Director of Accounting/Controller

Southeast Polk Community School District•Pleasant Hill, IA

20h•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Accounting/Controller leads the daily accounting, financial reporting, and fiscal operations of the district. This position ensures sound financial stewardship, strict internal controls, and compliance with GAAP, GASB standards, and state and federal regulations. The Director of Accounting/Controller directly manages core accounting functions — including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and benefits administration — and serves as a key fiscal partner to the CFO. This position requires the continuous use of independent judgment.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration, or other related field.
School Business Official (SBO) certification or ability and eligibility to obtain initial SBO certification.
Minimum of 5-7 years of progressive accounting experience, preferably in public school finance or governmental accounting.
Comprehensive working knowledge of Generally Accepted Account Principals (GAAP).
Advanced proficiency in modern ERP/financial software systems, complex data analysis, financial forecasting, and spreadsheet applications.
Exceptional accuracy, organizational and record keeping skills.
Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, with the proven ability to build collaborative relationships across departments and leadership levels.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities.

Nice To Haves

Comprehensive working knowledge of Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) standards and public school financing laws preferred.

Responsibilities

Supervise day-to-day activities of the business services department
Assist CFO in training, mentoring, and evaluating department personnel.
Maintain a complete and systematic record of all financial transactions of the district.
Oversee and perform data entry of budget amounts, receipts, journal entries, canceled checks, void checks, etc.
Assist the CFO in establishing, implementing, and enforcing a robust internal control systems.
Oversee the monthly and fiscal year-end accounting close processes, ensuring timely preparation of balance sheets, revenue/expenditure statements, and bank reconciliations.
Review and approve journal entries, account reconciliations, wire transfers, and inter-fund transfers.
Assist the CFO with preparation for internal and external financial audits.
Assist the CFO with the completion of all state and federal reporting.
Oversee the process for nonpublic transportation claims and payments.
Reconcile online receipt deposit system
Trace errors and record adjustments to correct charges and credits posted incorrectly.
Review, update, and maintain account code descriptions as needed.
Maintain a record of district investments.
Administer the P-Card program.
Record electronically transmitted monthly property taxes, sales tax, state aid, and direct deposits.
Prepare accounts receivable; create billings for special education, open enrollment, rental of buildings, etc.
Assist CFO in making reports to the board, cost analysis, and other financial reports including the annual audit and preparation of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report.
Facilitate the independent audit process and maintain adequate workpapers.
Provide assistance, backup, and support in the business services department; communicate answers to district employees' questions.
Coordinate and provide annual training sessions to staff responsible for cash handling and deposits in the proper methods of securing cash and the proper timing and recording of cash receipts.
Maintain confidentiality on sensitive information.
Participate in continuing education opportunities.
Other duties as assigned.