Director of Accounting - Sponsored Programs

Embry-Riddle: Celebrating 100 Years of Leadership in Aviation and Aerospace 

As Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University marks its Centennial, we proudly celebrate 100 years of advancing the future of flight and aerospace education. With vibrant residential campuses in Daytona Beach, FL, and Prescott, AZ — and a Worldwide network spanning nearly 120 global locations — Embry-Riddle stands as the world’s largest aviation and aerospace university. 

For a century, we have led innovation in STEM education, serving more than 30,000 students around the globe. Our cutting-edge programs in Applied Science, Aviation, Business, Technology, Engineering, Safety, Security, and Space empower the next generation of leaders to shape the future of flight, exploration, and discovery. 

As we launch our next century, we remain committed to excellence, innovation, and preparing graduates who will transform industries and redefine what is possible. 

The Opportunity 

The Director of Accounting – Sponsored Programs is responsible for overseeing financial reporting, compliance, and post-award accounting activities related to sponsored programs. This role has primary responsibility for preparing and submitting the University’s Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA) and State Projects to the U.S. Department of Education and the Florida Auditor General.

Reporting to the Associate Controller, this position develops, implements, and maintains policies, procedures, and internal controls to ensure compliance with Uniform Guidance, Office of Management and Budget (OMB) regulations, grant requirements, and applicable contracts. The Director will also serve as a key liaison between University Accounting and campus partners, including the Office of Sponsored Research Administration and Budget and Finance, promoting collaboration and consistent communication across departments.

This role supervises three accounting professionals (two Senior Accountants and one Staff Accountant) and is responsible for setting performance expectations, managing staff development, and fostering a high-performing team culture. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong leadership, communication skills, professionalism, integrity, and sound ethical judgment while serving as an ambassador for the Controller’s Office and the broader University community.

• Oversee post-award accounting and financial reporting for sponsored programs, including awards from federal agencies (e.g., NASA, NSF, FAA) and state agencies (e.g., Florida Department of Education).

• Prepare, review, and process journal entries related to sponsored program activity and general ledger accounts, ensuring accuracy, proper documentation, and audit readiness.

• Compile, analyze, and deliver monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports, reconciliations, and schedules for internal and external stakeholders.

• Lead, supervise, and develop accounting staff, including goal setting, performance management, coaching, training, and professional development.

• Hire, onboard, and manage performance of accounting team members.

• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and service delivery for internal and external customers.

• Coordinate with the Associate Controller on internal and external audit requests and support the preparation of the SEFA and State Projects schedules, including related footnotes in accordance with GAAP and Uniform Guidance.

• Ensure compliance with applicable financial policies, governmental regulations, contracts, grant agreements, and accounting standards.

• Prepare technical accounting position papers as needed to support complex financial interpretations or decisions.

• Collaborate with the Office of Sponsored Research Administration on Workday system configuration, reporting, and best practices.

• Serve as a subject matter expert and liaison between Accounting, Sponsored Research, Budget and Finance, and other campus stakeholders.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Perks Await You at Embry-Riddle! 

• Health Benefits: Experience comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, along with wellness programs that include preventive care and fitness memberships. Our flexible spending and health savings accounts simplify managing healthcare costs. Join a workplace that prioritizes your health—because your journey to wellness should be rewarding! Buckle up for a healthier, happier you! 

• Tuition Coverage: Get 100% tuition coverage for yourself for one undergraduate and one graduate degree, and discounted rates for your spouse and dependent children up to age 26.   

• Retirement Contributions: ERAU contributes an annual 6% gift of your base salary to your retirement plan and offers a 4% matching contribution, with no vesting period. 

• Generous Time Off: Relax with 18 days of personal leave in your first year. Enjoy 9+ paid holidays, including the day after Thanksgiving and the week between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day.   

Required Education and Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required

• The hours and days of work are established by business requirements and may be changed at the direction of management

• Minimum of 5–10 years of related professional experience in Accounting and/or Finance

Required Skills and Experience

• Higher education accounting or sponsored programs experience preferred

• Strong commitment to providing excellent customer service to both internal and external stakeholders

• Comprehensive knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) standards, and applicable statutory accounting principles

• Knowledge of U.S. Uniform Guidance and federal grant compliance requirements

• Demonstrated accounting and financial reporting experience, preferably in a complex organizational environment

• Proven supervisory and team leadership experience, including staff development, coaching, and performance management

• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate across diverse audiences

• Exceptional attention to detail with a strong commitment to accuracy and quality of work

• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively in a team-oriented environment

• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing demands in a fast-paced environment

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, especially Excel and Word; experience with Workday Financial Management preferred

• Demonstrated professionalism, sound judgment, discretion, and ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information

Application process/requirements 

To submit your application for this opportunity, please visit the Embry-Riddle Career Site and search for requisition number R311545. Please attach all relevant materials to your application when you apply online. Complete submissions include: 

• Cover letter 

• Full Resume 

• Contact information for at least three professional references (please note that references may be contacted as part of the interview/screening process) 

Current Embry-Riddle employees: Please apply directly through the ERAU Employee Hub Central application within Workday. 

Embry-Riddle is committed to fostering a workplace where all individuals are valued and respected. We strive to ensure that all faculty, staff, and students are treated fairly and provided equal opportunities for employment, advancement, compensation, training, and other benefits of employment. Embry-Riddle makes employment decisions — including hiring, promotions, compensation, and other terms of employment — based on individual merit, qualifications, and abilities. Embry Riddle is strongly opposed to discrimination and harassment, and such behavior is prohibited by university policy. Embry Riddle does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, veteran status, predisposing genetic characteristics, age, religion, or pregnancy status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law, in its employment, educational programs, admissions policies, financial aid, or other school-administered programs or activities. For further information, please visit our website. 

Embry-Riddle is not seeking assistance from staffing or recruitment agencies. All agencies are directed to contact [email protected] and should not reach out to hiring managers or staff.