Director, Financial Accounting & Reporting

State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota; Bradenton (FL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota seeks a Director of Financial Accounting & Reporting to lead technical accounting, oversee AFRs and annual financial statements, and ensure timely regulatory reporting. The role requires strong GAAP knowledge andexperience coordinating cross-departmental reporting with auditors and outside agencies.

The position emphasizes interpreting complex governmental accounting standards, guiding internal controls, and providing technical guidance to the

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of GAAP and financial statement preparation.
• Experience leading complex financial reporting activities across departments.
• Ability to interpret accounting standards and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation and coordination of the AFR and annual financial statements.
• Serve as primary liaison for regulatory financial reporting.
• Interpret reporting requirements and maintain a comprehensive calendar.
• Research complex governmental accounting matters and provide guidance.
• Evaluate GASB pronouncements and determine impacts.
• Lead year-end adjustments, schedules, disclosures, and audit support.
• Coordinate with external auditors and College departments to address requests.
• Improve reporting procedures, reconciliations, and internal controls.
• Utilize Banner and Argos to analyze financial information and ensure data quality.
• Provide technical accounting guidance to AVP/Controller and CFO.
• Identify trends and risks to improve reporting processes.
• Coordinate cross-departmental reporting activities.
• Provide backup support for Controller functions.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

Financial reporting

Leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in accounting

CPA license preferred

Tools

Banner

Argos

Job description

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.

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.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Interpret financial reporting requirements, maintain a comprehensive reporting calendar, coordinate information from College departments, and ensure submissions are accurate, complete, and timely.
4. Independently research, analyze, and resolve complex governmental accounting and financial reporting matters in accordance with applicable accounting standards and requirements.
5. Evaluate new Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) pronouncements and other accounting or regulatory changes, determine potential reporting impacts, and recommend implementation approaches.
6. Lead the preparation and review of year-end adjusting entries, financial statement schedules, disclosures, reconciliations, and supporting documentation for the annual audit.
7. Coordinate with the AVP/Controller, external auditors, and College departments to address audit requests, resolve reporting questions, and support timely resolution of findings.
8. Develop, document, and improve financial reporting procedures, standardized reconciliations, and quality-control reviews to strengthen accuracy, consistency, and internal controls.
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. Analyze financial information and reporting trends to identify discrepancies, risks, and opportunities to improve financial reporting processes and support informed decision-making.
12. Coordinate cross-departmental reporting activities and communicate reporting requirements, deadlines, and documentation needs to relevant College personnel.
13. Provide backup support for selected Controller functions and assist with financial analysis, special projects, and other responsibilities as assigned by the AVP/Controller.
14. Perform other duties as assigned.

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

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.

In addition to satisfactory performance on all of the essential job duties and responsibilities for this job, all State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota employees must fulfill the following basic performance expectations.

Mission and Goals

Each State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota employee is expected to know the College’s mission and goals.

Service Excellence

All State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota employees will strive to provide outstanding service excellence to everyone they serve including students, the community, and fellow employees in accordance with Pride in Excellence standards as listed:

RESPECTFUL

• Act in a courteous manner
• Actively listen to gain full understanding
• Demonstrate awareness of “everything speaks”
• Show empathy and caring

RESPONSIVE

• Approach people in an inviting and pleasing manner
• Take ownership of actions and decisions
• Plan, anticipate, and be forward thinking
• Answer and return phone calls and emails
• Use proper communication etiquette
• Banish the phrase “not my job”
• Provide assistance to all inquiries and follow through

ACCURATE

• Do it right the first time
• Be knowledgeable of product and how it interfaces with others
• Ask probing questions
• Use resources effectively and efficiently

COLLABORATIVE

• Participate in teams
• Develop team skill sets
• Learn available resources to be responsive to your constituents
• Develop internal and/or external connections

Grooming and Appearance

State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota employees are expected to maintain a neat and professional image at all times. When issued, College personnel must wear uniforms, and maintain a neat, clean, and well-groomed appearance.

Safety Awareness

State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota employees are expected to work diligently to maintain safe and healthful working conditions, and to adhere to proper operating practices and procedures designed to prevent injuries. Employees are required to wear personal protective equipment as provided.

Attendance Standards

State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota employees are expected to attend their work assignments and schedules at all times, in accordance with College Rules and Procedures.

Training

State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota employees are expected to attend College-provided training sessions and meetings when deemed necessary.

Continuous Improvement

State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota employees are expected to give attention to continuous assessment and improvement of the position’s assigned set of duties and responsibilities.