Director Finance & Accounting

Job Description

Job Description

Fraunhofer USA, Inc. is a 501c(3) non-profit organization. Applied research is the foundation of our organization. Fraunhofer USA bridges the gap between basic research and industry aiming to accelerate technology development resulting in faster market penetration. We partner with our clients from academia, government, and industry to transform original ideas into innovations that benefit society and strengthen the economy.

The Director of Finance and Accounting provides strategic management of the Finance and Accounting Department functions. The position is responsible for the creation and oversight of the financial policies, procedures, and internal controls to support accurate and reliable financial reporting compliant with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and Federal Regulations. Strong leadership, communication and presentation skills required.

Major Job Responsibilities

1. Financial Reporting
   • Internal: Manage the financial reporting process, including the completion and submission of financial reporting such as: Monthly and Annual Financial Statements, Financial Forecasts, Annual Budgets, Cash Flow Forecasts, and other analytical data
   • External: Own the relationship with external auditors including coordination of the Financial and Federal Audits, Review of Agreed Upon Procedures, and Tax Return (Form 990). Ensure the completion of Incurred Cost Submissions, Surveys, and others as needed
   • Ensure compliance and risk management with GAAP, tax regulations, FAR, UGG where applicable
   • Create and / or update Fraunhofer USA financial templates used to gather and create financial data in a consistent and reliable manner across all locations
   • Advise Center Directors and Fraunhofer USA Management on financial matters
   • Provide financial information as requested

1. Management
   • Management of the Accounting team
   • Reorganize and allocate roles and responsibilities in a manner that provides opportunities, promotes efficiencies, ensures timely and reliable data, and provides for succession planning to mitigate risks associated with employee turnover
   • Enhance communication efforts and ensure the team has the information, tools, and capabilities to perform assigned tasks
   • Monitor and engage to improve employee performance expectations

1. Budgeting, Forecasting and Cash Flow
   • Manage Fraunhofer USA cash flow requirements to ensure sufficient liquidity to meet the corporation’s needs
   • Develop annual operating plans, manage forecasting and track performance goals against strategic goals
   • Maintain banking and auditor relationships at the local and investment levels
   • Implement controls to protect the cash assets

1. Meetings
   • Prepare, review and present financial information to the Fraunhofer USA Board of Directors at the semi-annual meetings
   • Prepare, review and present financial information to the Fraunhofer USA Management at internal meetings such as quarterly Center Director Meetings and bi-weekly Fraunhofer USA Management Meetings
   • Collaborate with FhG personnel on financial matters to maintain transparency and accountability

1. Corporate Financial Support
   • Benefit Plan Committee
     • As a corporate fiduciary, participate in quarterly reviews with the pension plan recordkeeper (TIAA Cref), financial advisors (CAPTRUST), and pension plan attorney (Butzel Long) of the corporate pension plan.
     • Participate in the annual renewal of the employee insurance benefits, analyze options, and may recommend the path for the following fiscal year as part of the committee

1. ERP System
   • Oversee and manage the implementation and upgrades of the corporate ERP system, currently Deltek Costpoint.
   • Internally audit the processes performed within the system to ensure compliance with the Fraunhofer Rules of Procedure and Uniform Grant Guidance

1. Other Duties as required
   • Create and present allocation methods and components of FhG Base Funding, Indirect Rates, Internal Service Fee, and others
   • Participate in the annual renewal of the corporate business insurance
   • Represent Fraunhofer USA as needed

Job Requirements

• 10+ years of relevant experience with increasing experience in team management
• Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting or Finance; Masters preferred
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Management Accountant (CMA) required
• Strong leadership, communication and presentation skills required
• Knowledge in government contract and project accounting
• Proficiency in ERP systems and advanced Excel modeling skills
• Knowledge of the field’s concepts and principles
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal

Fraunhofer USA is an equal employment opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, military and veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other classification protected by applicable laws.