District Director of Financial Services/Controller

District Director of Financial Services/Controller

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).

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Financial Operations & Administration

• 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.

Financial Systems, Financial Reporting, & Audit Management

• 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.

Leadership, Strategy & External Relations

• 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.

* Indicates this is an essential duty.

COMPETENCIES

• Decision Quality
• Financial Acumen Technical Accounting Knowledge
• Manages Complexity
• Ensures Accountability
• Develops Talent
• Builds Effective Teams
• Communicates Effectively
• Strategic Mindset

Learn more about our competencies.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• 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.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 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.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Work is performed in an office environment.
• Work is sedentary.
• Frequent use of computers.
• Visual focus and strain.
• Work involves frequent interruptions and requirement to answer questions on demand by phone, in person, or electronically.
• Frequent repetitive hand/wrist motions and finger manipulation.
• Frequent oral and auditory communication with others.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Full time, 12-month position.
• Position is exempt from Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
• Requires local or regional travel. If using a personal vehicle proof of driver's license and car insurance is required.
• Criminal background checks are required.

Person hired must be able to provide acceptable documentation of U.S. Citizenship or lawful authorization to work in the United States. This is an absolute condition of employment. An offer of employment will not carry with it any responsibility or obligation on the part of the district to sponsor an H1-B visa. In addition, the Spokane Colleges maintain a drug-free work environment and prohibits all smoking in the college buildings and state-owned vehicles. Must be able to successfully work in and promote a multicultural work and education environment.

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position. Once an applicant is chosen for a position, they are required to complete and submit a declaration regarding sexual misconduct and investigation per state law.

This is a contracted, exempt management position. 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) and sick leave accrues at the rate of 8 hours per month, effective upon employment. (For positions that are less than full time, leave accruals will be prorated to the percentage of the position.

Public Employees Benefits Board

Additional benefits information

To qualify for consideration, applicants must meet required competencies and submit a complete application packet, which includes the following:

• Cover letter - addressing your qualifications relevant to the responsibilities of this position.
• Resume.
• References the names, addresses, and phone numbers of three professional references.
• College transcript(s) if applicable - unofficial/copies of transcripts are acceptable; official transcripts are required upon hire.

For questions regarding a job application or the hiring process, or if you require an accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact HR at CCS.Recruiter@ccs.spokane.edu.

Spokane Colleges provides equal opportunity in education and employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, age, sex, pregnancy or related conditions, sexual orientation