Director of Accounting/Controller

Southeast Polk Community School District; Pleasant Hill (IA); On-site; USD 105,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

The Southeast Polk Community School District seeks a Director of Accounting/Controller to lead daily accounting, financial reporting, and district fiscal operations. This role ensures strong internal controls, GAAP/GASB compliance, and accurate financial statements, managing payables, receivables, payroll and benefits under the CFO's guidance.

Responsibilities include supervising the Business Services team, preparing reports for audits and state/federal filings, and maintaining confidentiality

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting/finance or related field.
• SBO certification or eligibility to obtain initial SBO certification.
• 5-7 years of accounting experience, preferably in public school finance or governmental accounting.
• GAAP knowledge.
• GASB standards and public school financing knowledge preferred.
• Advanced ERP/financial software, data analysis, forecasting, and spreadsheet proficiency.
• Excellent accuracy and organizational skills.
• Strong communication and collaboration across departments.

Responsibilities

• Supervise day-to-day activities of the business services department.
• Assist CFO in training, mentoring, and evaluating department personnel.
• Maintain a complete and systematic set of records of all financial transactions of the district.
• Oversee month-end and fiscal year-end close processes and bank reconciliations.
• Assist CFO with internal and external financial audits and state/federal reporting.
• Coordinate annual staff training sessions to cash handling and deposits procedures.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

GASB standards

Analytical problem-solving

Interpersonal communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting/finance/business administration

SBO certification or eligibility

Tools

ERP/financial software

Spreadsheet proficiency

Job description

Title: Director of Accounting/Controller FLSA Status: Exempt

Department: Business Services FT/PT: Full-time

Reports to: Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Salary Range: $105,000-$135,000

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration, or other related field.
• School Business Official (SBO) certification or ability and eligibility to obtain initial SBO certification.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of progressive accounting experience, preferably in public school finance or governmental accounting.
• Comprehensive working knowledge of Generally Accepted Account Principals (GAAP).
• Comprehensive working knowledge of Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) standards and public school financing laws preferred.
• Advanced proficiency in modern ERP/financial software systems, complex data analysis, financial forecasting, and spreadsheet applications.
• Exceptional accuracy, organizational and record keeping skills.
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, with the proven ability to build collaborative relationships across departments and leadership levels.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities.

Job Goal:

The Director of Accounting/Controller leads the daily accounting, financial reporting, and fiscal operations of the district. This position ensures sound financial stewardship, strict internal controls, and compliance with GAAP, GASB standards, and state and federal regulations. The Director of Accounting/Controller directly manages core accounting functions including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and benefits administration and serves as a key fiscal partner to the CFO. This position requires the continuous use of independent judgment.

Performance Responsibilities

• Supervise day-to-day activities of the business services department
• Assist CFO in training, mentoring, and evaluating department personnel.
• Maintain a complete and systematic set of records of all financial transactions of the district.
• Oversee and perform data entry of budget amounts, receipts, journal entries, canceled checks, void checks, etc.
• Assist the CFO in establishing, implementing, and enforcing a robust internal control systems.
• Oversee the monthly and fiscal year-end accounting close processes, ensuring timely preparation of balance sheets, revenue/expenditure statements, and bank reconcilliations.
• Review and approve journal entries, account reconciliations, wire transfers, and inter-fund transfers.
• Assist the CFO with preparation for internal and external financial audits.
• Assist the CFO with the completion of all state and federal reporting.
• Oversee the process for nonpublic transportation claims and payments.
• Reconcile online receipt deposit system
• Trace errors and record adjustments to correct charges and credits posted incorrectly.
• Review, update, and maintain account code descriptions as needed..
• Maintain a record of district investments.
• Administer the P-Card program.
• Record electronically transmitted monthly property taxes, sales tax, state aid, and direct deposits.
• Prepare accounts receivable; create billings for special education, open enrollment, rental of buildings, etc.
• Assist CFO in making reports to the board, cost analysis, and other financial reports including the annual audit and preparation of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report.
• Facilitate the independent audit process and maintain adequate workpapers.
• Provide assistance, backup, and support in the business services department; communicate answers to district employees' questions.
• Coordinate and provide annual training sessions to staff responsible for cash handling and deposits in the proper methods of securing cash and the proper timing and recording of cash receipts.
• Maintain confidentiality on sensitive information.
• Participate in continuing education opportunities.
• Other duties as assigned.

Evaluation:

The performance of this job will be evaluated by the CFO on an annual basis.

Disclaimer

The statements of this job description are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel in this position. These statements are not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his or her supervision.

The Southeast Polk Community School District does not discriminate in its educational programs, activities or employment practices on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, creed, sexual orientation, age (for employment), and actual or potential parental, family or marital status. There is a grievance procedure for processing complaints of discrimination. If you have questions or a grievance related to this policy or for information about the district's grievance procedures, please contact Justin Colbert, Deputy Superintendent, 8031 NE University Ave, Pleasant Hill, IA 50327 515-967-4294, [e-mail]