Consulting Manager, Education Research-FINOPS

Overview

This role supports higher education institutions during leadership and finance function transitions, including interim staffing that can expand into broader financial operations projects. Responsibilities focus on stabilizing accounting and reporting, resolving complex financial reporting issues, and leading clients and engagement teams through periods of change.

Responsibilities

• Serve in interim leadership and senior individual contributor roles (e.g., Controller, Associate/Assistant Controller, Budget Director) for higher education institutions.
• Act as a subject matter expert in accounting and budget, with strong understanding of university operations, governance, and regulatory considerations.
• Lead resolution of complex financial reporting issues and respond to financial inquiries through detailed analysis within general ledger and financial reporting systems.
• Identify root causes of accounting or reporting issues; reconcile data and improve processes.
• Develop project plans to address client challenges and maintain project momentum across the project team.
• Train, mentor, and supervise client staff and engagement team members, including junior resources as projects expand.
• Perform and/or oversee day-to-day accounting operations, including close processes, reconciliations, budget support, and financial reporting.
• Use audit experience to support external audit coordination, respond to auditor inquiries, and strengthen internal controls.
• Contribute experience from finance system implementations or transitions, including supporting end users through system changes and data validation.
• Present financial information, findings, and recommendations to senior administrators and executives, communicating both detailed analysis and broader strategic implications.
• Deliver clear, concise verbal and written communications for non-technical audiences.
• Collaborate with the organization’s Finance & Operations team and other teams to identify opportunities for expanded support as interim engagements evolve.

Requirements

• U.S. work authorization required.
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field from an accredited college or university, or equivalent relevant work experience.
• MBA or other relevant advanced degree in accounting or finance highly preferred.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license preferred.
• Significant experience in accounting and finance roles within a consulting and/or higher education environment.
• Strong experience serving in a Program Controller, Accountant, Auditor, Assurance, or Financial Reporting capacity.
• Demonstrated experience in budgeting, forecasting, and financial management.
• Hands-on experience with financial systems such as Ellucian/Banner, Oracle, Workday, or similar platforms.
• Passion for and commitment to the higher education industry.
• Ability to travel up to 50% annually and work extended hours as needed to meet client and project demands.

Preferred Qualifications

• Assistant Controller/Controller experience.
• Audit experience, either as a practicing auditor or as part of an institutional role collaborating directly with external auditors.
• Experience participating in financial system implementation or major system transition.

Compensation & Benefits

• Estimated base salary: $140,000–$185,000.
• The actual salary paid will vary based on factors including specific skills or certifications, years of experience, market changes, and required travel.
• Eligible for annual incentive compensation.
• Inclusive of annual incentive compensation opportunity, total estimated compensation range: $168,000–$222,000.
• Benefit plans include medical, dental, and vision coverage and other wellness programs.

Location

• Remote (United States of America).

Position Level

• Manager