Consulting Manager, Education Research-FINOPS

Overview

This role supports higher education institutions and academic medical centers during periods of leadership transition and beyond, helping stabilize and advance accounting, reporting, budgeting, and enterprise systems. You will step into complex environments quickly, lead resolution of financial reporting issues, and guide client and engagement teams through 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 by performing 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 for the entire 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 expertise 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, explaining both detailed analysis and broader strategic implications.
• Deliver clear, concise verbal and written communications on project work for non-technical audiences.
• Collaborate with FinOps and broader teams to identify opportunities for expanded support as interim engagements evolve.

Required Qualifications

• 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 multiple factors, including specific skills or certifications, years of experience, market changes, and required travel.
• Eligible for annual incentive compensation program; inclusive of annual incentive compensation opportunity, the total estimated compensation range is $168,000–$222,000.
• Eligible to participate in benefit plans including medical, dental, and vision coverage and other wellness programs.

Location

• United States of America
• Remote