Senior Accounting Manager

What We're Looking For

The Sr. Accounting Manager plays a critical leadership role in the financial operations of KU Memorial Unions by overseeing general accounting functions, financial reporting, account reconciliations, compliance efforts, and accounting staff. This position ensures the accuracy and integrity of financial information while supporting strategic decision-making across the organization.

The ideal candidate is a detail-oriented accounting professional with strong analytical skills, a commitment to continuous improvement, and the ability to effectively lead and support a team in a collaborative environment.

Department: Business Office
Reports To: Director of Finance/CFO
Pay Rate: The anticipated pay for this position starts at $85,000 annually. The final rate will be determined based on qualifications, experience, education, and years within the job or industry.
Schedule: Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm; 40 hours per week. This is a full-time position. Days and hours of work will vary based on the needs of the position. Early morning, evening and weekend work may be required.

Duties & Responsibilities of All KU Memorial Union Positions

1. Adhere to University and KU Memorial Unions policies and procedures.
2. Support the KU Memorial Unions Lines of Effort, initiatives, and End State as described by the Executive Director.
3. Uphold the department's mission and core values of community, dignity, empowerment, excellence, innovation, and safety.
4. Follow the 7 Team Principles: competence, creating a cohesive team through mutual trust, creating shared understanding, setting clear leader intent, written/verbal communication, disciplined initiative, and risk management.
5. Demonstrate a positive, solution-oriented attitude while fostering a respectful and productive work environment.
6. Represent KU Memorial Unions and the University professionally in all interactions on campus and within the community.

What You'll Do

• Manage daily accounting operations, including general ledger activities, accounts payable, accounts receivable, fixed assets, and related financial processes.
• Coordinate month-end and year-end close activities, including journal entries and accruals.
• Prepare and review account reconciliations to ensure accuracy and completeness.
• Prepare and analyze financial reports and monthly financial summaries for leadership.

• Ensure compliance with GAAP, organizational policies, and regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate documentation and schedules for annual audits and tax preparation.
• Monitor internal controls and recommend improvements to accounting policies and procedures.

• Supervise, coach, train, and support accounting staff.
• Serve as a financial resource to departments by providing guidance and resolving accounting-related questions.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to improve financial processes, reporting capabilities, and operational efficiencies.

• Support the effective use of financial management systems and accounting software.
• Maintain data integrity and identify opportunities to automate and improve accounting processes.
• Assist with annual budget development and related financial planning activities.

What's Required to Be Considered

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Five or more years of professional accounting experience.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP, financial reporting, and account reconciliation processes.
• Experience with accounting software and financial management systems.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment.
• Experience supervising, coaching, or leading staff.

The Ideal Candidate

• CPA or other relevant professional certification.
• Experience with NetSuite or a comparable ERP system.
• Experience in higher education or a complex, multi-departmental organization.
• Proven success leading accounting teams and implementing process improvements.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit and work at a computer for extended periods.
• Ability to communicate effectively in person, by phone, and electronically.
• Occasional lifting or carrying office materials up to 10 pounds.

We’ve Got You Covered

• Paid sick leave, vacation, and holidays
• Health, dental, vision, and life insurance
• Retirement plan with a 7.5% employer match
• Two months of paid parental leave
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Additional KU employee perks