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Director, Accounting

Classified Administrative Position (Exempt Status)

Administrative Salary Schedule – Range 21

Definition

To plan, organize, direct and coordinate the activities of the accounting department within the fiscal services division including district cash flow, financials and audits; to coordinate accounting activities with other district departments; and to provide highly complex staff assistance to the Vice Chancellor, Finance & Administration.

Supervision Received and Exercised

Receives administrative direction from the Vice Chancellor, Finance & Administration.

Exercises direct supervision over assigned supervisory, professional and administrative support staff.

Examples of Essentials Duties

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Develop and implement department goals, objectives, policies and procedures.
  • Plan, organize and direct accounting activities including grants, bonds, cash flow, treasury, accounts payable, financial statements and various annual audits.
  • Direct, oversee and participate in the development of the accounting work plan; assign work activities, projects and programs; monitor workflow; review and evaluate work products, methods and procedures.
  • Prepare the assigned budget; assist in budget implementation; participate in the forecast of additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials and supplies; administer the approved budget.
  • Recommend the appointment of staff; provide or coordinate staff training; conduct performance evaluations; implement discipline procedures as required; maintain discipline and high standards necessary for the efficient and professional operation of the department.
  • Plan, organize and oversee the maintenance of various accounts and funds; ensure that appropriate records, files and documentation are maintained; establish and maintain adequate internal controls in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP); plan, organize and coordinate year-end closing.
  • Organize, coordinate and oversee the timely and accurate preparation and submittal of a variety of monthly, quarterly, annual and periodic financial reports and documents required by the state, federal agencies and district policies; forward to executive management for review and approval as appropriate and transmit to requesting authority in a timely manner.
  • Provide technical expertise, advice and direction to other departmental staff and District personnel; serve as a liaison and support to campus accounting operations.
  • Communicate with various District and College personnel and outside agencies to provide high-level financial analysis, ad hoc financial reports, and recommendations.
  • Plan, coordinate, implement and assist in evaluating new and complex accounting pronouncements; perform special analytical tasks as assigned
  • Analyze financial data and reports, providing insights and recommendations for financial planning and decision-making.
  • Coordinate with external auditors for the annual audit process and address any audit findings.
  • Assess and manage financial risks, implementing risk management strategies as needed.
  • Review financial transactions to assure conformance to district, county, state and federal policies, rules, regulations and codes; assure compliance with audit requirements and sound fiscal policies.
  • Prepare and review work papers for the annual district audit; respond to questions from auditors and prepare responses to audit comments as requested by management.
  • Prepare analyses of the district's cash flow and access accounts status; develop and analyze projections and variances; prepare and forward recommendations as appropriate.
  • Represent the department and division to outside agencies and organizations; participate in outside community and professional groups and committees; provide technical assistance as necessary.
  • Research and prepare technical and administrative reports; prepare written correspondence.
  • Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other district employees and the public using principles of good customer service.
  • Foster an environment that embraces diversity, integrity, trust and respect.
  • Be an integral team player, which involves flexibility, cooperation and communication.
  • Perform related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of

  • Principles and practices of governmental accounting.
  • Principles and practices of leadership, motivation, team building and conflict resolution.
  • Pertinent local, state, and federal rules, regulations and laws.
  • Modern office practices, methods and computer equipment.
  • Principles and practices of organizational analysis and management.
  • Budgeting procedures and techniques.
  • Principles and practices of supervision, training and personnel management.

Ability to

  • Organize and direct the accounting operations.
  • On a continuous basis, analyze budget and technical reports; interpret and evaluate staff reports; know laws, regulations and codes; observe performance and evaluate staff; problem solve department related issues; remember various rules and procedures; and explain and interpret policy.
  • On a continuous basis, sit at desk and in meetings for long periods of time; intermittently twist to reach equipment surrounding desk; perform simple grasping and fine manipulation; use telephone; write or use a keyboard to communicate through written means; and lift or carry weight of 10 pounds or less.
  • Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals.
  • Gain cooperation through discussion and persuasion.
  • Interpret and apply district, division and department policies, procedures, rules and regulations.
  • Supervise, train and evaluate staff.
  • Use sound judgment in recognizing scope of authority.
  • Operate and use modern office equipment including computers and applicable software.
  • Maintain regular attendance and adhere to prescribed work schedule to conduct job responsibilities.
  • Utilize appropriate safety procedures and practices for assigned duties.
  • Communicate effectively orally and in writing.
  • Relate effectively with people of varied academic, cultural and socio-economic backgrounds using tact, diplomacy and courtesy.
  • Establish and maintain effective, cooperative and collaborative working relationships with others.
  • Work beyond normal business hours, attend evening meetings and/or perform weekend work, and travel.

Experience and Education

Any combination of experience and education that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience

Five years of increasingly responsible experience in accounting, including two years of administrative and management responsibility.

Education

Equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in accounting, finance or a related field.

EEO Category: Executive/Administrative/Managerial

Approved Date: August 14, 2024