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,…