Director, Financial Accounting & Reporting

State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota • Bradenton, FL

4d

About The Position

Reporting to the Associate Vice President/Controller, the Director of Financial Accounting & Reporting provides technical accounting leadership and oversight for preparation, analysis, and submission of the College’s financial statements and required financial and regulatory reports. The role leads coordination of the College’s Annual Financial Report (AFR), audited financial statements, and reporting required by the Florida Department of Education, the Florida College System, and other applicable agencies. The Director interprets accounting and reporting requirements, independently researches complex governmental accounting matters, coordinates information across College departments, and promotes accurate, complete, and timely financial reporting. The position also provides technical guidance on new accounting standards, strengthens reporting procedures and internal controls, and serves as a principal technical resource to the AVP/Controller, including providing backup support for broader Controller responsibilities as assigned.

The role regularly collaborates with the AVP/Controller, CFO, Finance staff, College departments, external auditors, and regulatory agency representatives. The work environment is quiet. The position routinely involves sitting, using hands and fingers, and talking or hearing; frequently reaching with hands and arms; and occasionally standing, walking, climbing or balancing, and lifting up to 10 pounds. Occasional travel may be required for professional development, meetings, or other College business. Employment is contingent on successful criminal background screenings and employment reference checks.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting from an accredited institution.
• Seven years of progressively responsible professional accounting experience, including significant financial reporting responsibility.
• Demonstrated knowledge of GAAP, financial statement preparation, and complex accounting matters.
• Experience leading complex financial reporting activities and coordinating work across departments.
• At least three years of direct supervisory or lead experience in a financial or accounting setting.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, including responsibility for hiring, firing, performance management, training, and coaching.
• Ability to interpret accounting standards, financial reports, audit documentation, and regulatory requirements, and explain complex accounting matters clearly to College leadership, auditors, and regulatory agencies.
• Ability to analyze complex financial data, perform reconciliations, evaluate variances, and interpret financial calculations and trends.
• Ability to research complex accounting issues, assess reporting implications, exercise independent professional judgment, and develop sound conclusions and recommendations.
• Proficiency with spreadsheets, financial reporting tools, and data analysis.
• Ability to perform the described physical demands, with reasonable accommodations where applicable.

Nice To Haves

• Active CPA license (preferred but not required).
• Master’s degree in accounting or a related field.
• Governmental or higher education accounting experience.
• GASB reporting expertise.
• Experience with state regulatory reporting, financial audits, and Banner.
• Experience with Banner and Argos or comparable financial systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead preparation, coordination, review, and completion of the College’s Annual Financial Report, annual financial statements, and related year-end financial reporting deliverables.
• Serve as the primary Finance liaison for reporting required by the Florida Department of Education, the Florida College System, and other applicable regulatory agencies.
• Interpret reporting requirements, maintain a comprehensive reporting calendar, coordinate information from College departments, and ensure submissions are accurate, complete, and timely.
• Independently research, analyze, and resolve complex governmental accounting and financial reporting matters under applicable standards and requirements.
• Evaluate new GASB pronouncements and other accounting or regulatory changes, determine potential reporting impacts, and recommend implementation approaches.
• Lead preparation and review of year-end adjusting entries, financial statement schedules, disclosures, reconciliations, and supporting documentation for the annual audit.
• Coordinate with the AVP/Controller, external auditors, and College departments to address audit requests, resolve reporting questions, and support timely resolution of findings.
• Develop, document, and improve financial reporting procedures, standardized reconciliations, and quality-control reviews to strengthen accuracy, consistency, and internal controls.
• Use Banner, Argos, and related financial systems and reporting tools to analyze financial information, validate data, and improve reporting efficiency and reliability.
• Provide technical accounting guidance and recommendations to the AVP/Controller and, as appropriate, the CFO on complex reporting issues, accounting treatment, and financial statement impacts.
• Analyze financial information and reporting trends to identify discrepancies, risks, and opportunities to improve processes and support informed decision-making.
• Coordinate cross-departmental reporting activities and communicate reporting requirements, deadlines, and documentation needs to relevant College personnel.
• Provide backup support for selected Controller functions and assist with financial analysis, special projects, and other responsibilities as assigned by the AVP/Controller.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Provide leadership and team management, including hiring, firing, performance management, training, and coaching.

Benefits

• Low-cost State of Florida medical, dental, and vision insurance for eligible employees.
• Tuition scholarships for employees and eligible dependents.
• Paid life insurance.
• Employer contributions to the Florida Retirement System (FRS).
• Paid sick and/or vacation leave for eligible full-time employees, in accordance with College policy.
• Complimentary access to wellness activities.
• Four-day work week during June and July for eligible 12-month employees working in the summer.
• Paid winter break and spring break.
• Eligible dependents have access to the on-campus Collegiate School.

What This Job Offers

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