GASB Project Manager

The primary role of a Project Manager is to manage increasingly broader GASB technical projects in scope and complexity from inception to issuance of authoritative literature (for example, Statements of Governmental Accounting Standards, Concepts, or Interpretations) with less supervision.  A Project Manager also may manage research activities and functional activities as assigned by the Director of RTA. A Project Manager is able to lead difficult projects and research activities with support from the Director of RTA and the Assistant Director(s) and is able to independently lead straightforward or narrow-scope projects.

In carrying out the responsibilities of this position, the Project Manager is expected to (a) plan and meet the project timetable (project plan); (b) provide high quality analysis of issues for the Board; (c) effectively communicate with Board members, staff and constituents; and (d) effectively lead, motivate, and develop other technical staff assigned to the project.

The Project Manager is responsible for managing the decision-making process at the GASB on the projects he or she is assigned.  This requires leadership of ideas, thoughts, recommendation and negotiation with Board members, with sensitivity to needs and position.  This requires an ability to be persuasive and to work with Board as a group and individually.  While the Project Manager is accountable to the Director of RTA, on technical projects he or she also may with work with the Assistant Director(s) during the research activities.

Position Responsibilities:

Planning and Completion of Work

Develop research or project plan that reflects necessary research and skills/resources needed to achieve plan.

1. Develop, with Director of RTA and Assistant Director(s) (senior staff) guidance, the proposed research or project plan, recommend how the plan would be implemented, and manage the approved plan.
2. Determine, with senior staff support, needed additional research, recommend how the research plan would be implemented, and manage the approved research plan.
3. Direct activities of research or project team in making appropriate use of the knowledge and expertise of its members.  
4. Complete research or project in accordance with plan; promptly notify the Director of RTA of any possible changes in the scope of the research or project or any delays in meeting milestones and reasons thereof.  Update research or project plan informally on a real-time basis and formally three times a year and promptly advise the Director of RTA of any resource constraints. 
5. Comply with research or project management policies and procedures described in the RTA Manual and GASB Rules of Procedure, including due process and interaction with FAF support functions.

Technical Research and Analysis

1. Oversee or prepare the analysis of issues that serve 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.
2. Communicate that analysis in written materials that are clear, concise, logically organized, and distributed within timeframe allotted. 
3. Prepare Board and staff documents (such as Statements, Interpretations, Exposure Drafts, Preliminary Views, Invitations to Comment, and Research Reports) that reflect (a) in-depth analysis of the issues, (b) consideration of the needs of users of financial information, (c) a sound conceptual basis, (d) practical solutions, (e) consideration of relevant research on the issues, (f) consideration of other accounting standards, including the FASB, IPSASB, and FASAB, and (g) consideration of costs versus benefits for proposed solutions to issues. Ensure that Board decisions are accurately reflected in those documents.
4. Ensure that Board decisions are accurately reflected in timely Tentative Board Decisions and minutes to meetings where assigned issues are discussed.

Communications

1. Effectively lead discussions at Board meetings, education sessions, and various meetings with constituent groups (as appropriate) with senior staff support.
2. Effectively communicate with staff on other research activities and projects to exchange ideas and benefit from each other’s experience and expertise.
3. Effectively communicate with constituents, especially task force and advisory committee members, and GASAC members with senior staff support.
4. Written Board materials should be clear and concise and prepared in accordance with the GASB RTA Manual and the GASB Style Manual.   Due process documents should be prepared in accordance with the RTA Manual and the Style Manual.
5. Follow communication guidelines included in the RTA Manual (for example, keep research and project information on the GASB website current).
6. Answer questions from constituents and the press (with the FAF Communications department) on current research and projects as well as on documents already issued with senior staff support.
7. Make speeches or answer technical issues usually related to assigned research activities or projects, but also update on the status of other GASB research activities and projects.
8. Meet with individual Board members and small groups of Board members as necessary to discuss technical issues, independently reconcile divergent views, defend staff recommendations and answer questions.

Managing People

1. Lead and motivate assigned staff by giving them challenging work that will facilitate their professional growth and utilize their skills to the fullest while achieving the primary goals and objectives of the research or project.
2. Lead outside researchers/consultants, in consultation with senior staff, who are working on the research or project and coordinate research reports.
3. Coordinate with administrative staff on aspects of the project dealing with publication of documents and meeting arrangements.
4. Counsel staff and evaluate staff performance on a timely basis to provide them with feedback on their strengths and weaknesses.

Other Accountabilities

1. Maintain a broad knowledge of governmental accounting (including the conceptual framework) and develop technical expertise in the areas encompassed by technical assignments, including knowledge of applicable international public sector accounting standards and private sector accounting standards.
2. Other assignments may include interviewing technical staff candidates and assisting with non-technical activities, such as strategic plan-related activities or professional development.

Skills and Qualifications:

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

A. Research and Project Management

• Ability to set and meet most deadlines for projects with senior staff support
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work well during periods of pressure
• Ability to manage both the research or project and the process for increasingly broader projects in scope and complexity with less supervision
• Ability to motivate and utilize technical teams to the best of their ability with senior staff support
• Ability to effectively lead meetings with staff, Board members, and constituents with senior staff support
• Ability to forge consensus among Board members on more straightforward or narrow-scope issues with senior staff support (must be able to reconcile divergent views and be innovative).

B. Technical Knowledge and Analytical Skills

• Good understanding of the conceptual framework
• Good understanding of Governmental Accounting Standards
• Basic understanding of relevant FASB, IPSASB, and FASAB standards
• Ability to develop expertise in new areas assigned
• Ability to analyze problems, identify key issues, develop and explore alternative solutions, and develop a well-reasoned recommendation with senior staff support
• Good research skills
• Excellent working knowledge of GASB rules and policies, including due process requirements.

C. Personal Characteristics

Interpersonal skills necessary to successfully manage and motivate technical staff and administrative staff individually and as a team:

• Listening skills—able to hear, understand, and articulate others’ perspectives
• Oral and written communication skills—able to clearly and concisely communicate straightforward or narrower issues and alternatives
• Clear thinker—able to see the big picture as well as the details
• Strong working relationship with Board members and the Director of RTA
• Open-minded of alternative views; respectful and tolerant of the view of others
• Self-confident; ability to defend own views
• Strong commitment to the organization

At least ten years of experience, of which five years was spent in public accounting, government, or development of Accounting Standards, including experience in managing a team of people.  An academic background of equal duration as a professor or a researcher also would qualify if it were supplemented by substantive practical experience.  

Reporting to this Position: Other technical staff assigned to the project, including other Project Managers, Assistant Project Managers, Project Research Associates and Postgraduate Technical Assistants