Director of Finance

Lake Superior State University invites applications for a new open position as the university’s Director of Finance. Reporting directly to the Vice President of Finance and Operations, the Director of Finance serves with a well-qualified team in LSSU’s business office to fill a vital role in supervising and maintaining quality control for the operations of this institution. Primary responsibilities for this position include organizing, directing, and evaluating various accounting and financial control activities, such as supervising senior accounting staff, as well as oversight of Student Financial Services, Purchasing, and Budgeting.

LSSU is seeking an innovative and detail-focused individual with experience in financial management. We seek an enthusiastic and motivated individual to embrace this tremendous opportunity to work within a team that will help lead the university as it carries out the institution’s strategic plan. This individual, working with the university’s accounting staff, will directly oversee the institution’s banking and investment relationships, supervise general ledger and budget activities, and ensure accuracy and completion of accounting records. Additional responsibilities include monitoring accounting policies, procedures, and processes to ensure compliance with all regulatory bodies, oversight and preparation of financial reports and tax documents, and supervision of budget planning processes at the university. Specifically, LSSU seeks someone with these skills and qualifications:

• Ability to oversee preparation of various financial reports and tax documents required by Federal, State and private agencies;
• Ability to ensure university financial policies and procedures are being followed;
• Ability to implement appropriate changes in accounting policies, procedures, and processes to reflect changes in the regulations, policies and procedures of the various professional bodies that impact the operations of the university business;
• Ability to supervise the budget planning process at the university and work with various units to ensure funds are allocated properly;
• Ability to oversee preparation of annual General Fund revenue, expense, and transfer budgets, as well as Auxiliary and other budgets as requested;
• Ability to monitor the maintenance of software used by the financial operations and the interactions / effects those platforms have on each other;
• Ability to oversee and assist in preparing and posting journal entries to record financial activity of the university;
• Ability to evaluate, assist, and support all finance reform efforts initiated by the CFO to maximize operational efficiency and streamline processes;
• Ability to perform distributions of investment or endowment assets and asset appreciation in accordance with University or Foundation policies;
• Ability to oversee financial audits, and to review, conduct, or assist with periodic audit functions across campus; prepare schedules and analyses for any external or internal audits deemed necessary.

Lake Superior State University is located in Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan, bordering Canada and surrounded by three Great Lakes. With four seasons, it is a prime location for any outdoor enthusiast, surrounded by the rich natural resources of Northern Michigan. The Finance Manager will join an innovative and dynamic team led by the Vice President for Finance and Operations, working through a strategy that builds on strong enrollments across colleges and programs, a regional and global footprint, and a solid financial position. The Finance Manager will be joining the university in a time of solid financial position and exciting programmatic growth in line with our strategic plan.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree-major in accounting or business Knowledge of governmental fund accounting Seven or more years of experience in accounting work, including both electronic data processing and spreadsheet applications Three or more years of supervisory experience Ability to work well with others and to communicate clearly and effectively.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree or CPA

Competitive Salary and Excellent Benefits package: Retirement contribution of 10%, Health- Dental- Vision- RX Insurance, Life & Long Term Disability, Generous Sick & Vacation leave, 11 paid Holidays, Flexible Spending Accounts, Tuition Waiver, Dependent Tuition discount, Basic membership to Norris Center, and Free Admission to University Sponsored Athletics & Cultural Events. Allowance for relocation expenses.