Assistant Controller

State of South Carolina•Lexington County, SC

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Assistant Controller serves the South Carolina Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (BHDD), supporting a central office and geographically dispersed hospitals, facilities, and programs statewide. The position directs the Business Office and Patient Funds, General Ledger, and Capital Assets functions through supervision of the Director of Business Office and Patient Funds, the General Ledger Manager, and the Capital Assets Manager. Reporting to the Controller, the Assistant Controller is accountable for the integrity, accuracy, and timeliness of agency accounting records, monthly and fiscal year-end closes, and GAAP closing package preparation in compliance with GASB standards and applicable state and federal requirements. The role carries out the Controller’s standards for accounting processes, internal controls, and performance measurement, and acts with full authority on behalf of the Controller in the Controller’s absence. The position leads financial close and reporting, oversees general ledger and capital asset accounting, supports business office and patient funds operations, and coordinates audit preparation and responses. It also implements process improvements, develops and maintains accounting policies and procedures, and monitors financial performance and data integrity. The role is located at the BHDD Central Office in Cayce, South Carolina, with occasional in-state travel to agency sites and work beyond normal business hours during close and audit periods.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field.
Eight years of progressive professional experience in accounting, auditing, or financial management, including at least three years of supervisory or managerial experience.
A master’s degree in accounting, finance, or business administration may substitute for one year of the required experience.
Successfully complete a criminal background check prior to employment.
Occasional in-state travel to agency hospitals, facilities, and program sites is required.
Work beyond normal business hours is required during month-end close, fiscal year-end close, and audit periods.
Protect the confidentiality of sensitive financial and patient information in accordance with HIPAA and agency policy.

Nice To Haves

Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM).
Master’s degree in accounting, finance, or business administration.
Experience with governmental or fund accounting, GASB reporting, and South Carolina Comptroller General GAAP closing packages.
Experience in a healthcare, hospital, or behavioral health setting.
Experience with SAP/SCEIS or a comparable ERP system and advanced Excel skills.
Experience supporting annual financial audits and the federal Single Audit.

Responsibilities

Direct and supervise general ledger, capital assets, and business office and patient funds teams; set priorities, assign work, monitor performance, and ensure accountability for deadlines and work quality.
Develop staff capabilities through training, coaching, cross-training, and documented procedures.
Serve as acting Controller in the Controller’s absence.
Lead monthly and fiscal year-end financial close activities across agency funds, hospitals, and facilities.
Oversee journal entries, accruals, account reconciliations, and interfund and intra-agency transactions.
Ensure the accuracy, completeness, and integrity of financial resources maintained in the South Carolina Enterprise Information System (SCEIS).
Identify and resolve accounting discrepancies, reconciliation issues, and outstanding balances.
Direct preparation and review of GAAP closing packages and fiscal year-end reporting in accordance with state requirements.
Prepare financial statements, schedules, and analyses for executive leadership.
Ensure compliance with GASB standards and applicable state financial reporting requirements; research emerging accounting standards and recommend implementation strategies.
Implement and monitor internal controls over assigned financial operations; identify deficiencies and recommend improvements.
Coordinate audit schedules, supporting documentation, and responses to audit inquiries; support corrective action plans and resolution of audit findings.
Oversee capital asset accounting, including acquisitions, disposals, transfers, depreciation, and construction in progress.
Coordinate with Procurement, facilities, and program staff to maintain accurate asset records and comply with state capitalization requirements and applicable accounting standards.
Oversee business office financial activities, including cash receipts, deposits, cash management, and bank reconciliations.
Oversee accounting and controls for patient personal funds and trust accounts, including representative payee activities.
Implement the agency’s central office shared service model and identify and implement process improvements.
Develop and maintain accounting policies, procedures, and desk manuals.
Monitor financial performance metrics, including close timeliness and reconciliations, and coordinate system improvements and data integrity initiatives.

Benefits

Health insurance for employees, spouse, and children.
Dental insurance for employees, spouse, and children.
Vision insurance for employees, spouse, and children.
Long-term disability insurance.
Life insurance for employees, spouse, and children.
15 days of annual (vacation) leave per year.
15 days of sick leave per year.
13 paid holidays.
Paid parental leave.
South Carolina Deferred Compensation Program available.
Retirement benefit choices through the State Retirement Plan (SCRS) or State Optional Retirement Program (State ORP); enrollment in one of the listed plans is required for FTE employees.