Director, Accounting Policy

# Salary Range
$175,000.00 to $190,000.00 Annually

# Introduction­­­

NACUBO is committed to inclusion 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 strongly oppose discrimination on the basis 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 Vice President, Policy and Research, the Director of Accounting Policy is a key member of NACUBO’s Policy and Research team, leading the association’s analysis, advocacy, and professional development work in financial accounting and reporting and contributing as a subject matter expert in financial management, planning, and budgeting. In this role, the Director helps shape accounting standards, policy discussions, and guidance that impact the higher education sector nationwide, furthering NACUBO’s work to advance the economic vitality and business practices of colleges and universities.

This role drives NACUBO’s accounting policy analysis and advocacy and ensures the delivery of high‑quality programs, publications, and services to members. The Director also leads and develops accounting policy staff, including the Accounting Policy Analyst, ensuring alignment of day‑to‑day work with NACUBO’s strategic priorities.

The position builds and maintains strong relationships with NACUBO members, standard‑setting bodies (e.g., FASB, GASB), federal agencies (e.g., ED, OMB), professional organizations (e.g., AICPA), and the audit and accounting profession.

# Essential Functions

**Leadership & Strategy**
– Lead NACUBO’s accounting policy agenda by setting priorities and translating strategy into deliverables on financial accounting, reporting, and related financial management topics.
– Serve as a senior advisor to NACUBO members on complex accounting and financial management issues.
– Represent NACUBO in external forums, media, and speaking engagements.

**Policy, Analysis & Advocacy**
– Lead NACUBO’s accounting policy advocacy efforts, including comment letters and external representation.
– Serve as senior liaison to FASB, GASB, AICPA, OMB, ED, and related bodies.
– Provide strategic direction for, and contribute to, analysis of accounting standards, federal regulations, and policy proposals.
– Analyze trends and emerging issues in institutional finance (e.g., revenue pressures, cost structures, liquidity, and long‑term sustainability) and assess implications for business officers.

**Programs, Publications & Content**
– Set direction and create accounting‑related professional development (conferences, webcasts, advisory reports, etc.), ensuring member‑facing content reflects current issues and high‑value insights.
– Oversee and contribute to written content and technical resources.

**Staff Leadership & Oversight**
– Supervise the Accounting Policy Analyst, providing direction, feedback, and professional growth opportunities.
– Direct NACUBO’s work on monitoring, analysis, communications, and program delivery related to accounting policy.
– Ensure consistency, quality, and alignment across outputs (publications, presentations, member guidance, and advocacy materials).

**Collaboration & Partnerships**
– Collaborate across NACUBO to deliver integrated programs and services.
– Maintain high‑level relationships with peer associations, stakeholders, and member institutions.

**Governance & Operations**
– Serve as senior staff liaison to the NACUBO Accounting Principles Council, with support from the Accounting Policy Analyst for logistics and coordination.
– Manage budgets and resource allocation for accounting policy work.
– Perform other duties as assigned.

# Qualifications and Competencies

– Deep accounting and financial management expertise in higher education.
– Strong understanding of financial accounting and reporting (FASB/GASB) and institutional financial management, planning, and resource allocation.
– Skilled at monitoring and interpreting accounting standards and related guidance.
– Exceptional communication skills, including expert writing and presenting.
– Strategic and analytical thinker with the ability to synthesize complex information.
– Consultative, member‑focused approach.
– Collaborative leadership and professional presence.
– Organized and self‑directed with strong project management skills.

# Education and Experience Requirements

**Required**
– Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, public policy, or related field, or equivalent experience.
– 7–10 years of progressively responsible experience in accounting, financial reporting, higher education finance, auditing, or related areas.
– Demonstrated knowledge of U.S. GAAP and experience with FASB and/or GASB standards.
– Experience analyzing and interpreting accounting standards and regulations.
– Proven ability to produce high‑quality written materials.
– Experience presenting complex topics to diverse audiences.
– Strong project management skills.

**Preferred**
– CPA or other relevant certification strongly preferred.
– Advanced degree (Master’s in Accounting, MBA, MPP, etc.).
– Direct experience with higher education accounting and finance.
– Experience engaging with standard‑setting bodies or regulatory agencies.
– Experience with federal policy makers (ED, OMB).
– Experience working in or with higher education institutions or associations.
– Experience supervising staff or leading projects.

# Work Environment

NACUBO provides flexible telework options.
This position works in a climate‑controlled professional office environment.
Standard office equipment is routinely used.

# Physical Demands

Sedentary work, exerting up to 10 pounds occasionally.
Regular talking, hearing, standing, walking, typing, and reaching.
Vision requirements include close, distance, color, peripheral, depth perception, and focus adjustment.

# Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

Full‑time, Monday through Friday, 8:45 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
Eligible for alternate work arrangements.
Occasional evening and weekend work as required.

# Travel

Local travel as needed.
Regular out‑of‑area and overnight travel for NACUBO and third‑party events.

# EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to protected characteristics.

# Other Duties

This description is not exhaustive; duties may change at any time.

# Competitive Benefits

– Healthcare benefits
– Dental and vision
– Life insurance, AD&D, short‑ and long‑term disability, EAP
– Retirement with employer match
– Paid holidays and paid time off

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