Assistant Controller

South Carolina Education Lottery•Columbia, SC

4d•$0 - $87,316

About The Position

The Assistant Controller oversees the daily accounting operations of the SC Education Lottery (SCEL), ensuring compliance with applicable state laws, regulations, policies, and generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). The position reports directly to the Director of Finance/Controller and provides leadership and oversight for Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable. It may also include financial analysis, policy development, and participation in strategic financial planning. Employment with SCEL is at-will and is not covered by the State Employee Grievance Procedures Act. The role manages accounting activities including the general ledger, accounts payable and receivable, cash management, financial reporting, and month- and year-end close. It supervises AP and AR staff, supports audits and management decision-making, assists with budget development and monitoring, and helps develop and improve accounting policies, controls, systems, and processes.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
At least 2 years of progressively responsible accounting experience.
Thorough knowledge of governmental accounting principles, GAAP, and state financial regulations.
Strong supervisory and leadership skills, including the ability to manage and develop staff.
Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills.
Ability to collaborate at all levels within the organization.
Ability to prepare and interpret complex financial reports and data.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain financial information to non-financial stakeholders.
Proficiency in financial management systems, accounting software, and Microsoft Office applications, especially Excel.

Nice To Haves

Experience in a governmental or public-sector environment, or public accounting experience auditing public-sector or governmental entities.
CPA certification, progress toward obtaining a CPA, or eligibility to sit for the CPA exam.
CGFM or another relevant professional certification.

Responsibilities

Manage and oversee SCEL accounting operations, including the general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, cash management, and related financial activities.
Ensure financial transactions and records are accurate, timely, and compliant with GAAP, state statutes, administrative rules, and internal policies.
Review and approve journal entries, reconciliations, and financial adjustments.
Oversee month-end and year-end closing processes and ensure deadlines are met and reports are accurate.
Perform cash forecasting, transfer funds to the Education Lottery Account, and prepare wire payments to vendors, retailers, and governmental agencies.
Assist the SCEL Claims Center with reconciling, cancelling, and reissuing prizes to paid winners.
Directly supervise, guide, train, coach, and provide performance feedback to Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable staff.
Establish work priorities, review workload distribution, and ensure adequate internal controls within AP and AR.
Prepare, review, and analyze financial statements, schedules, and reports.
Coordinate with internal and external auditors to ensure compliance with Lottery statute and GAAP.
Conduct financial analysis to support management decisions and identify trends, risks, or areas for improvement.
Prepare and assist with reports for presentation to the SCEL Board of Commissioners.
Assist the Director of Finance/Controller with budget development, monitoring, and variance analysis.
Contribute to developing, implementing, and interpreting accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls.
Ensure compliance with state and federal regulations and internal control standards.
Identify accounting process, system, and control improvements; recommend and implement enhancements.
Support financial system upgrades, implementations, and process automation initiatives as needed.