District Director of Financial Services/Controller

Greater Spokane Incorporated; Spokane (WA); On-site; USD 124,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Spokane Colleges seeks a District Director of Financial Services/Controller to lead the District’s Finance Office, ensuring GAAP/GASB compliance and strong internal controls. You will supervise staff, oversee month-end/year-end closes, and serve as primary financial advisor to the CFO across SCC and SFCC operations.

Reporting to the CFO, you will ensure accurate reporting to SBCTC and auditors, develop policies, and drive efficient financial systems and processes in a complex higher-education

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business, Finance or related field; equivalent mix of education/experience.
• Five years in progressively responsible accounting in private/governmental/higher ed settings, including 2 years supervising multiple functions.
• Knowledge of WA state accounting policies, federal cost principles, GAAP and GASB.
• Ability to extract/analyze data from ERP systems and produce financial reporting.
• Ability to interpret complex financial data and communicate findings effectively.

Responsibilities

• Lead core business office operations and fiscal controls including treasury, GL, revenue, expenditures, asset accounting, student financial services, AP, and travel.
• Oversee month-end and year-end close and reconciliations.
• Serve as district controller and financial advisor to CFO.
• Develop accounting policies and ensure compliant operations and reporting.
• Coordinate audits and maintain internal controls for SCC, SFCC, and District.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

Financial reporting

Internal controls

Supervisory experience

Data analysis

Written and verbal communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Business/Finance

Master's degree in Accounting/Business/Public Administration

Tools

ERP systems

Microsoft Excel

Job description

District Director of Financial Services/Controller

District Director of Financial Services/Controller

Community Colleges of Spokane

Location: Spokane College Main Campus

Department: DIST Accounting Office

Salary Range: $124,454 - $139,994

Starting salary for this position is: $124,454 (Annually)

The salary range represents the earning potential for this position, through training, evaluations and years spent working in this position with Spokane Colleges.

About Us

Spokane Colleges is comprised of two accredited colleges, Spokane Community College (SCC) and Spokane Falls Community College (SFCC) serving Spokane, Stevens, Whitman, Ferry, and Pend Oreille Counties, as well as portions of Lincoln County.

Both colleges are accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities and governed by the Washington State Board of Community and Technical Colleges.

Applications will be accepted until 4:00 p.m. PST on 09/04/2026 The application process will not be available after this time. To ensure consideration make sure your application is completed and submitted as soon as possible. Applications will only be accepted prior to 4:00 p.m. on the closing date.

About the District Director of Financial Services/Controller

JOB SUMMARY

Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, this position is a key member of the Spokane Colleges (District) Business Office Leadership Team. The director is responsible for overseeing finance and fiscal services operations, ensuring compliance with Washington State Law, Washington Administrative Code (WAC), District policies and procedures, generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and the governmental accounting standards board (GASB).

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Financial Operations & Administration

• Lead and manage core Business office operations and fiscal controls, including treasury and investments, general ledger and revenue accounting, expenditure oversight, capital asset accounting, student financial services (cashiering, billing and accounts receivable), accounts payable, and travel. *
• Support district wide financial processes, to enhance service delivery to students and stakeholders. *
• Oversee account reconciliations necessary for accurate month-end and year-end close processes. *
• Serve as the district controller and primary financial advisor to the Chief Financial Officer for assigned functions. *
• Develop accounting policies, oversee financial systems and ensure efficient, accurate, and compliant operations. *
• Ensure the integrity of financial data and compliance in reporting to the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC) and external auditors. *
• Lead the preparation of internal and external financial reporting, including entity-wide financial statements in compliance with GAAP and GASB. *
• Serve as the District's liaison for internal and external audits, coordinating audit activities, providing information, addressing findings, and implementing corrective actions. *
• Establish and maintain effective internal controls for Spokane Community College (SCC), Spokane Falls Community College (SFCC), and District operations. *
• Coordinate and support the use of computerized accounting and management systems. *
• Support and advance Spokane Colleges' strategic plan and perform other duties as assigned. *
• Act on behalf of the Chief Financial Officer as assigned.

* Indicates this is an essential duty.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business, Finance, or a related field from an accredited institution. Or an equivalent mix of education and experience that demonstrates required competencies.
• Five years of progressively responsible accounting experience in a private, governmental, or higher education environment, including two years in a supervisory role managing multiple functions.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Washington State accounting policies and regulations, federal cost principles, governmental accounting standards, internal auditing principles, financial reporting, internal control, and accounting systems design.
• Proficiency in extracting and analyzing data from Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems and using spreadsheets and other tools for financial reporting and analysis.
• Ability to interpret complex financial and statistical data and apply sound judgement to decision making,
• Strong problem solving skills in accounting and business operations.
• Demonstrated ability to supervise staff and manage performance.
• Ability to monitor, evaluate, and improve fiscal and accounting operations.
• Experience developing internal controls, procedures, and financial processes.
• Ability to analyze and interpret revenue and expenditure variances.
• Ability to prepare and present comprehensive financial reports and recommendations.
• Ability to work independently and maintain effective working relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Commitment to performing duties in alignment with applicable laws, regulations, and institutional goals.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's degree in Accounting, Business, Public Administration or a closely related field.
• Certification as a Public Accountant (CPA), Government Financial Manager (CFGM), or Management Accountant (CMA).
• Experience in a State of Washington college, university, or public agency.
• Experience managing large, complex accounting systems.
• Demonstrated expertise in governmental accounting.
• Experience supervising a unionized workforce.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Work is performed in an office environment.
• Work is sedentary.
• Frequent use of computers.
• Visual focus and strain.
• Work involves frequent interruptions and requirement to answer questions on demand by phone, in person, or electronically.
• Frequent repetitive hand/wrist motions and finger manipulation.
• Frequent oral and auditory communication with others.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Full time, 12-month position.
• Position is exempt from Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
• Requires local or regional travel. If using a personal vehicle proof of driver's license and car insurance is required.
• Criminal background checks are required.

Person hired must be able to provide acceptable documentation of U.S. Citizenship or lawful authorization to work in the United States. This is an absolute condition of employment. An offer of employment will not carry with it any responsibility or obligation on the part of the district to sponsor an H1-B visa. In addition, the Spokane Colleges maintain a drug-free work environment and prohibits all smoking in the college buildings and state-owned vehicles. Must be able to successfully work in and promote a multicultural work and education environment.

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position. Once an applicant is chosen for a position, they are required to complete and submit a declaration regarding sexual misconduct and investigation per state law.

Required Application Materials

To qualify for consideration, applicants must meet required competencies and submit a complete application packet, which includes the following:

• Cover letter - addressing your qualifications relevant to the responsibilities of this position.
• Resume.
• References - the names, addresses, and phone numbers of three professional references.
• College transcript(s) if applicable - unofficial/copies of transcripts are acceptable; official transcripts are required upon hire.

For questions regarding a job application or the hiring process, or if you require an accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact HR at mailto:[e-mail].

Equal Opportunity Institution

Spokane Colleges provides equal opportunity in education and employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, age, sex, pregnancy or related conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, disability, veteran or military status, or use of a trained guide dog or service animal. Spokane Colleges complies with applicable federal and state civil rights laws, including Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and Washington state nondiscrimination laws.

Direct all inquiries or grievances regarding access, Title IX, ADA, equal opportunity compliance, and/or grievances to:

Chief Human Resources Officer

Spokane Colleges

P.O. Box 6000, MS1004

Spokane, WA. 99217-6000

509-434-5040 / mailto:[e-mail].