Accounting Principal

About the Role

Accounting Principal I

Company: Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP)
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania — Cira Centre
Work Arrangement: Hybrid
Employment Type: Full-time
Schedule: Day shift
Salary: $101,300–$129,100 per year

Seeking Breakthrough Makers

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) offers countless ways to change lives. Our diverse community of more than 20,000 Breakthrough Makers will inspire you to pursue passions, develop expertise, and drive innovation.

At CHOP, your experience is valued; your voice is heard; and your contributions make a difference for patients and families. Join us as we build on our promise to advance pediatric care—and your career.

CHOP does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, or any other legally protected categories in any employment, training, or vendor decisions or programs. CHOP recognizes the critical importance of a workforce rich in varied backgrounds and experiences and engages in ongoing efforts to achieve that through equally varied and non-discriminatory means.

A Brief Overview

The Accounting Principal serves as a key member of the Finance team, supporting Finance Leadership in the management of accounting operations, workflow prioritization, and strategic projects. This role is responsible for overseeing end-to-end accounting processes, effectively leveraging team resources to ensure accuracy, efficiency, and compliance.

The Accounting Principal I leads the preparation, coordination, and data collection required for regulatory and compliance-related filings, ensuring timely and accurate submissions. This position also manages special projects and process improvement initiatives that support organizational and departmental objectives.

In partnership with the Accounting Manager and Finance Director, the Accounting Principal I plays a critical role in executing the month-end close process, ensuring financial results are complete, accurate, and delivered within established timelines. Additionally, this role provides guidance, mentorship, and training to Staff Accountants, fostering professional development, strengthening technical accounting expertise, and promoting a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

Why Is This Role Important?

The Accounting Principal I plays a critical role in helping the Finance team effectively manage increasing organizational complexity and growing operational demands. This position provides the capacity and expertise needed to support key accounting functions, maintain compliance, and strengthen financial reporting processes.

By bringing external experience and best practices, this individual will identify opportunities to improve processes, enhance operational efficiency, and strengthen internal controls. The role is instrumental in supporting the organization's ability to scale responsibly while contributing to long-term financial health, strategic decision-making, and overall organizational success.

Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with a strong foundation in public accounting, including meaningful audit experience. Exposure to the healthcare industry is preferred, with an understanding of the unique financial reporting, regulatory, and compliance considerations within the sector.

The successful candidate will bring:

• CPA certification required.

• Public accounting background with audit experience.

• Healthcare industry exposure preferred.

• A strong desire to learn, grow, and take on increasing responsibility in a dynamic and evolving organization.

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and process improvement skills.

• The ability to adapt to change and navigate ambiguity with confidence.

• A collaborative and team-oriented mindset, with the ability to build strong relationships across Finance and other business functions.

• Excellent communication skills and a willingness to mentor, share knowledge, and support the development of colleagues.

• A proactive, solutions-focused approach and commitment to continuous improvement.

Work-Life Balance & Team Culture

We believe a supportive environment is essential for both professional success and personal well-being. Highlights include:

• Hybrid work structure with a friendly, collaborative, and supportive Accounting team.

• Currently onsite at the CIRA Centre one day per week (Wednesdays), with remote work on other days.

• Occasional additional in-office days may be requested for key meetings, training sessions, or team events.

• Potential future transition to two days in-office and three days remote, although no changes are currently planned.

• A culture focused on teamwork, flexibility, professional development, and work-life balance

What you will do

• Monthly Close

• Assist the team when needed to ensure all month end deadlines are met

• Ensure that all key accounts are reconciled prior to the running of allocations

• Account Analysis

• Review all account analyses prepared by the team.

• Ensure reconciling items and variances are addressed and resolved.

• Compliance and Regulatory

• Working knowledge of GAAP

• Implementing processes to improve Internal Controls

• Manage annual audit and 990 processes

• Responsible for preparation of annual financial statements and footnote disclosures

• Assist with the preparation of any external reporting to governmental agencies.

• Assist with Internal Audit requests

• Assist with other mandated external reporting including surveys

• Technical Expertise

• Advanced Excel including VLOOKUP’s and Pivot Tables

• Proficient in managing and processing large data sets, able to organize/filter data

• Expert with ERP systems

• Fully understanding of Chart of Accounts/FDM. Able to propose updates and changes

• Ability to operate in multiple systems/programs

• Understanding of Patient Accounting Systems and processes

• Customer Service

• Collaboration with Finance Partners, Divisional Business Managers, and local practice plan team members to support operational finance needs

• Collaboration with Shared Service Business Units including Accounts Payable, Supply Chain, Patient Financial Services, Treasury, Payroll to support operational finance needs

• Strong written and oral communication skills

• Strong organizational skills, ability to handle multiple competing priorities

• Ability to maintain and store confidential information

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy

• Financial Reporting

• Able to prepare Income Statements and Balance Sheets at a Consolidated, Company and Cost Center level

• Able to create ad hoc reports to support analysis or business needs

• Understanding of financial and aging reports

• Assists in the preparation of close package slides

• Manages the year end audited financial statement and footnote disclosure process

• Other

• Supports annual budget process

• Supports preparation of financial projections and long range planning efforts

• Manages special projects when needed

Education Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance or related field Required

• Master's Degree Business Administration (MBA) Preferred

Experience Qualifications

• At least five (5) years in Accounting or Finance Department Required

• At least two (2) years in Healthcare Preferred

Skills and Abilities

• Advanced Excel including VLOOKUP’s and Pivot Tables (Required proficiency)

• Working knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (Required proficiency)

• Excellent Communication skills (Required proficiency)

• Excellent Organizational skills (Required proficiency)

• Project Management skills (Required proficiency)

• Ability to maintain confidential information (Required proficiency)

• Ability to work independently in hybrid work environment (Required proficiency)

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy (Required proficiency)

Licenses and Certifications

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) - Pennsylvania State Licensing Board - upon hire - Preferred

To carry out its mission, CHOP is committed to supporting the health of our patients, families, workforce, and global community. As a condition of employment, CHOP employees who work in patient care buildings or who have patient facing responsibilities must receive an annual influenza vaccine. Learn more.

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SALARY RANGE:

$101,300.00 - $129,100.00 Annually

Salary ranges are shown for full-time jobs. If you're working part-time, your pay will be adjusted accordingly.

At CHOP, we are committed to fair and transparent pay practices. Factors such as skills and experience could result in an offer above the salary range noted in this job posting. Click here for more information regarding CHOP's Compensation and Benefits.