Director of Accounting and Business Operations

Primary Role

Designs and maintains the accounting structure and accounting system; develops operating policies for compliance and control issues, provides leadership, and drives continuous improvement and quality service to all campus constituents.

Typical Duties and Responsibilities

  • Designs and maintains the general ledger accounting system to record and track all authorized entries, including payroll expenditures and endowment activity. Prepares annual audited financial statements.
  • Supervises the maintenance of accounting and financial services for accounts payable endowment, development and grant accounting, College loan administration, purchasing and risk management.  Oversees financial performance of bookstore and food service contracts.
  • Prepare special and annual financial reports. Respond to information requests for board and committee meetings as well as for other purposes.
  • Performs cash management functions.
  • Manages all debt instruments and short term investments.
  • Responsible for continuous process improvement, striving for best practices to improve the quality, efficiency and contributions of the business office.
  • Performs related duties as assigned.

Supervision Required/Given

Works independently and under broad guidelines and direction. Must work cooperatively and collaboratively with diverse individuals and groups, internally and externally.  Directly supervises a large support staff.

Position Qualifications

  • Knowledge and capabilities normally acquired through a Bachelor's Degree in accounting. A CPA or Masters Degree would be preferred.
  • Five years accounting experience with demonstrated competencies in: leadership and staff development, financial and accounting software applications, and process improvement.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills.
  • Excellent analytical skills.
  • Experience working in a collaborative, team based environment.
  • Ability to adapt to and lead change. 


Juniata College invites applications for the Director of Accounting and Business Operations. This new position, reporting directly to the Vice President for Finance and Operations, will be broadly responsible for:

  • Designing and maintaining the accounting structure and accounting system
  • Developing operating policies for compliance and control issues
  • Providing leadership to the Accounting Team
  • Driving continuous improvement to improve efficiency and enhance the quality of services provided to all campus constituents.