Assistant Controller

State of South Carolina; South Carolina; On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, vision insurance

15 days annual leave

15 days sick leave

13 paid holidays

Paid parental leave

Retirement program options

Job summary

The SC Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (BHDD) is seeking an Assistant Controller to lead the Department's Business Office, General Ledger, and Capital Assets functions from the Central Office in Cayce, SC. The role reports to the Controller and ensures GAAP closing, GASB compliance, and timely financial reporting for statewide facilities and programs.

The ideal candidate holds a CPA or CGFM, a bachelor's in accounting/finance/business, at least eight years of

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; eight years of progressive accounting/financial management experience.
• Three years of supervisory or managerial experience required.
• Master's degree may substitute for one year of experience; CPA/CGFM preferred.
• Experience with governmental/fund accounting and GASB reporting.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise accounting and financial operations teams; ensure deadlines and accuracy.
• Oversee general ledger, capital assets, and patient funds; ensure compliance with GASB and GAAP.
• Direct GAAP closing packages and year-end reporting; prepare statements for executive leadership.
• Implement internal controls and coordinate audits; support corrective action plans.
• Oversee capital asset accounting, depreciation, and asset records.
• Manage business office and patient funds activities and cash management.
• Drive process improvement and policy development; monitor performance metrics.

Skills

Accounting

Supervisory experience

GAAP knowledge

GASB standards

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting/finance/business administration

Master's degree in accounting/finance/business administration

CPA or CGFM

Tools

SAP/SCEIS

Job description

Are you passionate about making a real difference in people's lives? Join our team at the SC Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (BHDD where we are dedicated to providing compassionate and accessible care to our community. We are seeking an Assistant Controller who is motivated to help individuals and families navigate life's challenges and achieve long-term wellness. If you want to use your skills to build a healthier, more resilient community, we encourage you to apply.

This position is located at the SC Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (BHDD) – Central Office, 400 Otarre Parkway, Cayce, SC 29033

The Assistant Controller serves the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (BHDD), with a central office and geographically dispersed hospitals, facilities, and programs statewide. Reporting to the Controller, this position directs the Business Office and Patient Funds, General Ledger, and Capital Assets functions through direct supervision of the Director of Business Office and Patient Funds, the General Ledger Manager, and the Capital Assets Manager. The Assistant Controller is accountable for the integrity, accuracy, and timeliness of the agency's accounting records, month-end and fiscal year-end close, and GAAP closing package preparation in compliance with GASB standards, the Office of the State Comptroller General, and applicable state and federal requirements. The position carries out the Controller's standards for accounting processes, internal controls, and performance measurement across its assigned areas and acts with full authority on behalf of the Controller in the Controller's absence.

Responsibilities for the Assistant Controller:

• Leadership and Supervision. Direct and supervise assigned accounting and financial operations teams, including general ledger, capital assets, and business office and patient funds. Establish priorities, assign responsibilities, monitor performance, and ensure accountability for deadlines and work quality. Develop staff capabilities through training, coaching, cross‑training, and documented procedures. Serve as acting Controller in the Controller's absence.
• General ledger and Financial Close. Lead monthly and fiscal year-end financial close activities across agency funds, hospitals and facilities. Oversee journal entries, accruals, account reconciliations, and inter‑fund and intra‑agency transactions. Ensure the accuracy, completeness, and integrity of financial resources maintained in the South Carolina Enterprise Information System (SCEIS). Identify and resolve accounting discrepancies, reconciliation issues and outstanding balances.
• Financial Reporting and GAAP Compliance. Direct the preparation and review of GAAP closing packages and fiscal year‑end reporting in accordance with state requirements. Prepare financial statements, schedules, and analyses for executive leadership. Ensure compliance with Governmental Accounting Standards Boards (GASB) standards and applicable state financial reporting requirements. Research emerging accounting standard and recommend implementation strategies.
• Internal Controls and Audit Support. Implement and monitor internal controls over assigned financial operations. Identify control deficiencies and recommend improvements to strengthen accountability and financial integrity. Coordinate audit schedules, supporting documentation, and responses to audit inquiries. Support corrective action plans and resolution of audit findings.
• Capital Asset Accounting. Oversee accounting for capital assets, including acquisitions, disposals, transfers, depreciation, and construction in progress. Ensure compliance with state capitalization requirements and applicable accounting standards. Coordinate with Procurement, facilities, and program staff to maintain accurate asset records.
• Business Office and Patient Funds. Oversee business office financial activities, including cash receipts, deposits, cash management, and bank reconciliations. Ensure appropriate accounting and oversight of patient personal funds and trust accounts, including representative payee activities. Promote sound financial controls, accurate record keeping, and compliance with applicable policies.
• Process Improvement, Policy, and Performance Metrics. Implements the agency's central office shared service model. Identifying and implementing process improvements. Developing and maintaining accounting policies, procedures, and desk manuals. Monitoring financial performance metrics, including close timeliness and reconciliations. Coordinating system improvements and data integrity initiatives.

A bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field and eight (8) years of progressive professional experience in accounting, auditing, or financial management, including at least three (3) years of supervisory or managerial experience. A master's degree in accounting, finance, or business administration may be substituted for one (1) year of the required experience.

Additional Requirements:

• Must successfully complete a criminal background check prior to employment.
• Requires occasional in‑state travel to agency hospitals, facilities, and program sites.
• Requires work beyond normal business hours during month‑end close, fiscal year‑end close, and audit periods.
• Must protect the confidentiality of sensitive financial and patient information in accordance with HIPAA and agency policy.

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM). Master's degree in accounting, finance, or business administration.
• Experience with governmental/fund accounting, GASB reporting, and SC Comptroller General GAAP closing packages.
• Experience in a healthcare, hospital, or behavioral health setting. Experience with SAP/SCEIS or a comparable ERP system and advanced Excel skills. Experience supporting annual financial audits and the federal Single Audit.

Post Hire, Employee Must:

• Have the knowledge of the principles, practices and theories of accounting, auditing, banking, budgeting, or financial management.
• Have the knowledge of governmental finances and institutional fund accounting.
• Be able to manage a staff of paraprofessional and professional accounting and budgeting personnel.
• Have the knowledge of EDP financial information and reporting systems.
• Have the knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations applicable to the area of employment.
• Have the knowledge of state governmental fiscal and budgetary processes.
• Have the knowledge of office management and organizational concepts.
• Be able to plan and implement a complex financial management system.
• Be able to interpret and analyze financial data and reports.
• Be able to interpret complicated federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations pertaining to applicable programs.
• Be able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

The Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions including, but not limited, to lactation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.

Supplemental questions are considered part of your official application. Any misrepresentation will result in your disqualification from employment. Please complete the state application to include all current and previous work history and education. A resume will not be accepted nor reviewed to determine if an applicant has met the qualifications for the position.

Benefits:

• Health, dental, vision, long‑term disability, and life insurance for employees, spouse, and children. Click here for additional information.
• 15 days annual (vacation) leave per year
• 15 days sick leave per year
• 13 paid holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• S.C. Deferred Compensation Program available (S.C. Deferred Compensation)
• Retirement benefit choices*
  1. State Retirement Plan (SCRS)
  2. State Optional Retirement Program (State ORP)

*Enrollment in one of the listed plans is required for all FTE employees; please refer to the contribution section of hyperlinked retirement sites for the current contribution rate of gross pay.

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