Assistant Director of Finance

Assistant Director of Finance
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About North Park
Founded in 1891, North Park University is a Christian university affiliated with the Evangelical Covenant Church of over 3,200 students from around the country and the world. Located for over 125 years on the land of the Miami and Potawatomi tribes in what is today Chicago’s northside, NPU has recently been designated a Hispanic Serving Institution and is committed to serving diverse populations. Elevating North Park University’s core distinctives of Christian, city-centered, and intercultural, NPU values diversity among its Faculty and is committed to building a racially and culturally diverse intellectual community, and strongly encourages the nomination and candidacies of persons who are Black, Indigenous, and People of Color regardless of gender.

North Park University is located in the Albany Park neighborhood of Chicago, one of the most ethnically diverse zip codes in the United States. It is nine miles from downtown Chicago. The North Park campus has often been referred to as an oasis in the heart of the city – a place where students from urban, rural, and suburban backgrounds alike can call home. And all of this within the major metropolitan backdrop of Chicago: one of the world’s largest and most diversified economies, renowned for its museums and music, and voted best large city in the U.S. for four years in a row by Condé Nast Traveler.

Mission

The mission of North Park University is to prepare students for lives of significance and service through education in the liberal arts, professional studies, and theology.

Vision

Building on our core institutional identity—Christian, city-centered, intercultural—our vision is to create a university of uncommon character and enduring excellence, where faith, learning, and service meet.

Summary

As an integral part of our institution, the Assistant Director of Finance will work closely with the Director of Finance/Comptroller to ensure the financial health and stability of the college. This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to a vibrant community committed to academic excellence and Christian values, in alignment with the principles of North Park University. The Assistant Director of Finance supervises the Sponsored Project Financial Specialist as required in conjunction with Director of the Office of Sponsored Projects (OSP)

Duties and Responsibilities

• Financial Management: Assist in the development and implementation of financial policies and procedures in accordance with the college's mission and the principles of North Park University. Monitor financial activities and ensure compliance with US Department of Education, Uniform Guidance, SAM (System for Award Management), GATA (Grant Accountability and Transparency Act), and FSA (Federal Student Aid).
• Compliance and Regulatory Reporting: Ensure adherence to federal regulations and reporting requirements related to sponsored projects and financial aid programs. Prepare and submit financial reports to regulatory agencies and accreditation bodies in a timely manner.
• Grant Management: Jointly supervise the sponsored projects financial specialist in the administration of grants and contracts, ensuring compliance with grant requirements and funding regulations. Collaborate with faculty and staff to maximize funding opportunities.
• Asset Management: Oversee the college's asset management processes, including acquisition, depreciation, and disposal of assets. Maintain accurate records of fixed assets and ensure compliance with accounting standards.
• Project Accounting: Manage project accounting activities, including tracking expenses, revenue recognition, and reporting for capital projects, agency funds, restricted accounts, and plant funds.
• Releases from Restriction: Monitor and facilitate the release of restrictions on funds in accordance with donor agreements and institutional policies. Ensure proper accounting treatment and reporting for released funds.
• Interfund Expertise: Manage interfund transactions and balances, ensuring accuracy and compliance with accounting principles. Coordinate with departments to reconcile and resolve any discrepancies.
• Higher Education Knowledge: Apply specialized knowledge of higher education finance and accounting principles to support the unique needs and challenges of the college. Stay informed about industry trends, best practices, and regulatory changes affecting higher education institutions.
• Historical Clean Up: Conduct historical clean-up of financial data to ensure accuracy and integrity of the general ledger. Reconcile accounts and resolve discrepancies in a timely manner.
• Endowment Support: Provide support for endowment management, including investment tracking, spending allocation, and reporting. Collaborate with the investment committee and external investment managers to maximize returns while adhering to the college's investment policies.
• General Ledger Integrity: Ensure the integrity of the general ledger by reviewing account reconciliations, journal entries, and financial transactions. Work closely with the finance team to maintain accurate and up-to-date financial records.
• Desk Audit Planning and Execution: Prepare for and facilitate desk audits related to financial operations, ensuring readiness and compliance with audit requirements.
• Collaboration and Christian Principles: Embrace and embody the Christian higher education principles of North Park University fostering a culture of integrity, compassion, and service within the finance department and across the institution.

Requirements

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a related field (Master's degree preferred)
• CPA certification or equivalent professional accreditation
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in financial management, preferably in higher education or nonprofit sector
• Strong understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and financial reporting standards
• Familiarity with federal regulations and compliance requirements preferred, including US Department of Education, NSF, NASA, State Department, State of Illinois, and Uniform Guidance
• Proficiency in financial management software applications and ERP systems (Ellucian Colleague preferred)
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively interact with diverse stakeholders.
• Commitment to the mission and values of North Park University

Desired:

• Experience working in a business office at a higher education institution.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Colleague.

Benefits

• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Prescription Plan
• Flexible Spending Account
• Commuter Benefit
• Life Insurance
• Disability Insurance
• Retirement Plan
• Tuition Remission
• Helwig Recreation Center