Consulting Manager, Education Research - FINOPS

Huron

. Serve in interim leadership and senior individual contributor roles, such as Controller, Associate/Assistant Controller, or Budget Director, for higher education institutions .

Posted 10/15/2026full-timeRemote • Illinois • United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $140,000 - $185,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in accounting and financial management within higher education, with a focus on budget development, financial reporting, and compliance. Proven ability to lead teams, mentor staff, and effectively communicate financial information to diverse audiences.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Accounting ExpertiseFinancial ReportingBudgeting and ForecastingFinancial Systems ImplementationCertified Public Accountant (CPA)

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Financial ManagementComplex Financial AnalysisData ReconciliationProject PlanningInternal Controls

Soft Skills

MentoringClear CommunicationCollaboration

Tools & Technologies

Ellucian/BannerOracleWorkday

Certifications & Qualifications

Certified Public Accountant (CPA)MBA or Advanced Degree in Accounting or Finance

Industry Keywords

Higher EducationConsultingFinancial OperationsAudit CoordinationRegulatory Compliance

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Oracle

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Serve in interim leadership and senior individual contributor roles, such as Controller, Associate/Assistant Controller, or Budget Director, for higher education institutions
Act as a subject matter expert in accounting and budget, including university operations, governance, and regulatory considerations
Lead resolution of complex financial reporting issues and respond to financial inquiries through detailed analysis
Identify root causes of accounting or reporting issues, reconcile data, and improve processes
Develop project plans and maintain project momentum
Train, mentor, and supervise client staff and Huron engagement team members
Perform or oversee day-to-day accounting operations, including close processes, reconciliations, budget support, and financial reporting
Support external audit coordination, respond to auditor inquiries, and strengthen internal controls
Contribute to finance system implementations or transitions, including end-user support and data validation
Present financial information, findings, and recommendations to senior administrators and executives
Deliver clear, concise verbal and written communications to non-technical individuals
Collaborate with FinOps and broader Huron teams to identify expanded support opportunities

Requirements

What you’ll need

U.S. work authorization required
Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance or related field from an accredited college or university, or equivalent relevant work experience
Significant experience in accounting and finance roles within a consulting and/or higher education environment
Strong experience serving in a Program Controller, Accountant, Auditor, Assurance, or Financial Reporting capacity
Experience in budgeting, forecasting, and financial management
Hands-on experience with financial systems such as Ellucian/Banner, Oracle, Workday, or similar platforms
Passion for and commitment to the higher education industry
Ability to travel up to 50% annually and work extended hours as needed
MBA or other relevant advanced degree in accounting or finance highly preferred
Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license preferred
Assistant Controller/Controller experience preferred
Audit experience preferred
Experience participating in financial system implementation or major system transition preferred

Benefits

Comp & perks

Annual incentive compensation program
Medical coverage
Dental coverage
Vision coverage
Wellness programs
Professional growth opportunities
Personalized development and meaningful mentorship