Director, Finance

Lake Michigan College; Benton Harbor (MI); On-site; USD 80,000 - 96,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Extensive paid time off

Employer retirement contribution

Job summary

Lake Michigan College in Benton Harbor, MI is seeking a Director of Finance to lead the accounting function, ensure MUFR compliance, and deliver accurate financial reporting. The role oversees month-end close, budget processes, audits, and staff supervision, with a focus on internal controls and regulatory compliance.

A CPA/CMA is preferred and ERP/Banner experience is valued. On-site work is required with a strong emphasis on collaboration with executives and departments to maintain fiscal

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting required.
• At least 4 years of accounting experience required; public accounting experience highly preferred.
• CPA or CMA preferred.
• Technologically savvy with data management and manipulation expertise.
• Working knowledge of an ERP system; Banner preferred.
• Intermediate Microsoft Excel skills; advanced skills preferred.

Responsibilities

• Supervise Accounting Team Operations – Directly supervise Payroll Accountant, Accounts Payable Accountant, and General Accountant, ensuring efficiency, internal controls, and deadlines.
• Coordinate Month-End Close Activities – Oversee month-end and year-end close, reconciliations, journal entries, and reviews.
• Coordinate Annual Budget Process – Oversee budget files, maintain Budget Calendar, and produce P&L reports after uploads.
• Ensure Accuracy of Financial Data – Review and verify integrity of data before reporting.
• Maintain Internal Calendar of Key Deadlines – Communicate a consolidated calendar of financial tasks.
• Lead Preparation of Financial Statements & Board Reports – Compile, prepare, and review statements for executive review.
• Reconciliation Oversight – Ensure critical reconciliations are completed monthly and investigate discrepancies.
• Develop and Maintain Accounting Procedures – Draft and standardize procedures across payroll, payables, and general accounting.
• Coordinate Audit Documentation – Liaise with external auditors for documentation.
• Monitor and Enforce Compliance with Financial Policies – Ensure adherence and update where needed.
• Support System Maintenance and Upgrades – Work with IT to ensure ERP systems support workflows.
• Provide Operational Financial Guidance – Advise departments on budgeting, coding, and grants.

Skills

Critical thinking

Analytical skills

Organization

Prioritization

Confidentiality

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting

Tools

Banner ERP

Excel

Job description

Position Information

Position Information (Default Section)

Posting Number

Posting Number 0001066

Position Title:

Position Title: Director, Finance

Reports to:

Executive Director, Finance

Department:

Department: Finance

Classification:

Classification: Exempt

Full or Part-time:

Full or Part-time: Full Time

Job Summary:

As operational lead of the Finance Department, responsible for the completeness and accuracy of the detailed accounting records and their compliance with generally accepted accounting standards and the Manual for Uniform Financial Reporting ( MUFR ) standards. Responsible for the planning, performing, and reporting related to detailed accounting functions. Responsibilities include financial reports, audits, budgeting, supervising staff and compliance with laws and regulations.

College Intro:

Lake Michigan College, located in Benton Harbor, Michigan, is a vibrant community college committed to providing high-quality education and fostering a supportive learning environment. The college offers a diverse range of programs and degrees, including associate degrees, certificates, and transfer programs designed to help students achieve their academic and career goals. With modern facilities, experienced faculty, and a strong focus on student success, Lake Michigan College prepares students for a variety of careers and further education opportunities. Whether you’re looking to start your college journey, enhance your skills, or explore new career paths, Lake Michigan College provides the resources and support needed to succeed.

Essential Functions:

• 1. Supervise Accounting Team Operations – Directly supervise Payroll Accountant, Accounts Payable Accountant, and General Accountant, ensuring each functional area operates efficiently, complies with internal controls, and meets critical deadlines.
• 2. Coordinate Month-End Close Activities – Oversee and coordinate month-end and year-end close process, ensuring that all reconciliations, journal entries, and reviews are completed timely and accurately.
• 3. Coordinate Annual Budget Process – Oversee and coordinate preparation of budget files for weekly uploads, create and maintain Budget Calendar and Hierarchy of T Drive. Reviews upload files for accuracy and creates P&L report after each upload.
• 4. Ensure Accuracy of Financial Data – Review, approve, and verify integrity of financial data submitted by accounting staff before inclusion in reporting or analysis.
• 5. Maintain Internal Calendar of Key Deadlines – Manage and communicate a consolidated calendar of financial tasks and deadlines (e.g., payroll cutoffs, reporting cycles, grant deadlines, reconciliations) to ensure department-wide accountability and timeliness.
• 6. Lead Preparation of Financial Statements & Board Reports – Initiate creation of monthly and quarterly financial statements and board financial reports by compiling, preparing, and performing first level of review for accuracy and completeness. Provide Executive Director of Finance with completed draft for secondary review, ensuring all supporting schedules and reconciliations are included and accurate.
• 7. Reconciliation Oversight – Ensure all critical reconciliations (bank, grant, payroll, AP, AR, etc.) are completed, reviewed, and resolved monthly. Investigate unresolved discrepancies.
• 8. Develop and Maintain Accounting Procedures – Draft, implement, and maintain accounting procedures and workflows to standardize operations across payroll, payables, and general accounting.
• 9. Coordinate Audit Documentation – Serve as primary liaison to external auditors, coordinating collection, review, and delivery of audit documentation prepared by accounting staff.
• 10. Monitor and Enforce Compliance with Financial Policies – Enforce adherence to college financial policies at operational level and propose updates where gaps or inefficiencies are identified. Perform ongoing verification of proper departmental internal controls to ensure minimal risk to College.
• 11. Support System Maintenance and Upgrades – Work with IT and system administrators to ensure accounting and ERP systems are configured to support efficient workflows and accurate financial reporting.
• 12. Provide Operational Financial Guidance – Serve as a resource to other departments regarding budget coding, expense classification, invoice processing, grant spending, and compliance with financial procedures.

Job Specifications:

Bachelor’s degree in accounting required. At least 4 years of accounting experience required; public accounting experience highly preferred. Certified Public Accountant ( CPA ) or Certified Management Accountant ( CMA ) preferred. Must be highly technologically savvy, with data management and manipulation expertise. Must have working knowledge of an ERP system; Banner preferred.

Intermediate skills with Microsoft Excel required; advanced skills preferred.

Critical thinking and analytical skills required. Demonstrated ability to organize, prioritize, and maintain confidentiality.

Positions at Lake Michigan College require regular and predicable on-site attendance as an essential job function. Under certain circumstances, the College may consider alternative work arrangements and will do so in compliance with and according to the parameters outlined in the College’s Flexible Scheduling and Remote Work Options policy.

Hiring Range:

Hiring Range: $79,768 - $95,798

Open Date:

Open Date: 10/07/2026

Closing Date:

Closing Date: 11/04/2026

Benefits

• Benefits start on first day of hire.
• Extensive paid time off (including Spring Break)
• College fully pays the in-network health insurance deductible
• Minimum of 10% employer retirement contribution per payroll

Website: https://www.lakemichigancollege.edu/about

Contact: [e-mail]

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Do you have a Bachelor's degree in Accounting?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Do you have at least four years of accounting experience?
  • Yes
  • No