FT Director of Finance / Controller

Position Summary: The Director of Finance/Controller is responsible for providing strategic leadership and direction for the financial operations and accounting functions for the district including budget development and planning, financial management and reporting, audits and year-end close processes.

 

Essential Functions: As defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, skills, and other characteristics.  This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by incumbents of this class.

 

This position is Open Until Filled with priority given to applications received by July 20, 2022 4PM MST.

Note: Cochise College requires a post offer, pre-employment background screening of all employees.

 

Duties and Responsibilities: Within the scope of college policies and procedures, this position:

 

Oversees the financial operations of the college, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, collections, grants, fixed assets, budgeting, financial audits, and preparing specialized financial reports

 

Oversees accounting operations for the district, to include the preparation, review and distribution of internal financial and operational reports, maintains the chart of accounts, general ledger approval queues, and general ledger and accounts receivable user security levels; ensures proper year end closing and setup of the new fiscal year in the accounting system and of other third party software

 

Provides leadership to the business office to ensure the delivery of excellent customer service; provides responsive communications and information to promote effective business decisions and operations following federal and state regulations; promotes a participatory and engaging environment for faculty and staff in support of district-wide business priorities

 

Regularly reviews financial system activity to ensure accuracy and appropriate internal controls; examines grant journal entries and reports for approval; monitors adjustments made by business office staff, analyzes accounts, verifies data, and reconciles differences

 

Oversees the audit process and prepares audit information and schedules for the external auditors, assists in the coordination of the annual financial audit, implement policy and procedure changes to ensure compliance with laws and regulations

 

Responsible for the accurate assembly and completion of the Annual Consolidated Financial Report (ACFR); ensures all areas of the ACFR are complete and all required information is included; identifies the need for proactive postings throughout the year for year-end close and coordinates the annual financial audit; implements necessary changes to ensure compliance to any audit findings and to prevent future audit findings

 

Develops and recommends policies and procedures related to the finance area operations; ensures policies and procedures remain current and in compliance with all federal and state law, accounting and auditing standards

 

Maintains monthly, quarterly, and annual reports to include estimates for financial forecasting and budgeting purposes; provides in depth data extraction in support of the forecasting and budget process; oversees the preparation and distribution of reports to internal stakeholders and third party agencies to include but not limited to budget managers, senior administration, governing board, state auditor general, HLC, ELR, and IPEDS

 

Supervises assigned staff, to include hiring, training (staff and end-user), performance evaluations; mentors and provides support to assist staff in meeting department and college goals and objectives

 

Manages, and reconciles budgets for all district programs; provides internal allocation and regulation of funds though requisitions and internal adjustment of funds; reviews and approves journal entries; analyzes and reconciles accounts and makes adjustments and journal entries as necessary

 

Assists the Vice President for Administration in the management of all treasury investments; stays abreast of market trends and makes needed transfers to maintain the district’s investments; prepares quarterly reports on investment activity for the investment committee

 

Participates in college wide committees and represents the college at local and state meetings as required

 

Continually updates professional knowledge and skills

 

Performs related duties as assigned

 

General Expectations: Employees are expected to accomplish assigned duties in an efficient, effective and competent manner and to strive for improvement and excellence in all work performed. Additionally, employees must understand the comprehensive role of the community college and cooperate and work harmoniously with students, faculty and staff, and the public. Employees will follow all college policies, rules, regulations and guidelines as they relate to this position.

 

Education and Experience Requirements:

 

Bachelor’s degree in finance, business administration, accounting or related field from a regionally accredited institution of higher learning recognized by the US Department of Education, Master’s degree preferred

 

Five years’ management and supervisory experience demonstrating progressive responsibility and leadership

 

Five years of finance and/or accounting experience, preferably in a higher education environment

 

Current CPA License or CPFO preferred but not required

 

Post offer, pre-employment background screening required

 

An equivalent combination of education and/or experience from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved may be considered.

 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

 

Commitment to the community college mission

 

High level of personal integrity

 

Knowledge of and ability to follow and enforce district policies and procedures

 

Knowledge of federal, state and local laws, regulations and guidelines related to assigned work

 

Working knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), accounting statements, general ledger and related accounting practices

 

Knowledge of OMB circulars and EDGAR regulations

 

Knowledge in and ability to use financial analysis and accounting reconciliation methods and techniques

 

Knowledge of current computer technologies and word processing, database, presentation, and spreadsheet software, specifically Microsoft Office applications

 

Knowledge of integrated enterprise software, preferably Ellucian Banner Finance

 

Knowledge of supervisory principles, practices and techniques

 

Knowledge of accounting statements, general ledger and related accounting practices

 

Knowledge of auditing and account reconciliation methods and techniques

 

Knowledge of financial analysis methods

 

Knowledge of procurement, inventory control and asset management methods

 

Knowledge of integrated business and enterprise software, specifically Banner Finance

 

Knowledge of budget preparation, monitoring and administration

 

Knowledge of current computer technologies, word processing, database, presentation and spreadsheet software 

 

Skill in supervisory and teambuilding practices and techniques

 

Skill utilizing computerized accounting systems and Microsoft Office applications which affect assigned work

 

Skill analyzing accounting problems and taking effective corrective action

 

Skill establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with other department staff, faculty, students and the public

 

Ability to engage a diverse population and to maintain composure when faced with difficult situations

 

Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing, and to relate to others in a professional, helpful manner

 

Ability to give effective public presentations

 

Ability to multi-task and organize, prioritize, and follow multiple projects and tasks through to completion with attention to detail

 

Ability to work independently while contributing to team environment

 

Ability to analyze problems, identify solutions, to take appropriate actions in resolving problems using independent judgment and decision-making processes while maintaining confidentiality

 

Ability to give effective public presentations in representing ideas and concepts orally and in writing

 

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other department staff, faculty, students and the public

 

Ability to work independently while contributing to a team environment

 

Work Environment: Work is primarily performed under general supervision in an office setting with appropriate climate control.  Travel, early morning, evening, and weekend work may be required.

 

Physical Requirements: Essential functions of this position require: lifting, manual dexterity, ability to communicate.

 

Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body; involves sitting majority of time; walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met

 

Mental Application:  Utilizes memory for details, verbal instructions, emotional stability, critical thinking, adaptability and creative problem solving skills are important

 

Reports to: Vice President of Administration