Controller - Financial Services
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The Conroller is responsible for all aspects of the college’s accounting, financial operations and reporting functions ensuring accuracy, compliance, and alignment with the College Mission and Goals. The Controller plays a key role in supporting budgeting, resource allocation, financial planning, risk management, and analysis. Reporting and working closely with the Executive Director of Budget, Finance, and Accounting, the Controller will lead a team dedicated to delivering timely and accurate financial data, fostering a culture of transparency, and supporting the Equity-Centered Strategic Plan. They will have the primary responsibility for implementation, guidance and direction of fiscal, accounting, and internal control procedures necessary to maintain compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, policies, as well as Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) Pronouncements and generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). The Controller is responsible for overseeing the college's operational functions, including the general ledger, accounting, reconciliations, cash management, student financials, investment management, cashiering, accounts receivable, and capital assets.
This position is principally responsible for the accurate setup, maintenance, and operation of the College’s integrated and automated PeopleSoft database, ctcLink.
Primary responsibilities include the following:
- Oversee the timely preparation and submission of financial reports and statements, including monthly, quarterly, and annual closing processes and reporting, in compliance with GAAP, GASB, and applicable federal/state regulations; including but not limited to, the Washington State Office of Financial Management (OFM), the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC), the State Auditor’s Office (SAO), and the US Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and the US Department of Education (DOE).
- Supervise and manage day-to-day financial and accounting operations, including accounts receivable, cash receipts, student financial services, general ledgers, account reconciliations, and other related areas. Provide consistent and effective supervision of all team members.
- Monitors and manages the treasury function, including daily cash requirements, investments, banking activities, and reconciliations, fund drawdowns, and recommends changes to the asset allocation strategy in accordance with the Investment Policy to college leadership.
- Serve as auditor point-of-contact to coordinate and facilitate audits, reviews, and monitor visits and implement recommendations after consulting with institutional leadership as appropriate.
- Interpret SBCTC and OFM regulations, policies, and procedures and implement policies and procedures in compliance with such regulations and policies.
- Design and implementation of internal control measures to ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and policies to safeguard college assets and enhance operational efficiency and provide training on such matters.
- Provide financial analyses, risk assessments, forecasting, insights, and other specialized reporting to support transparency, fiscal responsibility, and decision-making processes across the college.
- Contribute to strategic planning by evaluating financial implications and helping to prioritize financial and resource allocation based on the College’s Equity-Centered Strategic Plan.
- Hire, lead, mentor, coach, and develop assigned accounting and finance staff, fostering a diverse, equitable, inclusive, accessible, collaborative, and performance-oriented environment.
- Assist in the development, maintenance, and implementation of college policies, procedures, and desktop operations manuals in coordination with the Supervisor.
- Maintains tuition and fee tables in the College’s accounting system in accordance with the SBCTC, legislative, and College policy and procedures.
- Attend and represent the college on State Boards and Councils meetings.
- Occasional overnight and out-of-district travel to attend various state or national conferences, councils, taskforces, or workgroup meetings is required.
- Performs other duties as assigned (of a similar nature and level)
Required Education & Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or Public Administration including at least 15 credits in accounting-related subjects OR equivalent combination of education/experience.
- Three (3) or more years of experience in managing financial or accounting operations or other operational units.
- Three (3) or more years of experience managing and developing accounting staff and teams
Knowledge Of:
- Principles and procedures of governmental accounting; internal auditing principles, procedures and practices; financial records and reports; recognized methods used in effecting internal control; and methods of accounting systems design.
- GAAP, GASB, and other relevant financial and accounting standards.
- State and federal regulations related to the public sector or higher education accounting and fiscal policies.
- Internal controls over financial reporting.
- ERP systems and financial reporting software, e.g., PeopleSoft, Banner, Oracle, Jenzabar, Workday, Anthologie, or similar.
- Regulations such as FERPA, GLBA, and other data security and privacy standards
- Microsoft Office 365 Suite including Outlook, Teams, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and SharePoint programs.
- Virtual communication software such as MS Teams, Zoom, WebEx, GoTo Meeting, and similar applications.
Skill In:
- High level of proficiency in financial analysis, budgeting variance analysis, and forecasting.
- Building and maintaining effective working relationships across diverse groups and at all levels of the organization, including faculty, staff, students, and external stakeholders.
- Problem-solving skills and attention to detail, with a commitment to accuracy and compliance.
- Strong verbal, written, presentation, and communication skills, with the ability to present complex financial information to non-financial audiences.
- Supervising, managing, motivating, evaluating, and developing staff with a focus on diversity, equity, inclusion, access, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
- Time management and multi-tasking including independently working, prioritizing, self-starting, and developing/directing departmental activities to meet college goals and deadlines.
- Handling difficult and sensitive situations and resolving conflict professionally.
- Using sound independent judgment within policy, ethical, and legal guidelines.
- Interpreting applicable laws, regulations, and policies
You can’t check off every listed knowledge & skill? Please apply anyway! Studies have shown that traditionally marginalized communities are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification – even if they might be a great fit for the role!
To be considered for this position, please submit the following:
- NEOGOV online application (must apply through link)
- Cover letter describing relevant knowledge, skills, and characteristics that align with the needs of the position
- Current resume
- Related degree or transcripts (Official degree required upon hire)
Please Note:
- Once application materials have been submitted, you may not modify the application
- If you are chosen to move forward in this recruitment, you will be notified via email to the address listed in your application (make sure to check spam/junk folders) or by phone.