District Finance Controller | GAAP/GASB Expert

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

Job summary

Southeast Polk Community School District is seeking a Director of Accounting/Controller to lead daily accounting, financial reporting, and fiscal operations. The role ensures sound stewardship, internal controls, and compliance with GAAP, GASB and regulations.

This position manages accounts payable/receivable, payroll, and benefits, serving as a fiscal partner to the CFO. Requires SBO certification or eligibility and 5–7 years of experience in public school finance or governmental accounting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration, or other related field.
• SBO certification or eligibility to obtain SBO certification.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of progressive accounting experience, preferably in public school finance or governmental accounting.
• Comprehensive working knowledge of GAAP.
• Comprehensive working knowledge of 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.

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.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

GASB standards

ERP software proficiency

Data analysis

Financial forecasting

Spreadsheet proficiency

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance/Business Administration

SBO certification or eligibility

Tools

ERP/Financial software systems

GAAP reporting software

Job description

Southeast Polk Community School District is seeking a Director of Accounting/Controller to lead daily accounting, financial reporting, and fiscal operations. The role ensures sound stewardship, internal controls, and compliance with GAAP, GASB and regulations.

This position manages accounts payable/receivable, payroll, and benefits, serving as a fiscal partner to the CFO. Requires SBO certification or eligibility and 5–7 years of experience in public school finance or governmental accounting.