Director of Accounting & Compliance Operations, Wharton Finance & Administration

University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America’s Best Large Employers in 2023.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.

Posted Job Title

Director of Accounting & Compliance Operations, Wharton Finance & Administration

Job Profile Title

Administrative and Financial Officer

Job Description Summary

Wharton School Overview
Founded in 1881 as the world’s first collegiate business school, the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania is shaping the future of business by incubating ideas, driving insights, and creating leaders who change the world. With campuses in both Philadelphia and San Francisco, Wharton has over 850 staff, a faculty population of more than 235 renowned professors, and 5,000 undergraduate, MBA, executive MBA, and doctoral students. Each year 13,000 professionals from around the world advance their careers through Wharton Executive Education’s individual, company-customized, and online programs. More than 104,000 Wharton alumni form a powerful global network of leaders who transform business every day. Wharton is home to a dynamic community of staff, bringing a wide range of skills, experiences, and perspectives. To learn more, visit www.wharton.upenn.edu.

Job Description

Reporting to the Senior Director, Financial Strategy and Controller, the Director of Accounting and Compliance Operations provides critical support in managing Wharton’s financial accounting and compliance operations, ensuring excellence, accuracy, and integrity across a robust business enterprise. The Director will lead a team of financial professionals and oversee the full spectrum of accounting activities - including monthly and annual closes, tax and regulatory reporting, and compliance with University accounting standards and policies. 

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field required; CPA strongly preferred.
• Minimum of 7-10 years of progressive accounting experience, including at least 5 years in a managerial or leadership capacity.
• Proven experience overseeing general ledger management, financial reporting, and compliance in a complex organization.
• Background in higher education, nonprofit, or similarly regulated environment preferred.
• Experience leading monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes with accuracy and timeliness.
• Demonstrated success leading, mentoring, and developing high-performing accounting teams.

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School