects from concept through execution.
Experience interpreting clinical, research, and educational data to inform strategy and improve operations.
Advanced financial analysis and modeling skills for planning, resource allocation, and forecasting.
Leadership experience in system implementations, including stakeholder engagement, change management, and integration of new tools.
Ability to lead teams and manage complex financial operations in a large decentralized organization.
Preferred Certifications
Familiarity with project management methodologies.
Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Adobe Acrobat.
Familiarity with Oracle Cloud ERP.
Extensive knowledge of GAAP and financial reporting.
Preferred Competencies
Ability to identify and develop accounting protocols and financial systems from process identification to full implementation.
Ability to lead a team collaboratively through all points of project development.
High level of independent analysis.
Advanced skills in financial and statistical analysis.
Ability to represent the mission, values, and strategic priorities in communication.
Discretion and sound judgment with confidential materials.
Exceptional oral and written communication skills for diverse audiences.
Ability to build and maintain productive, collaborative relationships with senior leaders.
Fostering a culture of collaboration, inclusion, and shared accountability.
Reliability, drive for results, and motivation of others to meet objectives.
Strong leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills for team development and operational efficiency.
Skillful management of competing priorities and deadlines.
Commitment to data integrity and accurate reporting.
Working Conditions
Office environment.
Pay Range $120,000.00 - $250,000.00
Benefits Eligible Yes
The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.
Posting Statement The University of Chicago is an equal‑opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation should call 773‑702‑5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form. All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.
#J-18808-Ljbffr