Accounting Manager

This position oversees the daily operations of the general accounting function and plays a key role in strengthening the institution's accounting processes and internal controls. This role supports the Controller by sharing responsibility for reviewing accounting transactions, supervising accounting staff, and helping establish structure and accountability within the accounting team.

Essential Functions (Principal Duties and Job Responsibilities):

• Review and approve journal entries and account reconciliations prior to Controller review.
• Oversees the daily general accounting operations, including journal entries, account reconciliations, and general ledger activity. Provide supervisory guidance and assistance to accounting staff. Monitor Workday financial workflows and provide approval for accounting transactions as appropriate.
• Assists with the preparation of monthly financial statements. Ensure all accounting practices are in compliance with legal guidelines and established accounting principles. Assist the Controller with analytical review of monthly financial statements and identification of significant variances.
• Prepares required audit schedules and supporting documentation as requested for the interim audit work and the annual audit of the university's financial statements. Assist the AVP, Controller in creating the footnotes for the final audit report. Provide guidance and support for the accounting staff to help prepare the required schedules for the Single Audit section of the financial report. Work with external departments (Student Financial Services, Advancement, auxiliary venues, etc.) to obtain and review requested schedules for annual audit as needed.
• Prepares schedules and supporting documentation as requested for the University's form(s) 990 and 990-T tax filings. Provide guidance and support to accounting staff in preparation of supporting schedules. Work with external departments to obtain information used to prepare requested schedules for annual tax prep as needed
• Assist in developing standardized procedures and documentation for accounting operations.
• Other duties, as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

• The candidate should have extensive knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) and Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) requirements, and a strong understanding of federal and state compliance regulations applicable to higher education and research institutions. Expertise in financial reporting, auditing, internal controls, fund accounting, endowment management, and grants administration is essential. The individual must demonstrate proficiency in ERP financial systems (such as Workday, Banner, or Oracle), advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and financial data analysis tools, and familiarity with payroll, accounts payable, purchasing, and treasury operations. The role requires strong leadership and team management skills, exceptional analytical and problem-solving ability, and proven experience implementing process improvements and financial systems enhancements. Excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential, with the ability to convey complex financial information clearly to both financial and non-financial stakeholders. The successful candidate will demonstrate sound judgment, strong attention to detail, and a commitment to financial accuracy and transparency.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Preferred:

• Background in biomedical research, grant accounting and endowment accounting experience are strongly preferred. Experience with Workday ERP system preferred.

Education and Experience Required:

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, Finance, Business, or related field.
• Six to eight (6-8) years of progressive accounting experience; higher education fund accounting experience.

Education and Experience Preferred:

• Master's degree or higher in Accounting, Finance, or Business strongly preferred.

Licensure, Certification, or Registration Required:

• Active CPA license required or eligibility for transfer to the State of Tennessee.
• CPA license in active status

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Meharry Medical College complies with Title IX and is an affirmative action employer. Candidates will be considered for employment without discrimination for an non-merit reason such as race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, handicap or veteran status.