Chief Accountant - Senior Director of Financial Services

About the role

The Chief Accountant / Senior Director of Financial Services at Sandhills Community College provides senior-level leadership and hands-on support for the College’s accounting and financial services operations. This position ensures the integrity, accuracy, and timeliness of the College’s financial records and reporting while maintaining compliance with applicable federal and state laws, regulations, accounting standards, Board of Trustees policies, and institutional procedures.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership, direction, and supervision to assigned Financial Services staff, including performance management and professional development, as well as accountability and employee engagement.
• Foster a collaborative and service-oriented culture focused on customer service within Financial Services.
• Cook up and assist with the preparation of College and SCC Foundation financial statements and supporting schedules, along with related reports.
• Research and interpret accounting standards and regulations as well as state and federal requirements; recommend appropriate institutional actions and updates to policies and procedures.
• Evaluate and improve accounting processes and reporting capabilities while improving efficiency and internal controls.
• Oversee cash management activities with the Executive Vice President, SCC Foundation Executive Director, and Controller.
• Oversee timely and accurate reconciliation of bank and other financial accounts and maintain appropriate controls over cash handling and financial transactions.
• Assess financial processes and identify risks and control deficiencies as well as inefficiencies and opportunities for improvement; recommend and implement appropriate corrective actions.
• Absorb and respond to financial discrepancies and irregularities, along with other financial control concerns.
• Coordinate preparation of internal and external audits for College and SCC Foundation, including audit schedules and supporting documentation, along with responses to auditor requests.
• Ensure compliance with applicable financial regulations and reporting requirements as well as College policies and procedures.
• Develop and maintain financial policies and procedures, while regularly evaluating documentation and internal controls that safeguard College assets and support reliable financial reporting.
• Collaborate with the Executive Vice President, SCC Foundation Executive Director, and Budget Analyst to monitor the College’s financial position, budget-to-actual performance, revenues, expenditures, fund balances, and other financial indicators.
• Provide financial analysis and information, along with recommendations to support institutional decision-making.
• Assist with the preparation and presentation of financial information and analysis for senior leadership, Board of Trustees, and SCC Foundation Board.

Requirements

• Required education and experience: Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance. Five or more years of progressively responsible accounting or financial management experience. Demonstrated experience with general ledger accounting and financial reporting as well as account reconciliations and financial analysis. Supervisory or management experience. Thorough knowledge of accounting principles and financial reporting as well as internal control practices. Knowledge of governmental and/or higher education accounting principles and practices. Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws and regulations as well as financial reporting requirements. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Ability to interpret complex financial information and communicate it effectively to individuals with varying levels of financial knowledge. Ability to review financial transactions and reports for accuracy and completeness as well as compliance. Strong organizational skills and exceptional attention to detail. Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet established deadlines. Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment. Strong interpersonal and communication skills with a strong customer-service orientation. Ability to lead and supervise employees while motivating and developing them. Proficiency with accounting and financial management systems and Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.

Qualifications

• Preferred education and experience: Master’s degree in accounting, finance, or business administration. Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or other relevant professional certification. Experience in higher education, community college, governmental, or nonprofit accounting. Experience with annual financial statement audits and governmental compliance requirements. Experience with Colleague and Informer reporting. Experience managing or improving accounting processes and internal controls.

Benefits

Sandhills Community College offers a complete benefits package to full-time employees including the North Carolina State Health Plan, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, short and long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave. To learn more details, visit our benefits page: Employee Benefits.