Description
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
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the 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.
Work Environment
NACUBO provides flexible telework options.
NACUBO offers a professional office environment This position works in a climate-controlled environment, but internal office temperatures may fluctuate. This position routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, and copiers.
Physical Demands
- Sedentary work: Exerting up to 10 pounds occasionally.
- To perform the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The employee may frequently be required to stand, walk, use hands and fingers to type, handle or feel, and reach with arms and hands. Vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work
This is a full-time regular position. Typical days and hours of work are Monday through Friday 8:45 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. This position may be eligible for an alternate work arrangement (i.e., flextime, telework), please refer to the Employee Handbook for details. There may be occasional evening and weekend work as job duties or projects require it.
Travel
Local travel during the business day as needed. Regular out-of-the-area and overnight travel is expected for NACUBO and third-party conferences and events.
EEO Statement
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Other Duties
Please note this position description does not cover, contain or list a fully comprehensive listing of duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee in this role. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Competitive Benefits
- Healthcare benefits are available with this position.
- Other benefits available include dental and vision.
- Life insurance, accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D), short- and long-term disability, and access to our employee assistance program (EAP).
- Retirement: Voluntary employee contributions and employer matching.
- Paid Holidays and Paid Time Off.
Requirements
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.
- Accounting standards and regulatory analysis capability: Skilled at monitoring and interpreting accounting standards and related guidance; able to assess institutional impact and translate technical changes into clear, actionable insights.
- Exceptional communication skills: Expert writer and presenter who can develop clear, compelling guidance, comment letters, and member communications, translating complex concepts for diverse audiences.
- Strategic and analytical thinker: Ability to synthesize complex information, identify trends, and develop strategies that support NACUBO’s policy, advocacy, and member service objectives.
- Consultative, member-focused approach: Skilled at engaging business officers and stakeholders, understanding institutional needs, and shaping practical guidance and solutions.
- Collaborative leadership and professional presence: Works effectively across teams and with external stakeholders, including standard-setters and the audit and accounting profession; able to represent NACUBO with credibility.
- Organized and self-directed: Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and adapt to evolving standards and member needs.
Education and Experience Requirements
Required
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, public policy, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Minimum of 7-10 years of progressively responsible experience in accounting, financial reporting, higher education finance, auditing, or a closely related area.
- Demonstrated knowledge of U.S. GAAP, including experience with Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) and/or Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) standards and their application.
- Experience analyzing and interpreting accounting standards, regulations, or technical guidance, and assessing their impact on organizations.
- Proven ability to produce high-quality written materials, such as technical guidance, advisories, articles, comment letters, or member communications, and to translate complex accounting concepts into clear, actionable insights.
- Experience presenting complex topics to diverse audiences, including facilitating discussions, delivering presentations, or contributing to professional development programs.
- Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and collaborate effectively across teams and functions.
Preferred
- CPA or other relevant professional certification strongly preferred.
- Advanced degree (e.g., Master’s in Accounting, MBA, MPP, or related field) or equivalent experience.
- Direct experience with higher education accounting and finance, including nonprofit or governmental accounting environments.
- Experience engaging with accounting standard-setting bodies or regulatory agencies (e.g., FASB, GASB, AICPA, Department of Education, OMB), including contributing to comment letters or technical discussions.
- Experience engaging with federal policy makers, such as at the Department of Education or OMB.
- Experience working in or with higher education institutions, associations, or professional services organizations serving the sector.
- Experience supervising staff or leading projects, including coordinating work across stakeholders or teams.
