Director of Accounting and Financial Operations

Position Overview

At Ave Maria Press, our work is about more than books-we exist to set hearts on fire through content that forms, inspires, and serves the Church. Behind that mission is a commitment to operational excellence, stewardship, and wise financial leadership.

The Director of Accounting plays a critical role in that mission by ensuring the integrity, clarity, and effectiveness of our financial operations. This role provides both hands-on leadership and strategic oversight across accounting, financial reporting, and key financial systems, enabling the organization to grow with discipline and purpose.

As a key partner to executive leadership, the Director of Accounting ensures that our financial foundation is strong, our processes are scalable, and our decisions are informed-supporting a dynamic publishing environment that includes print, digital, ecommerce, and partner distribution channels.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Leadership & Oversight

• Direct and oversee all accounting operations, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll coordination, royalty payments, and month-end/year-end close.
• Ensure accurate and timely financial reporting in accordance with GAAP and nonprofit standards, including oversight of audits and Form 990.
• Maintain strong internal controls, financial policies, and compliance with all regulatory requirements.
• Oversee sales tax compliance and strategy, including nexus monitoring, collection, remittance, and implementation of efficient, cost-effective systems and processes.

Strategic Financial Leadership

• Serve as a strategic financial partner to executive leadership, providing insights that support organizational planning and decision-making.
• Lead the development of the annual budget and ongoing financial forecasts, including scenario planning tied to publishing schedules and operational priorities.
• Monitor financial performance and provide clear, actionable reporting, variance analysis, and key performance indicators to leadership and the board.
• Oversee cash flow, liquidity, and working capital management, including banking relationships and evaluation of financial tools and partners.

Publishing & Revenue Accounting

• Oversee accounting for publishing operations, including inventory, cost of goods sold, print production, and product returns.
• Ensure accurate accounting for multi-channel revenue streams, including direct-to-consumer ecommerce, Amazon and other platforms, and distribution partners.
• Own the royalty accounting function at a departmental level, ensuring accurate calculation, accrual, reporting, and payment processes, with strong systems and controls in place.
• Ensure alignment between sales data, inventory, and financial reporting to provide clear visibility into title-level performance, margins, and profitability.
• Lead the annual physical inventory process, coordinating cross-functional teams and external partners to ensure accurate counts, timely reconciliation, and alignment with financial reporting and audit requirements.

Systems, Technology & Process Improvement

• Lead the administration and optimization of ERP and accounting systems to support financial reporting, inventory management, and order-to-cash processes.
• Drive improvements in financial systems, workflows, and reporting capabilities, leveraging automation and AI where appropriate.
• Partner with IT and leadership to ensure systems support operational needs and organizational growth.

Cross-Functional Partnership

• Serve as the financial partner to leaders across sales, editorial, production, marketing, and distribution, ensuring alignment between financial management and operational execution.
• Provide financial guidance on new initiatives, product launches, and strategic decisions.

Team Leadership & Change Management

• Lead, mentor, and develop the accounting team, fostering a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and stewardship.
• Guide the team through financial modernization and change initiatives, including system implementations and process improvements.
• Establish clear processes, roles, and expectations that support operational efficiency and transparency.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required; MBA preferred
• 8+ years of progressive accounting experience, including leadership responsibility and oversight of full-cycle accounting operations.
• Experience in a product-based or publishing-related business strongly preferred, with familiarity in inventory accounting, cost of goods sold, and returns.
• Demonstrated experience managing multi-channel revenue environments, including ecommerce (direct-to-consumer), third-party platforms (e.g., Amazon), and wholesale/distribution models.
• Understanding of sales tax compliance across multiple jurisdictions, including nexus considerations and experience implementing or managing sales tax automation solutions.
• Experience overseeing or working closely with royalty accounting or similar contract-based revenue sharing models preferred.
• Proven ability to lead financial systems (ERP) optimization, integrations, or implementations, with a focus on improving reporting accuracy and operational efficiency.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP and nonprofit accounting standards, including audit and 990 reporting.
• Experience with cash flow management, forecasting, and banking relationships.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, develop, and manage teams, including driving accountability and continuous improvement.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, with the ability to translate financial data into clear insights for non-financial stakeholders.

Position Details

• This is a full-time salaried position. The expected work hours are 37.5 hours per week, between the business hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. (ET), Monday through Friday. Travel required, including occasional weekends.
• This role is based in Notre Dame, Indiana. Candidates should be committed to being integrated into our company culture and contributing to our team's success.
• This role offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off and a 403(b)-retirement plan. Ave team members are part of a supportive company culture and contribute to a dynamic, mission-driven team committed to collaboration and innovation.

Why Join Us?

At Ave Maria Press, your work is more than just a job; it's a mission. We offer a vibrant, collaborative workplace where your contributions make a real impact. Enjoy a balanced workday, comprehensive benefits, and the opportunity to be part of a team that shares your passion for faith-driven content.

Ready to Apply?

If you're ready to bring your creative vision to life and lead innovative marketing campaigns that inspire and engage, we'd love to hear from you! Please send your resume and cover letter to Lisa Hanback at lhanback@nd.edu.

Work Authorization/Security Clearance: Must be legally authorized to work in the United States. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.

Ave provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.