Accounting Systems Manager

Priority Review Date (Note - Posting may close at any time) Job Summary The Associate Director, Accounting leads the accounting functions that support HCI’s research, education, and outreach mission. This position leads a team to oversee HCI financial reporting, internal controls, recharge center accounts receivable, fixed assets accounting, and the research receiving dock. The position combines technical accounting expertise with strong operational leadership to ensure accuracy, compliance, and efficient service delivery across HCI . Huntsman Cancer Institute is committed to cancer prevention, care, and survivorship for all communities within the area we serve – which includes Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Utah, and Wyoming – with impact worldwide. In your cover letter or during your interview process, we invite you to share how your professional experiences have prepared you to serve as a member of our team as we work to reduce the cancer burden experienced by all people and communities. This may include description of your prior experiences related to research, prevention, clinical care, community engagement/outreach, training, administration, or other areas relevant to Huntsman Cancer Institute’s mission and this position. Learn more about the great benefits of working for University of Utah: benefits.utah.edu The department may choose to hire at any of the below job levels and associated pay rates based on their business need and budget. Responsibilities Manage the preparation and distribution of HCI and program-level monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in collaboration with the Senior Director, Finance, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and timeliness. Lead the month-end and year-end close processes, ensuring timely and accurate financial reporting. Ensure the integrity of the general ledger through oversight of reconciliations, account analysis, and transaction reviews. Prepare financial reports for philanthropic gifts, state appropriations, indirect costs, research programs, faculty support, KPIs, and other ad hoc needs. Analyze financial results and provide variance analyses comparing actual performance to budget, forecast, and prior year. Collaborate with finance leadership and operational stakeholders to support short- and long-term forecasting activities. Operational Leadership Direct daily accounting operations including recharge center invoicing, collections, reconciliations, journal entries, and related financial processes. Establish, monitor, and enhance internal controls to ensure compliance with HCI and UU policies and safeguard HCI assets. Review and approve ePRs, purchasing card reports, journal entries, reconciliations, and other materials prepared by the team. Review contracts under $10K and advise department heads on issues and risks. Contribute to developing and updating HCI financial policies and procedures. Support internal audits by coordinating schedules, documentation, and responses to auditor inquiries. Participate in special projects, system upgrades, and organizational initiatives. Identify and implement process improvements, reporting automation, and financial system enhancements to increase accuracy and efficiency. Monitor accounting operations KPIs related to accuracy, timeliness, and compliance; recommend improvements based on data insights. Customer Support Provide timely guidance and support to HCI investigators and staff, addressing ad hoc process and policy questions and connecting them with UU resources when needed. Ensure clear communication with department heads through updated training materials, FAQs, and content on the HCI Finance web page. Team Management Lead, mentor, and develop a team of accounting and receiving dock professionals, fostering a culture of excellence and accountability. Set departmental priorities, employee performance goals, conduct evaluations, and identify training opportunities to strengthen team capabilities. Ensure sufficient cross-training and coverage for team absences. This job description is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job. Associate Director, Accounting Management Direct/Manage/Supervise one or more accounting teams. Ensure organizational adherence to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ( GAAP ) or other accounting standards. Ensure timely preparation and review of all required regulatory filings. Advise on annual budgeting and prepare accounting reports for executive leadership. Review work submitted by accountants and manage accounting close processes. Perform analysis on financials and accounting metrics for presentation to leadership. Third-level manager. Manages the activities of first-level and second-level managers and/or supervisors. Responsible for hiring, firing, performance appraisals, and pay reviews. Broad knowledge of the field with proven leadership skills. Minimum Qualifications EQUIVALENCY STATEMENT : 1 year of higher education can be substituted for 1 year of directly related work experience (Example: bachelor’s degree = 4 years of directly related work experience). Department may hire employee at one of the following job levels: Associate Director, Accounting Management: Requires a bachelor’s (or equivalency) + 10 years or a master’s (or equivalency) + 8 years of directly related work experience. Preferences Preferred CPA , CMA , MBA or MAcc Experience with fund accounting in a higher education, research, or nonprofit environment Solid knowledge of applicable UU regulations and procedures Knowledge and application of GASB accounting Experience in a higher education research organization Background in process automation or system implementations Experience leading accounting teams through organizational growth or change initiatives Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field or equivalency. Seven or more years of progressive accounting and financial management experience, including at least three years of supervisory responsibility. Strong understanding of GAAP , fund accounting, and internal controls. Proficiency with accounting software. Advanced Excel skills and comfort working with large data sets. Demonstrated experience developing and implementing internal controls and process improvements. Experience preparing financial reports, reconciliations, and complex financial analyses. Excellent communication, leadership, and problem‑solving abilities. Core Competencies Accuracy & Attention to Detail Leadership & Team Development Process Optimization Analytical Thinking Positive Change Management Special Instructions Summary Additional Information The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems ("URS"). Eligible new hires with prior URS service, may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at View phone number on click.appcast.io for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS’ post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at View phone number on click.appcast.io or View phone number on click.appcast.io or University Human Resource Management at View phone number on click.appcast.io if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules. This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen. The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education. Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities. Consistent with state and federal law, the University of Utah does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy‑related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran’s status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX ( OEO ). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator’s office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at the: University of Utah Non‑Discrimination page . Online reports may be submitted at This report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action, and Violence Against Women Act offenses. They also provide information about safety and security‑related services offered by the University of Utah. A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South. As per University of Utah policy 5-108: Transfer of Benefits Eligible Staff Members , a new hire to the University of Utah who is still serving a 12 month probationary period will not be hired into another University of Utah job (a transfer) until the successful completion of the probationary period. University Human Resource Management 250 East 200 South, Suite 125 Salt Lake City, UT 84111 Contact us: View phone number on click.appcast.io By Email: View email address on click.appcast.io #J-18808-Ljbffr