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Stony Brook University · 1 day ago

Director of Accounting

Stony Brook, NY

Full-time

Onsite

Lead/Staff, Director/Executive

$151K/yr - $180K/yr

5+ years exp

Stony Brook University is seeking a Director of Accounting to oversee financial operations and ensure compliance across the Foundation’s accounting and tax functions. The Director will manage financial reporting, implement effective internal controls, and lead process improvements while partnering closely with the Controller and accounting team.

Higher Education

No H1B

Responsibilities

Provide hands-on leadership to a developing accounting team, offering mentorship, structured coaching, and clear performance feedback to build accountability, confidence and capability. Foster a collaborative environment focused on skill development, professional growth, and alignment with the organization’s mission and financial stewardship goals. Guide staff in adopting best practices and new technologies to strengthen operations, while identifying and developing emerging leadership within the team

Manage and oversee Stony Brook Foundation accounting areas, ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting. This includes managing general ledger functions, overseeing internal controls, and ensuring compliance with US GAAP, statutory, and tax regulations. Provide guidance to the accounting team on financial policies and procedures, month-end and year-end close processes, and financial audits

Identify and implement opportunities for process improvements, leveraging technology to increase efficiency, reduce risk, and enhance performance. Lead finance-related projects and initiatives, coordinating with stakeholders to optimize accounting functions and meet organizational objectives. Play a key role in the implementation of a new ERP system, contributing to testing and rollout to enhance organizational efficiency and data integrity

Ensure adherence to internal controls, legal and regulatory compliance, and manage the Foundation’s insurance arrangements. Serve as the subject matter expert on charitable gaming compliance for raffle programs, supporting Form 990 and Form 990-T filings in collaboration with external tax firms

Other duties as assigned

Qualification

Bachelor's degree in AccountingCertified Public Accountant (CPA)Technical accounting expertiseFinancial reportingGAAP compliancePeople managementFinancial close cyclesAudits managementTax compliance reportingProcess improvementLeadershipMentorshipCollaboration

Required

Bachelor's degree (foreign equivalent or higher) in Accounting, Finance or related field

Five (5) years of full-time experience in accounting or similar role

Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license

Three (3) years of direct people management experience, including responsibility for supervising a team, setting goals, evaluating performance, and providing feedback

Expertise in technical accounting, financial reporting, and GAAP

Experience managing financial close cycles (month-end, quarter-end, year-end), audits, and/or tax compliance reporting

Preferred

Experience in a university and/or nonprofit setting

Additional years (4+) of direct people management experience, including responsibility for supervising a team, setting goals, evaluating performance, and providing feedback