Director, Financial Accounting & Reporting

SCF offers a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees, including low-cost State of Florida medical, dental, and vision insurance, tuition scholarships for employees and eligible dependents, paid life insurance, and employer contributions to the Florida Retirement System (FRS). Full-time employees are eligible for paid sick and/or vacation leave in accordance with College policy. Additional benefits and perks include complimentary access to wellness activities, a four-day work week during June and July for eligible 12-month employees working in the summer, and paid winter break and spring break. Eligible dependents also have access to our on-campus Collegiate School. Benefit availability varies by position and employment status.

Visit the SCF Human Resources webpage for benefit details.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Associate Vice President/Controller, the Director of Financial Accounting & Reporting provides technical accounting leadership and oversight for the preparation, analysis, and submission of the College’s financial statements and required financial and regulatory reports. The position leads the coordination of the College’s Annual Financial Report (AFR), audited financial statements, and reporting required by the Florida Department of Education, the Florida College System, and other applicable agencies.

The Director interprets accounting and reporting requirements, independently researches complex governmental accounting matters, coordinates information across College departments, and promotes the accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of financial reporting. The position also provides technical guidance on new accounting standards, strengthens reporting procedures and internal controls, and serves as the principal technical resource to the AVP/Controller, including providing backup support for broader Controller responsibilities as assigned.

NOTE: Job descriptions and essential functions are subject to change due to advances in technology, utilization of workforce, and other factors which may impact the College’s need to modify position requirements.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The following listing of essential job duties indicates the general nature and level of work required in this job. This is not designed to be a comprehensive listing of all the activities, duties, or responsibilities that may be required in this job. Individuals assigned to this job may be asked to perform other duties as required. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities of the job.

• Applicants may be asked to demonstrate any or all of the following duties:
• Lead the preparation, coordination, review, and completion of the College’s Annual Financial Report (AFR), annual financial statements, and related year-end financial reporting deliverables.
• Serve as the primary Finance liaison for financial reporting required by the Florida Department of Education, the Florida College System, and other applicable regulatory agencies.
• Interpret financial reporting requirements, maintain a comprehensive reporting calendar, coordinate information from College departments, and ensure submissions are accurate, complete, and timely.
• Independently research, analyze, and resolve complex governmental accounting and financial reporting matters in accordance with applicable accounting standards and requirements.
• Evaluate new Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) pronouncements and other accounting or regulatory changes, determine potential reporting impacts, and recommend implementation approaches.
• Lead the preparation and review of year-end adjusting entries, financial statement schedules, disclosures, reconciliations, and supporting documentation for the annual audit.
• Coordinate with the AVP/Controller, external auditors, and College departments to address audit requests, resolve reporting questions, and support timely resolution of findings.
• Develop, document, and improve financial reporting procedures, standardized reconciliations, and quality-control reviews to strengthen accuracy, consistency, and internal controls.
• Use Banner, Argos, and related financial systems and reporting tools to analyze financial information, validate data, and improve the efficiency and reliability of financial reporting.
• Provide technical accounting guidance and recommendations to the AVP/Controller and, as appropriate, the Chief Financial Officer on complex reporting issues, accounting treatment, and financial statement impacts.
• Analyze financial information and reporting trends to identify discrepancies, risks, and opportunities to improve financial reporting processes and support informed decision-making.
• Coordinate cross-departmental reporting activities and communicate reporting requirements, deadlines, and documentation needs to relevant College personnel.
• Provide backup support for selected Controller functions and assist with financial analysis, special projects, and other responsibilities as assigned by the AVP/Controller.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Job Qualifications

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Education/Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in accounting from an accredited institution and seven years of progressively responsible professional accounting experience, including significant financial reporting responsibility. Demonstrated knowledge of GAAP, financial statement preparation, and complex accounting matters.

Experience leading complex financial reporting activities and coordinating work across departments is required.

Preferred Qualifications: Active CPA license; master’s degree in accounting or a related field; governmental or higher education accounting experience; GASB reporting expertise; experience with state regulatory reporting, financial audits, and Banner.

• Supervisory Experience:

At least three (3) years of direct supervisory or lead experience in a financial or accounting setting is required. This includes strong leadership and team management skills and responsibility for hiring, firing, performance management, training and coaching.

• Language Ability:

Ability to interpret accounting standards, financial reports, audit documentation, and regulatory requirements; explain complex accounting matters clearly to College leadership, auditors, and regulatory agencies.

• Math Ability:

Ability to analyze complex financial data, perform reconciliations, evaluate variances, and interpret financial calculations and trends.

• Reasoning Ability:

Ability to research complex accounting issues, assess reporting implications, exercise independent professional judgment, and develop sound conclusions and recommendations.

• Computer Skills:

Proficiency with spreadsheets, financial reporting tools, and data analysis; experience with Banner and Argos or comparable financial systems preferred.

• Certificates and Licenses:

Active CPA license preferred; not required.

Responsibility for People and Property:
Coordinates financial reporting activities with College departments and provides technical guidance on reporting requirements and accounting matters.
Responsible for the accuracy, completeness, and appropriate handling of financial reporting records, reconciliations, and supporting documentation.
Responsibility for Communication:

• Internal Contacts:

Regular contact with the AVP/Controller, CFO, Finance staff, and other College departments.

• External Contacts:

Regular contact with external auditors, Florida Department of Education and Florida College System representatives, and other regulatory agencies as required.

Work Environment:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The noise level in the work environment is quiet.
Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is routinely required to sit, use hands and fingers and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, climb or balance, and lift up to 10 pounds. Specific vision requirements include close, distance, color, and peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.
Occasional travel may be required for professional development, meetings, or other College business.

Pre-Employment Screenings:

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of criminal background screenings and employment reference checks. In accordance with Florida law, applicants and employees are encouraged to review the Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse Education and Awareness website, which provides information and resources on background screening requirements. Visit the website for more information .

Statement of Non-Discrimination:

State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota does not discriminate on the basis of sex, pregnancy, race, religion, age, national origin/ethnicity, color, marital status, disability, genetic information or sexual orientation in any of its educational programs, services and activities, including admission and employment. Direct inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies to: Equity Officer, 941-752-5599, 5840 26th St. W., Bradenton, FL 34207.