District Director of Financial Services/Controller

CCS Spokane • Spokane, WA

1d • $124,454 - $139,994 • Onsite

About The Position

Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, this position is a key member of the Spokane Colleges (District) Business Office Leadership Team. The director is responsible for overseeing finance and fiscal services operations, ensuring compliance with Washington State Law, Washington Administrative Code (WAC), District policies and procedures, generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and the governmental accounting standards board (GASB).

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Business, Finance, or a related field from an accredited institution. Or an equivalent mix of education and experience that demonstrates required competencies.
• Five years of progressively responsible accounting experience in a private, governmental, or higher education environment, including two years in a supervisory role managing multiple functions.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Washington State accounting policies and regulations, federal cost principles, governmental accounting standards, internal auditing principles, financial reporting, internal control, and accounting systems design.
• Proficiency in extracting and analyzing data from Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems and using spreadsheets and other tools for financial reporting and analysis.
• Ability to interpret complex financial and statistical data and apply sound judgement to decision making,
• Strong problem solving skills in accounting and business operations.
• Demonstrated ability to supervise staff and manage performance.
• Ability to monitor, evaluate, and improve fiscal and accounting operations.
• Experience developing internal controls, procedures, and financial processes.
• Ability to analyze and interpret revenue and expenditure variances.
• Ability to prepare and present comprehensive financial reports and recommendations.
• Ability to work independently and maintain effective working relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Commitment to performing duties in alignment with applicable laws, regulations, and institutional goals.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in Accounting, Business, Public Administration or a closely related field.
• Certification as a Public Accountant (CPA), Government Financial Manager (CFGM), or Management Accountant (CMA).
• Experience in a State of Washington college, university, or public agency.
• Experience managing large, complex accounting systems.
• Demonstrated expertise in governmental accounting.
• Experience supervising a unionized workforce.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage core Business office operations and fiscal controls, including treasury and investments, general ledger and revenue accounting, expenditure oversight, capital asset accounting, student financial services (cashiering, billing and accounts receivable), accounts payable, and travel.
• Support district wide financial processes, to enhance service delivery to students and stakeholders.
• Oversee account reconciliations necessary for accurate month-end and year-end close processes.
• Serve as the district controller and primary financial advisor to the Chief Financial Officer for assigned functions.
• Develop accounting policies, oversee financial systems and ensure efficient, accurate, and compliant operations.
• Ensure the integrity of financial data and compliance in reporting to the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC) and external auditors.
• Lead the preparation of internal and external financial reporting, including entity-wide financial statements in compliance with GAAP and GASB.
• Serve as the District’s liaison for internal and external audits, coordinating audit activities, providing information, addressing findings, and implementing corrective actions.
• Establish and maintain effective internal controls for Spokane Community College (SCC), Spokane Falls Community College (SFCC), and District operations.
• Coordinate and support the use of computerized accounting and management systems.
• Supervise, coach, and develop staff, including training, evaluating performance, addressing disciplinary issues and supporting professional growth.
• Directly supervise exempt and classified staff in accordance with collective bargaining agreements, District policies, and applicable regulations.
• Represent Spokane Colleges in meetings, State Boards and councils as assigned.
• Model professional decorum and mutual respect in all personal interactions.
• Comply with district policies, procedures and directives, state and federal regulations, orders and statutes and collective bargaining agreements.
• Support and advance Spokane Colleges’ strategic plan and perform other duties as assigned.
• Act on behalf of the Chief Financial Officer as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical, dental life and long term disability insurance benefits are provided as currently administered under the Public Employees Benefits Board
• TIAA retirement plan or WA State Dept. of Retirement Systems Pension Plan.
• Vacation leave accrues at the rate of 14.67 hours per month (22 days per year)
• Sick leave accrues at the rate of 8 hours per month, effective upon employment.

What This Job Offers

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