Assistant Director of Finance, Magnet Schools

The mission of Goodwin University is to educate a diverse student population in a dynamic environment that aligns education, commerce, and community. Our innovative programs of study prepare students for professional careers while promoting lifelong learning and civic responsibility. As a nurturing university community, we challenge students, faculty, staff, and administration to fully realize their highest academic, professional, and personal potential.

Position Description Summary/Purpose:

This position is accountable for leading the Magnet School Finance team in managing the financial and accounting controls and policies, annual budgeting, federal and state grant reporting, cash management, and financial modeling. Further, this position is responsible for providing leadership and coaching to the Finance team.

Essential Job Functions/Primary Responsibilities:

(The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.)

• Cash flow management, which includes the initiation of any drawdowns, the review and signing of checks, as well as the monitoring of daily cash balances across Magnet School accounts
• Maintains the user security and access to accounting information systems
• Manages Magnet School Finance staff and deliverables to ensure accuracy and timeliness while assisting with the prioritization of duties
• Interacts with Magnet Schools staff and management on a regular basis
• Performs various tasks associated with the month-end close while adhering to all internal deadlines
• Responsible for ensuring that all journal entries are accurate, timely and in accordance with GAAP and CT State Department of Education (SDE) regulations
• Responsible for the daily cash accounting activities of the Magnet Schools, including balancing and reconciling all cash accounts in a consistent and timely manner
• Works with Magnet School Finance staff to bill and record revenues associated with the Pre-K and After-School programs, as well as other programs
• Ability to present Magnet School financial statements to both the Budget & Finance and Audit & Risk Board committees, as needed and answer any follow-up inquiries regarding quarterly activity
• Assists with the preparation and compilation of the Magnet School annual budget and facilitates the finalization of various grant applications
• Assembles and files the annual Statement of Expenditures Report (ED141) for all Magnet School operating grants
• Reviews monthly Magnet School construction billing packages and prepares schedules which project construction cash flow demands
• Facilitates all audit requests with regards to construction grant audits
• Liaise with local townships to ensure tuition is collected and any outstanding balances are properly investigated
• Meets monthly with District Leadership to review YTD actual expenditures against the budget and communicate the impact of any and all revisions proposed by management
• Assists with tracking revenues and expenditures by grant source
• Facilitates the resolution of any discrepancies on Magnet School drawdowns or reimbursements with the Connecticut State Department of Education (SDE.)
• Prepares and analyzes monthly operating expense reports relative to budgets for all Magnet Schools
• Performs certain aspects of accounts payable processes for the Magnet Schools, including ensuring that policies and procedures related to internal controls are followed
• Prepares annual 1099 Statements for vendors in an accurate and timely manner, including timely reporting of 1099 income to the IRS
• Constantly monitors new legislation as it specifically relates to Magnet Schools and implements any necessary changes to daily / monthly / quarterly / yearly processes within the Finance team
• Constantly monitors and assesses current internal control environment across the Magnet School operations and, where necessary, produces any new or revised procedures to support the overall goal of accurate and timely financial reporting
• Trains and coaches staff throughout their daily work, as deemed necessary
• Coordinates and assists with the preparation of all Magnet School related annual audit schedules for the Goodwin University fiscal year audit
• Occasionally assists with ad hoc work surrounding Magnet Schools and Goodwin University management needs
• Conducts all work in a safe manner and ensures all work safety practices are followed.

Other Functions

• Performs similar or related work as required, directed or as situation dictates
• Continues professional development and training; keeps current with trends
• Assists other department staff as needed to promote a team effort
• Occasional travel to storage facilities, school locations, training sessions, and banks.

Knowledge, Ability and Skill:

• Requires a working knowledge of basic financial statements
• Sound knowledge of compliance regulations for organizations working within the education or not-for-profit sectors
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, a collaborative style, and the ability to communicate effectively at all levels
• Demonstrates initiative and the ability to work effectively within stringent time constraints
• Knowledge of state and federal reporting and records retention requirements preferred
• Working knowledge of Ellucian Colleague system
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word
• Must be comfortable working with a diverse team of talented individuals across multiple operating entities
• Demonstrated commitment to developing and fostering best practices and policies to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, and build an environment in which all members of the University community are treated with respect and dignity.

Qualifications

Education, Training and Experience:

• Minimum of a B.A., ideally with an MBA/CPA or related degree

• At least 5 - 7 years working knowledge in accounting or finance with at least 3 years of supervisory experience

Physical and Mental Requirements: 

Work Environment  None        Under 1/3 1/3 to 2/3 Over 2/3 Outdoor Weather Conditions X       Work with fumes or airborne particles X       Work near moving mechanical parts X       Risk of electrical shock X       Vibration X      
Physical Activity  None        Under 1/3 1/3 to 2/3 Over 2/3 Standing                                                  X     Walking     X   Sitting       X Talking & Hearing       X Using hands/fingers to handle/feel       X Climbing or balancing X       Bending, pulling, pushing   X     Driving  X      
Lifting Requirements None       Under 1/3 1/3 to 2/3 Over 2/3 Up to 10 pounds                                      X     Up to 25 pounds   X     Up to 50 pounds X       Up to 75 pounds X       Up to 100 pounds X       Over 100 pounds X      

Vision Requirements:

X Close vision (i.e. clear vision at 20 inches or less)

___Distance vision (i.e. clear vision at 20 feet or more)

___Color vision (i.e. ability to identify and distinguish colors)

___Peripheral vision (i.e. ability to observe an area that can be seen up and down or

left and right while the eyes are fixed on a given point)

___Depth perception (i.e. three-dimensional vision, ability to judge distances and

spatial relationships)

___ No special vision requirements

Full-Time Employee Benefits:

• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Pet Insurance
• 401k employer match
• Employee & dependent life insurance
• Great tuition benefits for employee, spouse & dependents
• PTO program
• Flexible work schedules

(This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between Goodwin University and employee. It is used as a guide for personnel actions and is subject to change by the University as the needs of the University and requirements of the job change.)