Director, Pension Accounting and Reporting

• Job Type: Officer of Administration
• Bargaining Unit:
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• End Date if Temporary:
• Hours Per Week: full-time, 35 hours
• Standard Work Schedule:
• Building:
• Salary Range: $140,000-$150,000

Position Summary

Reporting to the Executive Director, Benefits and Pension Accounting & Reporting, the Director, Pension Accounting & Reporting is primarily responsible for the on-going accounting for and reporting on the University’s eight pension/post-retirement plans, a mix of defined contribution, deferred compensation, defined benefit plans, and retiree health plans with combined assets greater than $8 billion. This includes maintaining the plans’ books and records and the related University expense and liability postings, managing the plans’ audits, preparation of the plans’ financial statements and footnote disclosures and the pension/post-retirement footnote disclosure for the University’s Consolidated financial statements in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). .  The Director works closely with others within Fringe Benefits Accounting, the Controller’s Office, and the Human Resources Benefits teams, as well as both internal and external auditors, plan actuaries and plan custodians.

Responsibilities

• Duties include, but are not limited to:

  • maintaining the pension/post retirement plans’ books and records,  reviewing and approving monthly journal entries and managing monthly closing and reconciliation procedures;
  • leading any updates and improvements to the current automated pension accounting processes;
  • complying with internal controls to ensure the protection of pension assets;
  • preparing the plans year-end financial statements and footnote disclosures in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and ERISA regulations;
  • researching new accounting rules and updates and making recommendations as to applicability and implementation;
  • independently handling the calendar year end and fiscal year audits for the seven pension plans coordinating with HR, actuaries, plan providers and other parties. Acts as liaison with the University’s independent auditor;
  • directing preparation of the Forms 5500 and other Internal Revenue Service and Department of Labor regulatory compliance filings;
  • preparing the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) pension/post retirement disclosure for the University’s audited financial statements;
  • in consultation with the Executive Director, serving as the Controller’s Office liaison to the Benefits Department on pension/post-retirement related audit and accounting matters, reconciliations and ad hoc reporting needs; 
  • monitoring investment performance in accordance with the University’s asset allocation for the pension assets;
  • collaborating closely with the plans’ custodian and the plans’ actuaries to ensure that valuation inputs are appropriate and that pension related disclosures are accurate;
  • supporting and participating in all pension plans, related HR, and fringe budget related activities;
  • supervising the Senior Accountant Pension Financial Reporting
  • performing other related duties and special projects as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (preferably in accounting, business administration or finance)
• Minimum of seven years’ related experience required

Preferred Qualifications

• CPA and/or advanced degree
• Pension accounting experience
• Excel super-user with the ability to collect and analyze data, evaluate information, prepare reports, and present findings and recommendations
• Supervisory experience 

Other Requirements

• Must be detail-oriented, analytical, possess strong organizational and problem-solving skills, and can prioritize and manage multiple assignments simultaneously.

• Must have leadership skills to own and manage the pension accounting team with minimal supervision.

• Advanced Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access) is required.   

• Must possess excellent oral, written and interpersonal skills.

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

• Knowledge of current FASB and AICPA disclosure and presentation issues required. 

• Must have a 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.