Texas Southern University

Manager of Accounting

Academic Career & Executive Search is pleased to assist Texas Southern University (TSU) in its search for a Manager of Accounting.

For full consideration, please apply by July 15, 2025.

Texas Southern University (TSU) is entering a transformative era, marked by strategic growth and visionary leadership. With the appointment of President James W. Crawford III last summer, TSU is poised to elevate its research status from R2 to R1 by 2030, reflecting a commitment to academic excellence and innovation. This period of renewal is further underscored by a campaign aimed at strengthening academic programs, enhancing infrastructure, and fostering community engagement, all as the university gears up to celebrate its Centennial.

Joining one of the nation’s largest and most comprehensive Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), the Manager of Accounting will play a key role in ensuring the integrity of the university’s financial operations. Reporting directly to the AVP, Business & Finance/Controller, this position supervises general accounting staff, oversees reconciliation processes, supports compliance efforts, and works to continuously improve the student financial experience through thoughtful leadership and operational efficiency.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• All elements of month end closing
• Supervise accounting team members, including customer service representatives and liaisons; provide training and performance oversight
• Oversee daily operations such as close-outs, payment processing, large payment verifications, voids, and escalated customer service issues
• Maintain accurate and timely reconciliation of accounts receivable, liability accounts, and related journal entries
• Ensure compliance with university, state, and federal regulations through regular monitoring and reporting
• Complete federal drawdowns and manage related reporting requirements
• Review and approve journal vouchers, payment vouchers, and monthly timesheets
• Generate ad hoc financial reports; support internal and external audit requests and assist with month-end and year-end closes
• Recommend and implement process improvements to enhance service delivery and accounting accuracy

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

• Federal, state, local, and county laws
• University financial operations, policies and procedures
• Generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), including governmental and fund accounting standards
• Automated financial systems, such as Banner, and relevant reporting tools
• State and federal compliance requirements related to higher education finance
• Microsoft Office Professional or similar applications

Skills in:

• Team leadership, staff mentoring, and task delegation
• Financial reconciliation and report preparation
• Effective verbal and written communication
• Customer service and conflict resolution
• Analytical thinking and decision-making
• Time management and prioritization across competing deadlines

Ability to:

• Interpret financial data and resolve discrepancies
• Design and improve accounting processes and procedures
• Communicate complex financial information clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Use financial software systems and HRIS platforms effectively
• Provide accurate, timely reporting and respond to audit and compliance requests

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree (B.A. or B.S.)
• A minimum of five (5) years of related accounting or financial management experience

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree (B.A. or B.S.) in Accounting AND five to seven years of related experience
• Master's degree in Accounting (MSA) or Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification
• Supervisory experience
• Banner experience
• Fund accounting experience
• State higher education accounting experience

About the Institution

Texas Southern University (TSU) is a public, historically Black university (HBCU) located in Houston, Texas. Established in 1927, it has evolved into a comprehensive doctoral institution committed to academic excellence and community engagement. TSU offers over 100 undergraduate and graduate programs across 10 colleges and schools, including the Thurgood Marshall School of Law, the Jesse H. Jones School of Business, and the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. The university is recognized for its diverse student body, with more than 8,700 students enrolled, representing various cultural and ethnic backgrounds.

Located in Houston's historic Third Ward, TSU serves as a cultural and educational hub within the city. The 150-acre urban campus is situated just two miles southeast of downtown Houston, connecting students to the city's rich cultural, professional, and recreational resources. TSU’s vibrant campus life features over 80 student organizations, NCAA Division I athletics through the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), and numerous programs and centers that support leadership, service and urban impact. 

Living in the Area

As the nation’s fourth largest city, Houston offers the advantages of a vibrant metropolitan environment paired with a relatively low cost of living—especially in housing—and no state income tax, making it an attractive destination for professionals and families alike. Often cited as one of the most ethnically diverse cities in America, Houston is home to vibrant communities from around the globe, reflected in its food, cultural life, and neighborhoods. From world-class museums in the Museum District to eclectic dining in Montrose and authentic global cuisine in Chinatown, the city celebrates inclusivity and international flair at every turn.

Houston offers exceptional accessibility and year-round recreation. With two major airports—George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) and William P. Hobby (HOU)—residents enjoy convenient national and international travel. The city’s robust transportation infrastructure, including metro rail and park-and-ride services, supports easy commuting. Outdoor enthusiasts appreciate the city’s extensive parks system, including Hermann Park and Buffalo Bayou, while the Gulf Coast’s beaches are just a short drive away. Add in professional sports, museums, and warm weather nearly year-round, and Houston delivers a lifestyle that’s both active and connected.

The city is also a hub for major industries, including energy, healthcare, aerospace, and technology. It’s home to the Texas Medical Center—the largest medical complex in the world—as well as NASA’s Johnson Space Center, which continues to drive innovation and research. The city's robust job market and entrepreneurial spirit make it an attractive destination for ambitious individuals looking to advance their careers or launch new ventures.

To Apply

For full consideration, please apply by July 15, 2025.

To be viewed by the search firm, you must apply directly at: https://acesrch.applicantstack.com/x/detail/a21esjyvcjqc  

Please apply through the application link and do not email applications.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received and should include a cover letter and curriculum vita. Ideally cover letters should not exceed two pages. All applications are treated confidentially.

Inquiries, referrals, and nominations are also treated confidentially.

Inquiries and questions: Please send to TSUManagerAccounting@acesrch.com

Nominations and referrals: Please send the nominee’s name, title, and contact information if available to nominations@acesrch.com

Institutional Information

Texas Southern University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment or in the provision of services on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or disability.