Business Office and Accounting Manager

$70,000 - $90,000/Yr

University Of Michigan - Ann Arbor, MI

Full-time - Mid Level

Remote - Ann Arbor, MI

Educational Services

About the position

The Business Office and Accounting Manager at the University of Michigan will play a pivotal role in overseeing the daily accounting operations of the organization. This position is crucial for ensuring adherence to accuracy, compliance, and efficiency standards within the department. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong leadership qualities, possess comprehensive accounting knowledge, and exhibit proficiency in various accounting software, university systems, and business processes. Key responsibilities include maintaining precise financial records, budgeting, forecasting, managing contracts and RFPs, overseeing university systems, and supervising the business office team. In this role, the manager will serve as a trusted advisor to the Chief Operations Officer (COO) on financial matters, university financial and procurement business, and business process improvement initiatives. The manager will provide insights, analysis, and recommendations to support strategic decision-making and operational efficiency. Keeping up to date with UM policies and procedures is essential, as is ensuring compliance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), internal controls, and regulatory requirements. The Business Office and Accounting Manager will also assist in the development of the annual Institute budget, ensuring that administration and salary and fringe year-end projections are accurate and ready for use during the budgeting period. This includes collaborating with operation managers, directors, and staff to gather needed budget additions and changes, as well as conducting financial analysis and performance metrics reporting to identify trends, opportunities, and areas for improvement. Additionally, the manager will provide leadership and direction to the business office team, ensuring effective staffing levels and communication, while also identifying opportunities for process improvement within the business office. The role requires a commitment to maintaining confidentiality and integrity in handling financial information, as well as a proactive approach to resolving any accounting issues or discrepancies in a timely manner.

Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate financial records, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, deferred revenue, and general ledger entries.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to the Chief Operations Officer (COO) on financial matters and business process improvement initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), internal controls, and regulatory requirements.
• Assist in the development of the annual Institute budget and ensure accuracy of budget figures.
• Conduct financial analysis and performance metrics reporting to identify trends and areas for improvement.
• Provide leadership and direction to the business office team, including task delegation and performance evaluation.
• Collaborate with the COO and cross-functional teams to identify opportunities for business process optimization and cost reduction.
• Manage the purchasing processes and work with various U-M Procurement departments to finalize contracts.
• Participate in customer research, data analysis, and trend spotting as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• Proven experience in accounting leadership roles, with a minimum of 3 years of supervisory experience.
• In-depth knowledge of accounting principles, practices, and standards.
• Proficiency in accounting software and Microsoft Excel.
• Experience with UM financial systems, processes, and policies.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret financial data and trends.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively interact with stakeholders at all levels.

Nice-to-haves

• Understanding of ICLE products and systems
• Experience with iMIS and Great Plains software

Benefits

• Hybrid work mode options
• Professional development opportunities
• Health insurance coverage
• Retirement savings plan
• Paid holidays and vacation time