Director, Accounting

Chandler, AZ

At Zovio, we’re doing something different, and we want you to be a part of it. To put it simply, we’re all here to meet the needs of today’s learners. Whether that’s by helping them get a college degree or by providing them specific, focused training, we’re all about making it possible for people to achieve their aspirations and dreams. We partner with higher education institutions and employers to make that happen.

With our mission to innovate and take bold steps forward in education as a leading education technology services provider, we are an entrepreneurially-minded organization looking to the future—but with more than a decade of experience and resources backing us up! We have a culture of Passion , Innovation and Teamwork , and are full of ambitious people that, like you, support our commitment to putting people first. If you want to know more about us, be sure to check out Zovio.com.

Job Description:

The Director of Accounting position is a full-time employment opportunity and will be reporting directly to the Senior Director, Assistant Controller and will oversee and assist the accounting staff on the daily maintenance of the accounting records. The Director of Accounting will be responsible for working within the framework of a team and performing the Essential Job Duties as noted below. This leader will be accountable for driving integration and alignment between all accounting areas within the organization, including enhancing and monitoring operational and accounting-based controls, policies and processes, in addition to developing, analyzing and reporting business intelligence analytics. The successful individual will be a highly analytical, detail-oriented team player with a professional disposition. The ideal candidate will display the highest level of professional accuracy, integrity and discretion.

Essential Job Duties:

Oversee, manage and direct all aspects of the company’s accounting systems and processes.
Direct and manage the month-end close process, including preparation and review of journal entries, to ensure accurate and timely revenue close and monitor compliance with the company’s accounting policies.
Act as a liaison with external audit teams and assist in the preparation of various technical accounting and related disclosures.
Design, assess and ensure compliance of key controls and procedures related to all key processes to maintain integrity and adherence to internal controls and Sarbanes-Oxley.
Responsible for monitoring new accounting requirements and determining their impact on the Company
When necessary, creates and provides tailored guidance and/or training to various constituencies
Assists departmental leads in applying technical accounting guidance to specific situations (e.g., revenue recognition, acquisition purchase accounting, etc.)
Works with internal audit to help ensure the controls are working effectively to support Sarbanes-Oxley Section 404 compliance
Development of staff through objective setting, performance reviews and training
Support long-term strategic planning and business development initiatives
Work with senior management on ad hoc projects.

Minimum Requirements:

Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in accounting roles with a combination of industry and public accounting experience.
Minimum 3 years of management experience with direct reports.
Proven expertise with the United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (US GAAP).
Strong SOX knowledge and experience.
Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written; ability to work and communicate effectively with individuals at all levels of the organization.
Ability to supervise, coach and mentor team members.
Extremely proficient in MS Excel, MS Word.
Strong analytical skills and, in addition, prioritization to ensure complete and accurate accounting on a timely basis.
Strong ability to synthesize information, draw meaningful conclusions, and communicate desired messages with remote management staff
Able to work in a fast-paced entrepreneurial environment
Positive attitude, strong work ethic and high integrity
Proficiency in Great Plains, Management Reporter and/or CampusVue a plus.

Education:

Degree in accounting or related field required with at least 5-7 years combined accounting experience in (BIG 4/public and private) accounting and higher education industry experience ideal.
CPA required
MBA a preferred

Who you are:

Integrity is more than a buzz word to you
You inspire others to learn more and become more
You make decisions and own it
You don’t settle for good , you strive for great
You crave change, you embrace it

Why Us?

We’re an organization changing and shaping the lives of learnings across the country. Whether directly or indirectly, you’ll be helping make a real difference in the world.
Our environment and culture encourages collaboration, requires communication and rewards risk-taking.
We try hard to provide a good work life balance. We think we’re a great place to work that also allows you to have down time with friends and family.
We believe in giving back to the communities in which we live and work. In fact, we offer 16 hours of paid time off for you to volunteer, in addition to your vacation days and company holidays.
We want you to live a healthy lifestyle, and offer wellness programs, fitness centers, and onsite health clinics.
Zovio is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Diversity of thought, culture, identity, and experience are important for what we’re doing. If everyone here thought alike, we’d never come up with anything new, much less anything bold or innovative. We want you to be your whole self here, and appreciate the unique nature of the people around you, too.

Zovio’s purpose is to help everyone be in a class of their own.

#BringIt