Accounting Director

Join The New School

At The New School, we redefine the boundaries of education, creativity, and innovation. Founded in 1919 and located in the heart of New York City, we are home to over 9,000 students from over 100 countries, offering more than 135 degree and diploma programs across our renowned colleges, including Parsons School of Design, The New School for Social Research, Eugene Lang college of Liberal Arts, Parsons Paris, and the College of Performing Arts. Our progressive, interdisciplinary approach has earned us recognition as one of the most forward-thinking institutions in the world.

The Accounting Director oversees the day-to-day operations of the general accounting department, assuring the accuracy of the general ledger and internal and external reporting. The Accounting Director performs a variety of accounting functions from financial statement footnote preparation and analysis, audit and compliance, accounting functions and oversight, heavy ERP systems use and reporting, as well as significant proactive institutional wide financial and business services customer support. This position reports to and works closely with the Assistant Controller.

The Accounting Director plays a critical leadership role in the financial operations of the institution, ensuring accuracy, transparency, and compliance across all accounting functions. Working closely with finance, administration, and academic departments, the Accounting Director is a professional role that ensures that institutional resources are stewarded responsibly in alignment with the mission of The New School.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

General Accounting & Ledger Management

• Oversee day-to-day operations of the general accounting department, assuring accuracy of the general ledger and reporting.
• Oversee the month-end close process, ensuring that all transactions are properly and timely posted to the general ledger and are recorded in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). Review and finalize monthly control reports.
• Review and approve journal entries and reconciliations prepared by accounting staff and submit for final review and approval on a timely basis, as assigned. This includes, but is not limited to gift, debt, bond deposits, receivables, deferred revenues, and payroll liability accounts.
• Prepare monthly reconciliations on a timely basis and perform accounting functions including, but not limited to, reviewing and releasing international and domestic bank transactions, calculating and reporting quarterly sales tax filings, and managing and providing requested data related to third party payment systems.

Financial Reporting & Audit Support

• Support annual financial statement audit processes as well as other audits that may occur throughout the year including but not limited to the A-133 (Single Audit) and the 403(b) audits. Support includes, but is not limited to the preparation of audit schedules and footnotes, financial statement and budget versus actual analysis, and compliance reporting and information requests related to debt covenants and the IRS form 990.
• Assist with implementation of new accounting standards and treatment for non-routine activities.

Investment & Asset Accounting

• Account for all Investments, including the Endowment. This includes reconciling between the general ledger and Fundriver, TNS's endowment management software.
• Prepare reconciliation and analyses of plant assets, including depreciation calculations and projections.
• Oversee and analyze new contribution and pledge reconciliations on a timely basis with gift accounting.

Payroll, Benefits & Tax Compliance

• Work closely with the benefits/payroll office to reconcile and remit university wide retirement funds and to prepare timely remittances of payments for various union dues, pensions, etc.
• Reconcile the ADP 941 reports to the general ledger on a quarterly basis to summarize federal tax withholdings and payments.

Process Improvement & Stakeholder Engagement

• Work proactively with end-users and management to identify business needs and process improvement opportunities.
• Serve as a liaison with individuals requesting accounting assistance.

Other Responsibilities

• Perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Accounting, or Finance.
• A minimum of 7 years of experience relevant to the job duties described herein.
• Higher education finance or accounting experience.
• Formal training and solid understanding of accounting principles and practices (GAAP).
• Strong understanding of how to prepare and analyze financial statements.
• Ability to translate and communicate complex data and ideas into understandable formats.
• Strong interpersonal communication and customer service skills.
• Ability to teach and train others in the use of systems and processes.
• A self-starter and demonstrates initiative on a continual basis.
• Ability to work independently, to identify needed resources and make independent decisions.
• Experience working with large ERP systems, background in Workday ERP system.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Certified Public Accountant.

WORK MODE

This position is primarily in-person and is based on campus to support effective in-person collaboration and engagement.

Hybrid work arrangements may be considered on a case-by-case basis, depending on the nature of the role and operational needs. Any such arrangement must be discussed and approved in advance by the appropriate division lead or their designee. #LI-ONSITE

SALARY RANGE

$94,500 - $105,000 per annum

WHY JOIN US?

This is an extraordinary opportunity to work closely with a visionary leader and contribute meaningfully to a forward-thinking institution that's reshaping the future of higher education. You'll be at the nexus of strategy, operations, and innovation in a role that grows with your impact.

BENEFITS AT THE NEW SCHOOL

The New School is committed to supporting the well-being and success of our faculty and staff. We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and their eligible dependents. Highlights include:

Health & Wellness

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Financial Wellness

• Retirement plan administered by TIAA
• Qualified Transportation Expense Plan

Work-Life Balance

• Paid vacation and sick leave, with accruals starting on your first day
• Paid holidays and floating holidays
• Work mode & Telework Policy (if applicable)

Professional Growth

• Career advancement and professional development opportunities
• Access to university programs, lectures, and events featuring world-renowned speakers and organizations
• Tuition waiver benefit for eligible employees and dependents

Additional Perks

• Employee discounts with local vendors and service providers

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, creed, religion or belief, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, marital or domestic partnership status, sexual orientation, sex, gender identity or expression, age, disability, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. The New School recognizes and values the benefits of a diverse workforce.

We look forward to receiving your application!