CURRENT OPPORTUNITIES

• Job Type: Officer of Administration
• Bargaining Unit:
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• End Date if Temporary:
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Salary Range:

Position Summary

Reporting to the Deputy Controller, Finance Operations the Executive Director of Benefits and Pension Accounting and Reporting is responsible for monthly accounting, reporting and forecasting of all fringe expenditures and recoveries totaling over $1.3B in activity as well as overseeing the accounting and reporting for the University’s eight pension and post retirement plans with combined assets in excess of $8B. 

Responsibilities

• The Executive Director is responsible for compiling the annual fringe budget, including the analysis/presentation of plan and recovery options; for the accuracy and timeliness of all health and welfare benefit plan and administration payments and monthly/quarterly accruals in accordance with GAAP, University policy and/or other statutory requirements; overseeing monthly and annual closing and reconciliation procedures for the various plans including the preparation of audited  financial statements, the year-end audit process and the preparation of various regulatory filings including the Forms 5500; and for monthly and quarterly reporting of department budget and expense. 

• Oversees the accuracy of accounting, budgeting and forecasting for all expenses within the fringe budget including the wage base and recoveries forecast/budget  for the fiscal year;

• Responsible for the integrity and accuracy of accounting and reporting for a benefit pool which records over $1.3B of activity annually;

• Prepares and manages the fringe pool budget in a fiscally responsible manner, complying with all applicable rules and regulations;

• Oversees the preparation of the variance analysis of the fringe pool;

• Coordinates and oversees the external audit process for the pension and post retirement plans;

• Oversees the coordination of pension and post retirement plan valuations, recommends and implements internal control practices to ensure proper accounting and monitoring of activity;

• Develops procedures to streamline processes;

• Serves as key liaison between Benefits, the Controller’s Office, Office of Management and Budget, and Procurement Services;

• Manages the accuracy, timely recording and payment of more than 75 invoices per month; 

• Manages the reporting requirements for all fringe pool activity within and outside the department;

• Responsible for timeliness and accuracy of related bank reconciliations. 

• Manages a team of five. 

• Performs other related duties and special projects, as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with a minimum of eight years' related experience required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in accounting or related field desirable
• MBA, CPA and/or other professional qualification is strongly preferred in conjunction with a relevant undergraduate concentration. 

Other Requirements

• Supervisory experience required.

• Exceptional skills are required in establishing/monitoring a controlled environment, preparing detailed reconciliation and analysis, and expertise in managing a detailed and complex monthly forecast process.

• Strong knowledge of benefits (retirement and health and welfare programs) required.

• Strong data management and reporting, system design, analytical and mathematical skills and proficiency with financial systems including Excel and other office suite applications is required.

• Must be a hands-on, detailed oriented individual possessing an ability to manage multiple activities with competing deadlines.

• Excellent oral, written, interpersonal, organizational and problem-solving skills required. 

• Ability to work closely and effectively with a diverse group of senior University administrators essential.

• Must be able to negotiate issues and resolve problems.

• Must be able to work well with all levels of management, both internally and externally, and be flexible in nature.

• Must be experienced at senior level presentations. 

• In addition, the successful candidate must be a strategic thinker, with an open and collaborative style of leadership that encourages teamwork and cooperation, and a strong role model, manager and coach, with the ability to provide a positive working and learning environment for staff. 

• Must have a demonstrated passion for excellent customer service and commitment to exceptional quality.

   

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.