Accounting Manager

Position Vacancy Announcement: 

Florida A&M University is pleased to announce the acceptance of qualified applications for the ACCOUNTING MANAGER vacancy.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Accounting Manager provides leadership, oversight, and administration of the University's payroll accounting, payroll tax compliance, payroll liabilities, employee deductions, regulatory reporting, and payroll-related financial operations. The position is responsible for ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations, University policies, accounting standards, and internal control requirements. The Accounting Manager supervises payroll accounting staff, directs payroll accounting functions, reviews and approves complex transactions and reconciliations, supports financial statement preparation and audits, and serves as the University's primary resource for payroll accounting compliance and reporting matters. The incumbent exercises independent judgment in interpreting regulations, resolving complex payroll and accounting issues, implementing process improvements, and safeguarding University financial resources.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

40% Payroll Accounting Administration and Operational Oversight

Provides overall supervision and oversight of payroll accounting operations and payroll-related financial activities.

Directs and reviews payroll accounting transactions, payroll deduction processing, payroll liability payments, payroll journals, and payroll encumbrance entries.

Reviews and approves payroll accounting activities to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and University policies.

Oversees the processing of payroll tax payments, retirement contributions, employee benefit deductions, garnishments, and other payroll liabilities.

Monitors payroll accounting workflows and internal controls to ensure timely and accurate financial processing.

Serves as the primary escalation point for complex payroll accounting issues and system-related concerns.

Supervises, trains, evaluates, and develops assigned accounting staff.

25% Financial Reporting, General Ledger Reconciliation, and Audit Support

Oversees reconciliation of payroll-related liability accounts and other assigned General Ledger accounts.

Reviews payroll accounting activity to ensure accurate financial reporting and compliance with accounting standards.

Directs the preparation of month-end and year-end payroll accounting schedules and supporting documentation.

Supports preparation of annual financial statements and related reporting requirements.

Coordinates responses to internal and external audit requests and ensures documentation is complete and available.

Researches and resolves complex accounting discrepancies and reconciling items.

20% Tax Compliance and Regulatory Reporting

Ensures compliance with federal, state, and local tax laws affecting payroll operations.

Oversees preparation and submission of quarterly and annual payroll tax reports and regulatory filings.

Reviews and approves Forms W-2, W-2C, 1042-S, sales tax reports, wage listings, worksite reports, and other required governmental submissions.

Oversees taxation compliance for nonresident alien employees and students.

Maintains relationships with regulatory agencies and monitors legislative and regulatory changes affecting payroll and tax reporting.

Coordinates implementation of tax table updates and other compliance-related system changes.

10% Strategic Planning, Process Improvement, and Systems Administration

Evaluates payroll accounting procedures and recommends process improvements to increase efficiency, accuracy, and internal controls.

Participates in implementation, testing, and enhancement of payroll and financial systems.

Develops and updates departmental procedures and operating guidelines.

Assists leadership with strategic planning, risk assessment, workflow analysis, and compliance initiatives.

Identifies opportunities for automation and operational improvements.

5% Customer Service, Employee Support, and Special Projects

Provides consultation and guidance to University leadership, departments, employees, and external agencies regarding payroll accounting and compliance matters.

Represents the Controller’s Office on committees, workgroups, and special projects as assigned.

Assists with special studies, financial analyses, and management requests.

Performs other duties and special assignments as assigned by the Associate Controller or University leadership.

STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITY

The incumbent has authorized access to highly confidential and sensitive University information, including employee payroll records, earnings and deduction data, payroll tax information, Social Security numbers, banking and direct deposit information, retirement and benefit records, garnishment records, personnel actions, and other personally identifiable information (PII). The position also has access to confidential financial information, payroll accounting records, audit documentation, budgetary information, and data used for statutory and regulatory reporting.

The incumbent is responsible for ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and security of all information accessed or maintained in the performance of assigned duties and must comply with applicable federal and state laws, University policies, data privacy requirements, and internal control standards. Unauthorized disclosure, misuse, alteration, or loss of confidential information could result in regulatory penalties, financial loss, audit findings, legal liability, reputational damage, and significant operational disruption to the University. The position is expected to exercise a high degree of discretion, sound judgment, and professional responsibility when handling sensitive information.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's degree in appropriate area of specialization and six years of related experience; or master's degree in appropriate area of specialization and four years of related experience.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES

Knowledge:

• Advanced knowledge of accounting principles, financial reporting, and governmental accounting practices.

• Advanced knowledge of payroll administration, payroll accounting, payroll taxation, and regulatory compliance requirements.

• Knowledge of federal and state tax laws, wage and hour regulations, garnishments, retirement plans, benefit deductions, and payroll-related reporting requirements.

• Knowledge of internal controls, auditing principles, risk management practices, and financial reconciliation methodologies.

• Knowledge of ERP, HCM, payroll, and financial accounting systems, including PeopleSoft or similar enterprise applications.

Skills:

• Strong supervisory and leadership skills.

• Advanced analytical, reconciliation, and problem-solving skills.

• Strong organizational and project management skills.

• Effective written and verbal communication skills.

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and financial reporting tools.

Abilities:

• Ability to interpret and apply accounting standards, payroll regulations, University policies, and applicable laws.

• Ability to analyze complex payroll and accounting issues and develop effective solutions.

• Ability to prepare, review, and approve financial reports, reconciliations, and regulatory filings.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with leadership, employees, auditors, agencies, and stakeholders.

• Ability to work independently while providing leadership and guidance to staff.

Administrative and Professional and A&P Executive Service (A&P EX) positions are considered contractual. Terms and conditions are generally recognized by contract for a specific period of time or contracts renewed on an annual basis. Certain benefits, amount of leave, and notification of termination are exclusive to the pay plan.

In accordance with Florida Statute 112.219, relevant work experience may substitute for the required education: 4 years of experience in lieu of a Bachelor’s, or 6 years in lieu of a Master’s.

How to Apply:
Applicants are required to complete the online application with all applicable information. Applications must  include all work history and education details even if attaching a resume. If you are a current FAMU employee, you must apply through Workday. This search is being conducted under Florida law, including the Sunshine law and Public Records law. 

Conditions of Employment: 
Successful candidate is subject to a pre-employment screening which includes a review of criminal records, reference  checks and verification of education. An official college transcript, a high school diploma, or other educational  documents must be submitted, where applicable, at the time of employment. 

Only United States (U.S.) citizens or aliens who have a legal right to work in the U.S. are eligible for employment.  Federal law requires proof of your authorization to work in the United States. You will be required to provide proof  of your identity and employment eligibility within three (3) days of employment. 

Section 110.1128, Florida Statutes, prohibits employment by the State (including re-hire after a break in service) of  any male born after October 1, 1962, who failed to register with the Selective Service System, under the provisions of  the U.S. Military Selective Service Act, during the person’s period of eligibility (ages 18 through 25). Additionally, if  currently employed by the State, this law prohibits the promotion of such person. You may be required to provide  documentation. 

Reasonable Accommodation: 
If you require a reasonable accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Amendment Act (ADAA),  please contact the Office of Equal Opportunity Programs at (850) 599-3076 at least ten (10) days prior to the start of  the event. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the University by calling TDD via FRS (800)  955-8771. 

Equal Opportunity/Equal Access University:

Florida A&M University is an equal opportunity employer.