Assistant Director, Financial Accounting

Job Summary

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution is seeking an Assistant Director, Financial Accounting with high level Workday expertise to play a pivotal role in our Workday Financials implementation and ongoing optimization. Reporting to the Director of Accounting, this position will lead the transformation of accounting operations from the Institution’s legacy ERP system to Workday Financials, ensuring processes, roles and systems are fully aligned with best practices. This individual will combine deep technical expertise in accounting and high-level expertise in Workday/ERP systems with strong leadership and change management skills. The successful candidate will guide the accounting team through this transition and transformation, help design and implement efficient workflows, ensure compliance with U.S. GAAP and nonprofit financial reporting requirements (ASC 958), uphold internal accounting policies, and position the organization for sustained operational excellence in the Workday environment.

Job Description Essential Duties & Functions

Workday Financials Design

• Serve as the Workday Financials subject matter expert (SME) for Financial Accounting, including General Accounting, Accounts Receivable, Endowment & Gifts, Accounts Payable, and Projects.
• Partner with the Finance Systems and Implementation teams to design and refine business processes, validations, and system configurations that align with Workday best practices and institutional goals.
• Collaborate with Finance Systems to define security roles and responsibilities, ensuring proper segregation of duties and efficient system utilization.
• Contribute to the design of monthly financial statement reports (Statement of Position, Statement of Activities, Cash Flow, Functional Expenses) for audited financial statements.
• Support the design, testing, and validation of Workday financial reports, dashboards, and new feature releases to ensure accuracy, usability, and compliance.
• Identify and document new financial accounting-related FDM requirements (e.g. new departments, spend categories, etc.) and work with Finance Systems to administer the changes.
• Lead the accounting team in executing system testing for upgrades, integrations, and deployment of new functionalities.

Process Improvement & Controls

• Identify and implement opportunities to automate processes, streamline workflows, and enhance efficiency in accounting operations.
• Maintain robust internal controls and ensure data integrity across Workday financial processes.
• Support internal and external audit requests, ensuring transparency, completeness, and accuracy in financial reporting.

Team Leadership

• Assist the Director of Accounting in providing strategic direction and shaping the accounting organization to align with Workday Financials best practices and optimized role design.
• Guide, mentor, and train team members to build Workday proficiency and nonprofit financial accounting competencies while fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
• Collaborate cross-functionally, including with the HCM/Payroll team to ensure financial data accuracy, process standardization, and operational excellence.
• Plays a key role in the ongoing evolution of the accounting organization, positioning it for long-term success post-implementation.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
• 10 + years of accounting experience, including at least 3+ years managing Workday Financials.
• Strong understanding of GAAP, financial reporting, and month-end close processes.
• Experience with Workday Financials modules including: General Ledger, HCM/Payroll, Procurement & Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Gifts & Endowment, Business Assets, Projects, and Grants
• Proven success in Workday Financials implementation, design, and process optimization
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills
• Demonstrated experience in compiling financial statements and accounting for complex transactions.
• Strong technical skills, including intermediate to advanced Microsoft Office capabilities and proficiency with large ERP systems (e.g., Workday, NetSuite).
• High attention to detail.
• Ability to effectively manage multiple priorities and meet competing deadlines.
• Ability to plan, schedule, supervise, and review the work of professional staff in a collegial and effective manner across all levels of the Institution.
• Demonstrated ability to use independent judgment, show initiative, and direct activities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, and decision-making skills.
• Strong work ethic and willingness to work flexible hours to meet deadlines.

PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• CPA and/or Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
• Proven ability to influence stakeholders at all levels
• Demonstrated experience mentoring and developing staff in evolving system environments
• Experience in a nonprofit, research, or higher education institution
• Training / certification, or proven hands-on experience in change management and/or project management
• Experience with data analytics tools (Power BI, Tableau) and/or data visualization

Additional Job Requirements

Salary Range: $128,000 to $168,000 USD The salary range provided for this position reflects the expected minimum and maximum base pay for new hires. Actual compensation will be determined based on factors such as relevant skills, experience, and qualifications, as well as internal equity and market conditions. In addition to base salary, eligible employees also receive a comprehensive benefits package.

WHOI accepts applications on a rolling basis - applications will be reviewed as they are received, and we encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible to ensure full consideration. While we will continue to review applications until the position is filled, and early applicants may have an advantage in the selection process.

EEO Statement

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.