Director of Financial Reporting

Job Description – Director of Financial Reporting Consultant Location: Huntsville, AL Job Type: Contract, with the potential to become Contract – to – Perm Hourly Rate: $40-50/hour Department: Office of the Comptroller Position Overview Our client, a higher education grant institution, is seeking a Director of Finance Consultant for a senior-level accounting and leadership position requiring advanced technical expertise, independent judgment, and proactive management oversight. The position reports directly to the Comptroller and plays a critical role in financial reporting, compliance, and institutional decision support. Key Responsibilities Partner closely with the Comptroller by providing leadership and technical guidance in the preparation of financial reports and ensuring the accuracy and reliability of general ledger information for management and University stakeholders. Collaborate with academic and administrative departments across campus to enhance accounting workflows, reporting accuracy, and process efficiency. Serve as a primary point of contact for internal and external audits, ensuring accurate and timely delivery of required documentation. Take lead responsibility for the preparation of all required internal and external financial statements. Independently analyze, resolve, and recommend solutions for complex and non‑routine accounting matters, including journal entries, ledger corrections, and reporting discrepancies. Act as a subject matter expert for University staff by providing guidance on unusual or nonstandard accounting issues. Proactively identify potential reporting or reconciliation issues and develop recommendations for resolution before they escape. Apply comprehensive knowledge of financial accounting principles, GAAP, and governmental accounting standards (GASB) to address operational and management challenges. Utilize advanced proficiency with Banner Finance, cash management, and banking systems, including developing, testing, and implementing system-related enhancements. Oversee the preparation and timely completion of all bank reconciliations. Serve as Data Steward for the Comptroller’s Office, while coordinating and overseeing month‑end and year‑end close processes. Ensure compliance with all internal policies and external regulatory requirements and enforce applicable guidelines accordingly. Minimum Qualifications Master’s degree with at least three years of relevant professional experience, or Bachelor’s degree in Accounting with five to seven years of related experience CPA or CMA certification preferred Experience using integrated financial systems (Ellucian Banner preferred) Experience with ERP reporting tools (Argos preferred) Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Demonstrated expertise in preparing and analyzing complex financial statements Strong understanding of accounting, auditing, and financial management principles and practices Extensive experience with ERP systems, chart of accounts management, and report development Thorough knowledge of GASB standards and governmental financial reporting Proven supervisory and leadership abilities Excellent written and verbal communication skills Strong customer service orientation and ability to build effective working relationships with diverse internal and external partners We are recognized consistently for our diversity - as a best place to work for Women, Inclusion, Equality and Disability and in 2022 ManpowerGroup was named one of the World's Most Ethical Companies for the 13th year - all confirming our position as the brand of choice for in-demand talent. #J-18808-Ljbffr