ASSOCIATE DEAN OF FINANCE OPERATIONS

Southern Maine Community College • South Portland, ME

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Associate Dean of Finance Operations serves as a key operational leader within the Finance division, responsible for overseeing the day-to-day accounting functions, financial processes, and staff management that ensure the accuracy, integrity, and efficiency of the College’s financial operations. Reporting to the Dean of Finance, this role translates strategic priorities into effective operational practices, strengthens internal controls, and ensures compliance with all regulatory and audit requirements. This position plays a critical role in advancing the College’s strategic priorities by ensuring financial systems and processes support student success, operational excellence, and long-term institutional sustainability.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated experience managing staff and leading operational teams.
• Strong knowledge of accounting principles, financial reporting, and internal controls.
• Minimum 7-10 years of experience in accounting or financial operations

Nice To Haves

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
• 7-10 years of progressively responsible experience in accounting, financial operations, or related leadership roles preferred
• Experience in higher education, government, or other complex organizational environments
• Experience with enterprise financial systems (ERP), reporting tools, and process improvement initiatives

Responsibilities

• Oversee all core accounting functions, including general ledger, reconciliations, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and cash management.
• Ensure timely and accurate month-end and year-end close processes.
• Maintain the integrity of financial data and ensure compliance with applicable regulations, policies, and accounting standards.
• Lead preparation for audits and serve as primary liaison for external auditors.
• Monitor and strengthen internal controls to mitigate risk and ensure accountability.
• Oversee management of restricted funds, grants, and designated accounts.
• Lead optimization and effective use of financial systems, including ERP platforms and reporting tools.
• Identify process inefficiencies and implement improvements to increase accuracy and efficiency.
• Ensure timely access to financial data and reporting to support institutional decision making.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to align financial operations with broader institutional needs.
• Partner with the Dean of Finance to implement strategic financial initiatives.
• Provide analysis, reporting, and operational insights to support planning and resource allocation.
• Support budget development and monitoring processes through accurate financial data and reporting.
• Serve as a key operational leader in the absence of the Dean, as appropriate.
• Supervise and lead finance and accounting staff, establishing clear expectations, workflows, and accountability.
• Build and maintain comprehensive standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure consistency and continuity.
• Support staff development, training, and cross-functional knowledge sharing.
• Foster a collaborative, service-oriented culture within the finance team.

Benefits

• 100% employer paid health, dental and life insurance for employees (spouse/domestic partner/dependent coverage also available)
• vision insurance
• choice of Maine Public Employees Retirement System or TIAA CREF in lieu of social security
• generous vacation/personal/sick time allowances
• 13 paid holidays
• professional development
• free tuition within the MCCS for employees, spouse and dependents.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager