The incumbent is responsible for providing leadership and direction for accounting and financial matters of the University, to include Accounting, Accounts Payable, and Grants and Contracts and Procurement. He/she ensures that financial reporting is accurate, timely and compliant with generally accepted accounting standards.
Essential Job Functions
Provides leadership and management oversight to assigned accounting and financial functions
Monitors the University’s cash flow to ensure the availability of funds necessary for daily operations; reviews cash flow reports and compiles cash flow projection reports for review by the Senior VP for Finance, Administrative Services & Operations/CFO, President, and/or Board of Trustees
Monitors and approves all warrants of the University
Manages the University’s operating cash and short-term investments and works closely with the Senior VP for Finance, Administrative services & Operations/CFO to develop and enhance banking relationships
Provides modeling and analysis of University financial operations
Manages University debt, including bonds, letters of credit, lines of credit, leases and bond covenants; interacts regularly with lenders, creditors and government agencies
Ensures compliance with standards and best practices issued by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASBO), Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB), American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, MS Department of Education and other relevant agencies and entities
Monitors and collaborates with the Office of Financial Aid in the financial administration and compliance programs of the university, including federal student loans, SEOF, Pell and Work Study
Provides oversight of pre- and post-award sponsored programs administration and monitoring of grant awards, grant drawdowns and other grant reporting and reconciliation functions and ensures compliance with terms and conditions of awarded grants
Provides oversight of budgets operating variances and development of remedial action plans with responsible managers
Develops, promotes and follows sound fiscal practices, procedures and internal controls in the conduct of University business, financial and operational affairs and evaluates financial programs on an ongoing basis to ensure their effectiveness
Other related duties, as assigned
Knowledge Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of standards and best practices issued by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB), Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB), American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, National Associate of College and University Business Officers, Internal Revenue Service, Mississippi Department of Education and other relevant agencies
Knowledge of finance, accounting, budgeting and cost control principles, including generally accepted accounting principles
Knowledge of automated financial and accounting reporting systems
Knowledge of federal and state financial regulations
Innovative leadership and managerial skills
Excellent analytical skills
Excellent communication skills, verbal, written and interpersonal
Ability to work productively with others in a collegial setting to build, motivate and maintain strong and mutually supportive academic and administrative teems
Ability to plan, advocate for resources and sustain a commitment to the ongoing development of institutional infrastructures
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, accounting or related field
Master’s, MBA and/or CPA licensure preferred
Five (5) years’ experience of progressively responsible financial and administrative senior management experience, preferably in a higher education institution
Alcorn State University, a Historically Black College and University, is a comprehensive land-grant institution that celebrates a rich heritage with a diverse student and faculty population. The University emphasizes intellectual development and lifelong learning through the integration of diverse pedagogies, applied and basic research, cultural and professional programs, public service and outreach, while providing access to globally competitive academic and research programs.