Director of Accounting Services - Oakland University

Another Source's client, Oakland University, is recruiting a Director of Accounting Services to join their team in Rochester, Michigan. This is an exciting opportunity to step into a highly visible role overseeing university-wide accounting operations, financial reporting, audits, and compliance. The Director will serve as a trusted financial advisor to campus leadership while helping strengthen financial systems, improve processes, and ensure the integrity of the university's financial operations. This is an ideal opportunity for an experienced accounting professional who enjoys combining technical expertise with leadership, collaboration, and meaningful impact in a higher education environment.

Another Source's client, Oakland University, is recruiting a Director of Accounting Services to join their team in Rochester, Michigan. This is an opportunity for an experienced accounting leader to oversee university-wide financial operations, strengthen financial stewardship, and serve as a trusted advisor to campus leadership.

Here's a little about Oakland University:

Oakland University is a public research university located in Rochester, Michigan, committed to academic excellence, student success, and meaningful community engagement. With a broad range of academic programs and a strong focus on research and innovation, Oakland University provides an environment where education, discovery, and opportunity come together.

The university is also recognized for its commitment to creating a welcoming and supportive campus community. Oakland has earned national recognition as a top workplace for LGBTQ+ community members, recognition as a safe workplace, and consistently strong rankings for its support of U.S. military veteran students. Employees benefit from a collaborative university environment, professional growth opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support their well-being.

About this role:

Oakland University is seeking a Director of Accounting Services to build upon an established foundation and provide strategic leadership for the university's central accounting operations.

This is a highly visible, university-wide role that goes well beyond traditional accounting management. The Director will oversee financial reporting, complex regulatory compliance, external audits, enterprise financial systems, and banking operations while serving as a senior financial advisor to university leadership and the broader campus community.

The opportunity is particularly compelling for an accounting professional who enjoys combining technical expertise with operational leadership, problem-solving, and collaboration. From managing the university's audited financial statements to safeguarding the integrity of its financial systems, this position plays an essential role in maintaining financial transparency, accountability, and institutional confidence.

The Director will also have the opportunity to influence how financial information is managed, communicated, and used across campus, helping university departments navigate complex financial requirements and make informed decisions.

How you will spend your time

Financial Reporting & Accounting Leadership

Provide leadership and oversight for the university's central accounting functions, ensuring accurate, timely, and transparent financial reporting.

• Direct the preparation of annual audited financial statements and coordinate with external auditors throughout the audit process.

• Apply expertise in Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) pronouncements, including the interpretation and implementation of new accounting standards.

• Strengthen accounting processes, financial controls, and reporting practices to support institutional accountability and sound financial management.

• Serve as a senior financial resource and advisor to university leadership on complex accounting matters and financial reporting requirements.

Audit Management & Regulatory Compliance

• Lead coordination of the university's federal Single Audit, ensuring compliance with applicable federal requirements.

• Oversee NCAA agreed-upon procedures engagements and other specialized financial compliance activities.

• Manage tax compliance activities, including research, reporting, and preparation requirements.

• Lead the annual negotiation of federal fringe benefit rates.

• Monitor evolving accounting standards and regulatory requirements, ensuring the university remains responsive to changes in financial reporting and compliance expectations.

Financial Systems & Internal Controls

• Oversee the university's Banner Finance module, including financial system management, user security access, and data stewardship.

• Maintain the integrity, reliability, and security of financial information across university systems.

• Evaluate and strengthen internal controls that safeguard university resources and support accurate financial transactions.

• Identify opportunities to improve financial processes, reporting capabilities, and system effectiveness through technology and operational enhancements.

Banking, Cash Management & Financial Operations

• Manage key banking relationships and oversee critical transaction processes, including cash management, ACH transactions, wire transfers, and positive pay.

• Ensure appropriate financial controls and oversight of banking activities and transaction processing.

• Partner with internal stakeholders to support effective financial operations and responsible stewardship of university resources.

Campus Collaboration & Financial Guidance

• Serve as a key member of the university's Financial Performance Review Committee, providing financial oversight and guidance to campus business units.

• Develop and deliver financial reporting and compliance training for departments across the university.

• Translate complex accounting and regulatory requirements into practical guidance for campus partners.

• Build productive relationships across academic and administrative departments, supporting informed decision-making and consistent financial practices.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• At least six (6) years of professional accounting experience, including two (2) years of supervisory or management experience.

• Strong knowledge of accounting principles, financial reporting, internal controls, and regulatory compliance.

• Proficiency with spreadsheet applications, enterprise-wide financial systems, and financial reporting tools.

• Experience working with advanced technical systems and complex reporting requirements.

• Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and complex financial activities.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain financial information to diverse audiences.

• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues and stakeholders across an organization.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Business Administration, Accounting, or a related field.

• Professional accounting certification, such as Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Management Accountant (CMA).

• Experience in higher education accounting or financial administration.

• Knowledge of GASB accounting standards and their application in a university or public-sector environment.

• Experience managing complex financial audits, including federal compliance audits.

• Experience with Ellucian Banner financial systems.

• Database management, financial systems administration, or advanced reporting experience.

• Experience with tax research, preparation, and compliance.

• Strong technical accounting expertise and demonstrated ability to improve financial processes and systems.

Oakland University may consider qualifications, degrees, and/or experience deemed comparable or equivalent at its sole discretion, unless otherwise required by an applicable collective bargaining agreement.

What's in it for you:

The anticipated annual salary range for this position is $120,500-$139,750.

Oakland University offers a comprehensive compensation and benefits package designed to support employees both professionally and personally. Highlights include:

• Comprehensive medical coverage with low employee contribution amounts.

• Dental and vision coverage provided at no cost to employees.

• Generous paid time off programs to support work-life balance.

• A generous university contribution to a 403(b) retirement plan.

• Tuition assistance for employees and eligible dependents.

• Complimentary access to campus recreation and fitness facilities.

• Flexible work schedules and employee wellness programs.

Benefits are subject to applicable eligibility requirements and future changes.

Learn more about Oakland University's benefits: https://www.oakland.edu/hr/benefits/

A Career with Meaning and Impact

At Oakland University, financial leadership supports far more than the institution's day-to-day operations. It helps create the foundation for academic excellence, research, student opportunity, and long-term institutional success.

For an experienced accounting professional seeking a role that combines technical complexity, campus-wide visibility, and meaningful influence, the Director of Accounting Services offers an opportunity to make a lasting contribution within a mission-driven university community.

Another Source's Commitment to Inclusive Recruiting

Another Source works with their clients, on a retained project basis. We are committed to building inclusive candidate pools as we partner with hiring teams. As you read through the job posting and review the list of qualifications (required and/or preferred), please do not self-select out if you feel you do not meet every qualification. No one is 100% qualified. We encourage you to apply and share your story with us.

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