Associate Vice President of Accounting Operations

Overview

This full-time role supports accounting strategy, accounting operations, financial reporting, internal controls, regulatory compliance, treasury support, and finance leadership for a health care and academic enterprise. The position is benefits eligible and works 40 hours per week.

Pay Range: $86.75 - $138.80

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and implement accounting strategies, policies, and procedures aligned with the organization’s mission, values, and business objectives.
• Contribute to financial planning and executive-level decision-making.
• Serve as a trusted financial advisor to senior leadership.

Accounting Operations Management

• Oversee accounting operations, including:
  • General ledger
  • Cash accounting and analytics
  • Investments
  • Insurance
  • Grants and endowments
  • Accounts payable and accounts receivable
  • Payroll and fringe benefits
  • Fixed assets and leasing
  • Financial close processes
• Ensure accuracy and timeliness of financial transactions, reconciliations, and reports.

Cash Accounting Applications & Treasury Support

• Oversee cash accounting applications and analytics systems/processes.
• Manage bank reconciliations.
• Lead accounting team support for enterprise treasury operations.
• Ensure accounting policies and procedures are followed to support enterprise liquidity, debt management, and investment strategies.

Financial Reporting

• Oversee preparation and presentation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports, analyses, and reconciliations in accordance with GAAP, applicable regulatory standards, and internal control policies.
• Ensure reporting reflects the organization’s true financial position.

Internal Controls

• Establish, monitor, and continuously improve internal controls to:
  • Safeguard organizational assets
  • Ensure compliance with GAAP, laws, and regulations (including HIPAA and Sarbanes-Oxley as applicable)
  • Prevent fraud or errors
• Lead periodic reviews and audits to assess control effectiveness.

Compliance and Regulatory Oversight

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of accounting, tax, and health care regulations.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local requirements, including Medicare and Medicaid rules and IRS regulations.

Process Optimization

• Drive process improvements, automation initiatives, standardization, and system enhancements to increase operational efficiency and effectiveness.
• Evaluate accounting workflows and lead technological solutions to streamline operations.

Team Leadership and Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing accounting team.
• Set clear goals, provide regular feedback, and promote professional growth through coaching, training, and succession planning.
• Approve teammate compensation changes, resolution plans of teammate concerns, corrective action plans, and terminations.

Budgeting and Forecasting

• Support budgeting and forecasting using accurate historical data, trend analysis, and insightful financial perspectives.
• Collaborate with finance and operational leaders to develop budgets aligned with organizational priorities.

Audit Management

• Coordinate annual external audits and internal audit reviews.
• Serve as the primary liaison to auditors, ensuring timely preparation and delivery of required documentation.
• Address audit findings promptly.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain relationships with executive leadership, department leaders, regulatory agencies, vendors, and other internal/external stakeholders.
• Communicate complex financial information clearly to non-financial audiences.

Change Management

• Lead accounting operations change initiatives, including system implementations, policy updates, and process redesigns.
• Guide teams through transitions and foster adaptability and continuous improvement.

Risk Management

• Identify financial and compliance risks, recommend mitigation strategies, and oversee risk management practices tailored to the accounting department in a health care environment.

Special Projects

• Lead special projects including mergers and acquisitions, system integrations, and new business initiatives, providing accounting expertise and due diligence.

Requirements

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation required.
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance required.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive accounting experience, including at least 7 years in a management or executive leadership role, preferably within a health care organization or similarly complex environment.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Demonstrated expertise in GAAP, financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and regulatory compliance.
• Proficiency in accounting software (e.g., Oracle, SAP, Workday, or healthcare-specific platforms).
• Proven track record of developing talent, leading teams, and driving organizational change.
• Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills.
• Strong analytical/problem-solving abilities with attention to detail and strategic thinking.
• Familiarity with health care industry operations, terminology, and regulatory requirements (Medicare, Medicaid, HIPAA, etc.).
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and commitment to ethical conduct.
• Ability to think long-term, anticipate industry changes, and position accounting operations to support future growth.
• Commitment to process improvement, efficiency, and quality.
• Ability to collaborate across departments, build consensus, and drive results.
• Skilled at conveying complex accounting and financial concepts to diverse audiences.
• Comfortable navigating ambiguity and balancing competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• MBA strongly preferred.

Compensation & Benefits

Compensation

• Base compensation within the listed pay range ($86.75 - $138.80), based on factors such as qualifications, skills, relevant experience, and/or training.
• Premium pay such as shift, on call, and more based on a teammate’s job.
• Incentive pay for select positions.
• Opportunity for annual increases based on performance.

Benefits and More

• Paid Time Off programs.
• Health and welfare benefits including medical, dental, vision, life, and Short- and Long-Term Disability.
• Flexible Spending Accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses.
• Family benefits such as adoption assistance and paid parental leave.
• Defined contribution retirement plans with employer match and other financial wellness programs.
• Educational Assistance Program.

Note: Eligibility for programs may depend on FTE or status (e.g., full-time, part-time, per diem, temporary).

Location & Working Conditions

• Typically based at the organization’s divisional headquarters.
• Occasional travel required to regional sites, external meetings, or industry conferences.
• Requires comfort working in a dynamic, deadline-driven environment and managing competing priorities within a large, complex health care and academic enterprise.

Additional Information

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected and is not designed to cover every activity, duty, or responsibility that may be required. Other related duties may be assigned.