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Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution · 16 hours ago

Assistant Director, Financial Accounting

Woods Hole, MA

Full-time

Onsite

Director/Executive

$128K/yr - $168K/yr

10+ years exp

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution is seeking an Assistant Director, Financial Accounting with high level Workday expertise to play a pivotal role in our Workday Financials implementation and ongoing optimization. This role involves leading the transformation of accounting operations, ensuring compliance with U.S. GAAP, and guiding the accounting team through the transition to Workday Financials.

EducationMarine TechnologyNon ProfitProduct Research

Responsibilities

Serve as the Workday Financials subject matter expert (SME) for Financial Accounting, including General Accounting, Accounts Receivable, Endowment & Gifts, Accounts Payable, and Projects

Partner with the Finance Systems and Implementation teams to design and refine business processes, validations, and system configurations that align with Workday best practices and institutional goals

Collaborate with Finance Systems to define security roles and responsibilities, ensuring proper segregation of duties and efficient system utilization

Contribute to the design of monthly financial statement reports (Statement of Position, Statement of Activities, Cash Flow, Functional Expenses) required for audited financial statements

Support the design, testing, and validation of Workday financial reports, dashboards, and new feature releases to ensure accuracy, usability, and compliance

Identify and document new financial accounting- related FDM requirements (e.g. new departments, spend categories, etc.) and work with Finance Systems to administer the changes

Lead the accounting team in executing system testing for upgrades, integrations, and deployment of new functionalities

Identify and implement opportunities to automate processes, streamline workflows, and enhance efficiency in accounting operations

Maintain robust internal controls and ensure data integrity across Workday financial processes

Support internal and external audit requests, ensuring transparency, completeness, and accuracy in financial reporting

Assist the Director of Accounting in providing strategic direction and shaping the accounting organization to align with Workday Financials best practices and optimized role design

Guide, mentor, and train team members to build Workday proficiency and nonprofit financial accounting competencies while fostering a culture of continuous improvement

Collaborate cross-functionally, including with the HCM/Payroll team to ensure financial data accuracy, process standardization, and operational excellence

Plays a key role in the ongoing evolution of the accounting organization, positioning it for long-term success post-implementation

Qualification

Workday FinancialsGAAP complianceFinancial reportingAccounting experienceProcess optimizationData analytics toolsLeadership skillsCommunication skillsProblem-solving skillsAttention to detail

Required

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field

10+ years of accounting experience, including at least 3+ years managing Workday Financials

Strong understanding of GAAP, financial reporting, and month-end close processes

Experience with Workday Financials modules including: General Ledger, HCM/Payroll, Procurement & Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Gifts & Endowment, Business Assets, Projects, and Grants

Proven success in Workday Financials implementation, design, and process optimization

Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills

Demonstrated experience in compiling financial statements and accounting for complex transactions

Strong technical skills, including intermediate to advanced Microsoft Office capabilities and proficiency with large ERP systems (e.g., Workday, NetSuite)

High attention to detail

Ability to effectively manage multiple priorities and meet competing deadlines

Ability to plan, schedule, supervise, and review the work of professional staff in a collegial and effective manner across all levels of the Institution

Demonstrated ability to use independent judgment, show initiative, and direct activities

Excellent written and verbal communication, and decision-making skills

Strong work ethic and willingness to work flexible hours to meet deadlines

Preferred

CPA and/or Master's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field

Proven ability to influence stakeholders at all levels

Demonstrated experience mentoring and developing staff in evolving system environments

Experience in a nonprofit, research, or higher education institution

Training/certification, or proven hands-on experience in change management and/or project management

Experience with data analytics tools (Power BI, Tableau) and/or data visualization

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package

Company

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

As the world's largest private nonprofit ocean research, engineering and education organization, we are dedicated to advancing solutions for our ocean, our planet, and our future.

Founded in 1930

Woods Hole, Massachusetts, USA

1001-5000 employees