Associate Director of Accounting

Job Description:

Berklee is the preeminent institute of contemporary music and the performing arts, offering undergraduate and graduate degree programs at its campuses in Boston, Massachusetts and Valencia, Spain, and through its award-winning distance learning program, Berklee Online.
At Berklee College of Music and Boston Conservatory at Berklee, students explore interdisciplinary approaches to music, dance, theater, film, business, healthcare, education, technology, and more. Dedicated to nurturing the creative and career potential of the world’s most inspired artists, Berklee’s commitment to arts education is reflected in the work of its students, faculty, and alumni—hundreds of whom have been recognized with Grammy, Tony, Oscar, and Emmy awards.
Position Overview: We are seeking an experienced and motivated Associate Director of Accounting to join our prestigious higher education institution. The Associate Director of Accounting will be a key member of the finance team, responsible for overseeing various accounting functions to ensure compliance, accuracy, and efficiency within the complex financial landscape of higher education. This role will involve close collaboration with university leadership, department heads, and external stakeholders to support financial decision-making and contribute to the overall success of the institution.

Responsibilities:
 

Monthly & Fiscal Year End Accounting:

• Oversee the preparation and analysis of financial statements in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and other relevant regulatory standards.

• Prepare workpapers in association with the yearly audit.

• Oversee the balance sheet account reconciliations and various account rollforward schedules required for quarter and year end.
   

Federal Aid, Grant and Fund Accounting:

• Manage federal aid accounting activities, including compliance with funding agency requirements, financial reporting, and grant expenditure tracking.

• Manage grant accounting activities, including compliance with funding agency requirements, financial reporting, and grant expenditure tracking.

• Oversee the accounting for temporary, unrestricted and restricted funds, endowments, and other designated funds, ensuring accurate recording and reporting of transactions.

• Collaborate with grant managers and principal investigators to ensure proper stewardship of grant funds and adherence to grant terms and conditions.
   

Internal Controls and Compliance:

• Establish and maintain internal controls to safeguard university assets and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.

• Conduct periodic audits and reviews to assess control effectiveness and address any deficiencies.

• Stay abreast of changes in accounting standards and regulations relevant to higher education institutions and implement necessary updates and changes.
   

Financial Systems Management:

• Oversee the university's financial systems and ERP software, ensuring data integrity, system functionality, and user support.

• Collaborate with IT and finance teams to implement system enhancements, upgrades, and integrations as needed.

• Provide training and support to finance staff on the use of financial systems and tools.
   

Team Leadership and Development:

• Supervise and mentor accounting staff, providing guidance, training, and professional development opportunities to enhance their skills and capabilities.

• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration, and accountability within the accounting team.
   

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting required. Master in Accounting and CPA designation strongly preferred.

• 8+ years of progressive accounting experience in higher education or nonprofit sector, with at least 3 years in a supervisory or managerial role.

• In-depth knowledge of accounting principles, standards, and regulations relevant to higher education institutions. (GAAP & FASB)

• Experience with grant accounting, fund accounting, and financial reporting for restricted funds and endowments.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex financial data and provide strategic recommendations.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.

• Proven leadership abilities, with a track record of managing teams and driving results in a complex organizational environment.

• Workday preferred, as our ERP is currently Workday.

• Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” employment relationship.

 

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Equal Employment Opportunity at Berklee : 

We support an inclusive workplace where everyone excels based on personal merit, qualifications, experience, ability, and job performance.  Berklee affirms that inequality is detrimental to our faculty, staff, students, and the communities we serve. Our goal is to make lasting change through our actions. Berklee is committed to providing fair and equitable consideration of all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, ancestry, age, national origin, place of birth, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, genetic information, or status as a member of the armed forces or veteran of the armed forces, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.

As part of this commitment, Berklee will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact the Human Resources Team at [email protected] or call 617-747-2375.

Berklee is committed to increasing the diversity of our institution, community, and the curriculum. Candidates who can contribute to that goal are encouraged to apply and to identify their strengths in this area.

*Currently enrolled Berklee students are not permitted to apply for staff or faculty positions.*

Employee Type:
Staff