Financial Accounting Foundation Looking for GASB Assistant Project Manager at United States, Connecticut, Norwalk Full Time

Great People, Great Opportunities, Important Work

Position Summary

The primary role of an Assistant Project Manager is to assist the project managers in the development and management of (a) GASB technical agenda projects from inception, through appropriate due process phases, to issuance of GASB pronouncements, including Statements of Governmental Accounting Standards and Concepts, (b) research activities, and (c) post-implementation reviews (PIRs). The Assistant Project Manager also may assist the Director of RTA or Assistant Directors of RTA (senior staff) on other activities that are not a current technical agenda project or pre-agenda research activity. Assistant Project Managers also are able to lead narrow, straightforward projects or a component of a larger project with support from the senior staff.

In carrying out the responsibilities of this position, the Assistant Project Manager is expected to (a) assist in the planning and management of the research or project; (b) provide high quality technical materials to the Board; (c) assist in developing effective internal communications with Board members and staff and external communications to educate the constituency; and (d) provide effective leadership, motivation, and development of lower level technical staff assigned to the research or project.

Position Responsibilities

A. Planning and Completion of Work

1. Complete assigned tasks, activities, projects in the time allotted. Promptly notify direct report of any delays.
2. Comply with research and project management policies and procedures described in the RTA Manual and GASB Rules of Procedure, including due process and interaction with FAF support functions.
3. Assist project managers in developing overall research or project plans that reflect necessary research and skills/resources needed to achieve that plan.

B. Technical Research Analysis

1. At direction of project manager, conduct activities including (a) performing surveys of current practice, (b) analyzing comment letters, (c) researching existing accounting literature, including Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB), International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board (IPSASB), and Federal Accounting Standards Advisory Board (FASAB) literature, and (d) gathering and summarizing information from GASAC members, task force and advisory committee members, and other stakeholders.
2. Assist project manager in preparing an analysis of issues that serves as the basis for Board deliberations. That analysis should be neutral and identify possible solutions that are technically and conceptually sound and that reflect consideration of cost/benefit and operational issues.
3. Assist the project manager in drafting portions of due process documents and assist in technical reviews of those documents, to ensure high standards of technical accuracy, readability, and completeness.

C. Communications

1. Lead the discussion at Board meetings with limited senior staff support
2. Lead or assist with field tests of proposed standards
3. Write Board materials that are clear and concise and prepared in accordance with the GASB RTA Manual and the FAF Comprehensive Style Manual. Due process documents should be prepared in accordance with the RTA Manual and the Style Manual.
4. Develop or update research or project communications in accordance with the communication guidelines included in the RTA Manual.
5. Respond to questions from stakeholders on current and past projects.
6. Meet with individual Board members to discuss staff views on issues and obtain their feedback.

D. Managing People

1. Supervise and provide leadership for other staff assigned to the research or project.

E. Other Accountabilities

1. Maintain a broad knowledge of governmental accounting and develop technical expertise in the areas encompassed by technical assignments.
2. Other assignments may include making presentations on technical issues (usually related to assigned project), interviewing technical staff candidates, and assisting with nontechnical activities such as strategic plan-related activities or professional development.

Essential Skills and Experience

Individuals in this position should possess the following skills and attributes:

Project Management

1. Ability to set and meet reasonable deadlines
2. Ability to lead a component of larger projects, or a narrow, straightforward project with senior staff support
3. Ability to manage and motivate one other staff member (project research associate or postgraduate technical assistant) on a component of a larger project or a narrow, straightforward project
4. Ability to lead meetings with staff and Board members with limited senior staff support
5. Ability to build consensus among project team members on assigned issues and projects.

Technical Knowledge and Analytical Skills

1. General understanding of the conceptual framework
2. General understanding of Governmental Accounting Standards
3. Developing understanding of or ability to learn relevant FASB, IPSASB, and FASAB standards
4. Developing and growing technical knowledge of other standards (for example, other US GAAP standards setters, regulations, international standards) that are relevant to assigned areas
5. Ability to develop and explore alternative solutions and to think through a group of issues from beginning to end
6. Developing ability to identify and document research requirements, design an approach and interpret research results with senior staff support
7. Ability to build consensus among project team members on assigned issues and projects
8. Developing working knowledge of GASB rules and policies, including due process requirements

Personal Characteristics

1. Good interpersonal skills necessary to manage assistant staff
2. Ability to work in a team-oriented environment
3. Developing listening skills
4. Effective oral and written communication skills-ability to clearly communicate broader, straightforward issues.
5. Becoming resourceful; developing innovative and strategic qualities in terms of a component of larger project, or narrow, straightforward project execution.
6. Ability to see the big picture and not get lost in the details
7. Respectful and tolerant of the view of others
8. Self-confident; ability to articulate own views with other team members
9. Strong commitment to the organization.

Five to nine years of technical accounting experience in public accounting; government financial management, accounting, or auditing; development of accounting standards; academic in accounting, financial management, or similarly relevant field; or analysis and research involving the use of governmental financial statements.

The FAF is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws. The FAF strictly prohibits and does not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants or any other covered persons because of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, age, gender, gender identity or expression, marital or civil union status, sexual orientation, genetic information, citizenship, military service, mental or learning disability or physical disability, pregnancy, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. All Employees are prohibited from engaging in unlawful discrimination. This Policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, training, promotion, discipline, compensation, benefits, and termination of employment.