Introduction

NACUBO is committed to diversity because it enriches and strengthens how we advance our mission, just as it does for institutions of higher education. We are fully focused on equality and believe deeply in diversity of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, national origin and all the other fascinating characteristics that make us different. Our goal is to be the place where a diverse mix of talented people want to come, to stay and do their best work.

Creativity and cross-team collaboration drive NACUBO’s achievements and contribute to individual success. All staff members are encouraged to think creatively about how they and NACUBO can address mission, member needs, and challenges that will inevitably arise from time to time. They are also encouraged to develop and nurture strong partnerships throughout the association. These partnerships help individuals, teams, and the association accomplish the activities, goals and strategies of the organization and of individual positions. 

Imagination, innovation, and curiosity are welcome, and all require some risk taking. NACUBO encourages staff to engage in bold thinking, to put forward new ideas and proposals, and to openly debate the risks – upside and downside – associated with new ideas. 

Each member of the NACUBO staff is responsible for creating and sustaining esprit de corps across the organization.

To accomplish all of this, staff will need strong communication and strategic thinking skills. NACUBO is committed to nurturing these skills in all staff members. 

Position Summary

Reporting to the senior director, accounting policy, the accounting policy analyst serves in a core content area for the association— financial accounting and reporting—and will contribute to the content and design of related association resources and communications, professional development planning and delivery, and advocacy. The accounting policy analyst assesses and communicates how proposed, new, and current accounting guidance impacts higher education institutions—this includes proposed and current generally accepted accounting principles of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) and the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB). The accounting policy analyst focuses on accounting policy for nonprofit and public institutions of higher education, but occasionally will also cover budget, finance, and treasury issues. 

Essential Functions 

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

Under the leadership of the senior director, accounting policy, the accounting policy analyst will:

•    Stay abreast of technical issues in accounting and financial reporting in higher education to inform the association’s efforts to meet college and university needs;
•    Support efforts to monitor the activities of the FASB, GASB, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Department of Education, Office of Management and Budget, and other agencies and entities;
•    Provide accounting guidance analysis, such analysis may involve analyzing national data sets using Excel.
•    Assist in providing or provide written communications (e.g. news, articles, advisories), presentations and meeting facilitation, and content recommendations for professional development events;  
•    Contribute to proactive advocacy work with accounting standard setters and support advocacy efforts with federal agencies around higher education financial matters; 
•    Contribute expertise and support to a variety of accounting and financial reporting projects 
•    Contribute to primary association functions such as web content development, volunteer management and engagement, professional development, and member retention;
•    Develop and maintain strong working relationships with NACUBO member committees, colleagues, key individuals at a variety of levels within the higher education business office, and collaborators at other higher education associations;
•    Manage relationships with member volunteers and advisory committees, using guidance from member committees and literature to contribute to the planning and development of products and services that add value to NACUBO’s members;
•    Provide staff support to the Accounting Principles Council, for example, help coordinate meeting times and logistics or produce minutes of meetings;
•    Respond to member inquiries for clarification regarding accounting questions and issues or referring them to other resources or experts as appropriate;
•    Collaborate with staff across NACUBO departments (who functionally work on professional development, communication, membership, information technology and marketing) on messaging concerning accounting related products and services;
•    Participate in various group and team activities within the association, occasionally serving as the Policy and Research department representative to such teams;
•    Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

•    Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance or related field required; CPA preferred. 

•    5 years of technical experience in either public accounting, higher education, or with a tax-exempt or governmental organization. 

•    Strong interpersonal and organizational skills, and ability to communicate technical issues verbally and in writing.  Not-for-profit and or higher education accounting experience preferred.  

•    The ability to adapt to computer software changes, automation and business process changes in an office environment, and knowledge of Microsoft Office and accounting software.

Competencies

•    Analytical: Must feel comfortable understanding the elements of financial accounting and reporting, financial management, and resource allocation principles in higher education.
•    Strategic: Must be able to seek out and piece together fragments of information, recognizing patterns and drawing conclusions based on sometimes incomplete information, and develop appropriate strategies to meet member needs and the association’s objectives.
•    Excellent writing skills: Will author, edit, or review member communications.
•    Consultative: Must feel comfortable listening to member needs, synthesizing this information, and making recommendations for association action. 
•    Public speaking and facilitation skills: The incumbent will facilitate or summarize meetings, present or co-present at conferences, and from time to time represent the association with third-party organizations. 
•    Self-starter: Have the discipline to adhere to deadlines and fulfill commitments to the senior director of accounting policy, organizational leadership, colleagues, members, and other stakeholders. 
•    Team Player: Must possess a team spirit, approach relationships with a win-win perspective, and be accountable for their interactions in a collaborative work environment.

 
Work Environment

This position works in a professional office environment with the option to work remotely/from home. This position routinely uses standard/home office equipment such as laptops, computers, phones, and scanners/copiers. This position works in both a climate-controlled environment where internal office temperatures may fluctuate and a remote environment. 

Physical Demands

1.    Sedentary work: Exerting up to 10 pounds occasionally. 
2.    To perform the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The employee may frequently be required to stand, walk, use hands and fingers to type, handle or feel, and reach with arms and hands. Vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time regular position. Typical days and hours of work are Monday through Friday 8:45 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. This position may be eligible for an alternate work arrangement (i.e., flextime). There may be occasional evening and weekend work as job duties or projects require it.

Travel

Travel is primarily local during the business day, however, some out of the area travel and overnight is expected. 

EEO Statement 

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Other Duties

Please note this position description does not cover, contain or list a fully comprehensive listing of duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee in this role. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.