Finance Reporting Manager

Space Telescope Science Institute - Washington, DC

Full-time - Mid Level

Washington, DC

1,001-5,000 employees

About the position

The Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy, Inc. (AURA) is seeking a Financial Reporting Manager to play a critical role in supporting its mission. This position is essential for ensuring the timely execution and accuracy of financial reports, audits, and compliance for AURA's activities. The Financial Reporting Manager will report directly to the Deputy CFO / Corporate Controller and will collaborate with the Center's accounting teams to ensure the accurate completion of monthly financial reports, annual financial statement audits, Uniform Guidance Audits, 403(b) audits, IRS Form 990, and periodic consolidated financial reporting. This role is pivotal in developing and implementing proper internal controls while supporting business objectives and the strategic plan. The ideal candidate will possess accounting, audit, and financial reporting experience in a large nonprofit institution or federally funded research center. The responsibilities of the Financial Reporting Manager include supporting the Deputy CFO/Corporate Controller in financial reporting and consolidation, preparing timely and accurate monthly financial statements for internal customers, and overseeing all quarterly and annual financial reporting within the organization. The manager will also be responsible for the consolidation of finance and accounting for a parent non-profit with two divisions and one international branch. Additionally, the role involves assisting in the preparation of AURA's financial statement audit, Uniform Guidance audit, 403(b) audit, and IRS Form 990 preparation. The Financial Reporting Manager will coordinate the year-end close process, audit preparation, and on-site audit work for the annual external financial statement audit, while also performing technical accounting research and collaborating with the Deputy CFO/Corporate Controller. This position requires a Bachelor's degree in Accounting or a related field, along with 5-7 years of progressive experience. The candidate should have established expertise in Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), experience with not-for-profit accounting, and familiarity with COSO. Proficiency in financial reporting systems and Excel is essential, as well as the ability to drive process improvement and communicate effectively in a multi-cultural environment. The role also demands excellent management abilities and a high level of integrity in handling confidential information. The Financial Reporting Manager will work in a hybrid model, spending 1-2 days a week in the office, and will be required to travel 5% of the time to AURA facilities across various locations.

Responsibilities

• Support the Deputy CFO/Corporate Controller in financial reporting and consolidation.
• Prepare timely and accurate monthly financial statements for internal customers.
• Oversee all quarterly and annual financial reporting within the organization.
• Consolidate finance and accounting for a parent non-profit with two divisions and one international branch.
• Assist in preparing AURA's financial statement audit, Uniform Guidance audit, 403(b) audit, and IRS Form 990 preparation.
• Coordinate the year-end close process, audit preparation, and on-site audit work for the annual external financial statement audit.
• Perform technical accounting research in collaboration with the Deputy CFO/Corporate Controller.
• Assist in writing, implementing, and ensuring compliance with new accounting and finance policies and procedures.
• Design and maintain internal control documentation.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or related field with 5-7 years of progressive experience.
• Established expertise in Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and experience with not-for-profit accounting and financial reporting requirements.
• Experience with COSO and ability to develop and/or modify policies and processes as needed.
• Experience with financial reporting systems and financial report development in Excel.
• Experience in a multicurrency/international environment.
• Demonstrated ability to drive process improvement.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Experience creating financial reports and reporting packages and establishing standards for ensuring quality.
• Experience working in a multi-cultural environment, in an international organization and/or in a high technology industry sector.
• Results-oriented with a high level of integrity and discretion in handling confidential information.
• Excellent management abilities and adept leadership skills.

Nice-to-haves

• Active CPA license or Master's in Accounting or related field.
• Knowledge of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).
• Knowledge of the OMB Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance).
• Familiarity using COGNOS financial reporting to develop standard financial reporting consolidation packages.
• Fluency in Spanish.