Budget Manager bei Lower Columbia College

About the Department

At a Glance! Lower Columbia College (LCC) is seeking a strategic, data-driven leader, to be our next Budget Manager. This role goes beyond managing numbers—it involves delivering critical, data-driven analysis that directly informs and shapes LCC’s strategic budget decisions, ensuring resources are thoughtfully allocated to support student success.

Who you are: You are a detail-oriented leader with a strong foundation in accounting and budgeting, and a proven ability to develop, manage, and monitor complex budgets with accuracy and insight. Your technical expertise and accounting background empower you to efficiently extract, interpret, and report financial data, while proactively identifying and resolving issues as they arise. You thrive in collaborative environments, combining strategic thinking, problem-solving skills, and clear, professional communication. You provide thoughtful leadership in your direct supervision of the Accounts Payable Specialist, and serve as a trusted partner to departments and stakeholders across the campus, fostering sound financial stewardship and transparency.

About the team! Our Finance team is made up of 14 dedicated full-time employees committed to advancing the mission of Lower Columbia College. We work collaboratively with faculty and staff across campus to ensure responsible financial management and to provide the essential resources that support student success. Together, we strive to maintain transparency, accuracy, and efficiency in all financial operations to empower the college community.

The Budget Manager position is 40 hours per week and exempt under FLSA. The typical schedule is Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm. The Budget Manager works primarily on campus with occasional flexibility to work remotely. This position reports to the Director of Finance.  We typically hire closer to the lower to middle range of the posted salary. Offers are made based on applicant’s qualifications relative to the job, internal pay equity, and any other relevant factors.

Position Duties

• Develop and implement budget-related policies and procedures and budget monitoring and control strategies

• Design and utilize advanced computerized systems, databases, and query tools to extract, analyze, and report data on both fiscal and non-fiscal aspects of College operations, including budgets, revenue and expense trends, staffing, and instructional program costs

• Audit, reconcile, and maintain accuracy of all budgetary and financial data to ensure integrity and compliance

• Perform monthly expense and cost transfers to rectify discrepancies and ensure accurate financial records

• Manage the College's fund and appropriation allocations, operating budgets, and report variances related to state operating funds

• Create in-depth analytical reports that translate complex data into actionable insights, driving informed decision-making and continuous improvement across college operations.

• Assist in the development and planning of the College’s annual operating budgets by preparing, analyzing, and entering budget data into the accounting system

• Conduct periodic risk assessments and internal audits, including the annual Bookstore inventory, and provide support during external audits

• Mentor and train new employees in budget management, College policies and procedures, and the effective use of ctcLink queries for budget monitoring and analysis

• Oversee the daily processing of Accounts Payable transactions and related journal entries, ensuring accuracy, compliance with institutional policies, and the timely completion of pay cycles as well as monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting

• Assist in fiscal year-end closing process, ensuring accurate reconciliation and compliance with financial reporting requirements

• Perform other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in Business, Accounting, Economics, or a related field

• Minimum of three years’ experience in accounting

• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy in financial data management

• Demonstrated ability to represent the College professionally, demonstrating tact, discretion, and courtesy

• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills

• Proven ability to work collaboratively within a team environment

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities

• Ability to communicate complex financial info to non-financial stakeholders

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (including pivot tables, formulas, charts) or similar programs, ERP (enterprise resource planning) systems, and Budgeting software/tools

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, accounting, economics, or related field

• Proven knowledge of accounting and budgeting systems, processes, and procedures

• Professional experience in developing, managing, and monitoring budgets

• Familiarity with fund accounting and auditing standards

• Experience working with financial systems in higher education or state government

Other Qualifications

How to apply:

An online application must be completed for consideration. Click “Apply” at the top of the page to get started. Paper submissions or emailed materials will not be accepted. A complete application must also include the following documents (attached or in the online application itself):

• Letter of Interest (cover letter) - describing your interest in Lower Columbia College and this position, how your experience, knowledge/skills, education, abilities etc. meet the qualifications for this position

• Resume

• References - please provide at least three professional references including one current or former supervisor 

• Unofficial transcripts (if applicable)

Upon request, accommodations are available for persons with disabilities for the Lower Columbia College hiring process. Please contact Human Resources to request an accommodation. The Human Resources Office is accessible to persons with disabilities.

Residency Requirement

To be employed at Lower Columbia College, applicants must currently reside in Washington or Oregon, or be willing to relocate to one of these states. This is a condition of employment for all positions at the College. Please ensure your application reflects your current residency or intent to relocate if selected for the role.

Lower Columbia College Human Resources

For any questions regarding this job advertisement and/or department or campus culture, please call our Human Resources office at (360) 442-2120, or email us directly at [email protected].    

Equal Employment Opportunity

Lower Columbia College provides equal opportunity in education and employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, age, perceived or actual physical or mental disability, pregnancy, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, creed, religion, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or use of a trained guide dog or service animal as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Sections 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act and ADA Amendment Act, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act and Washington State's Law Against Discrimination, Chapter 49.60 RCW and their implementing regulations. All Inquiries regarding compliance with Title IX, access, equal opportunity and/or grievance procedures should be directed to Kendra Sprague, Vice President of Foundation, HR & Legal Affairs, 1600 Maple Street, PO Box 3010, Longview, WA 98632, [email protected], Phone number, (360) 442-2120, Phone number/TTY (800) 833-6388.

• Learn more on our Non-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment page.

• The college is compliant with Title IX best practices. For more information, visit About Title IX.

• The college encourages qualified members of protected classes to apply.  

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

LCC celebrates and embraces diversity of all kinds, including differing beliefs, cultures, people, and experiences. We commit to institutional and individual changes that recognize, understand, and challenge patterns of social inequity and systemic disparities within our ever-changing world. For more information, see Diversity & Equity.

Jeanne Clery Statement: Notice of Availability of Annual Security and Fire Safety Report:

In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act of 1998, and as a part of the College's commitment to safety and security on campus, Lower Columbia College reports the mandated information about current campus policies concerning safety and security issues, the required statistics, and other related information for the past three (3) calendar years. Lower Columbia College's Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available online at lowercolumbia.edu/CleryASFR.

Declaration Regarding Sexual Misconduct

Pursuant to RCW 28B.112.080, applicants must declare whether they are the subject of any substantiated findings of sexual misconduct in any current or former employment or professional association or is currently being investigated for, or have left a position during an investigation into, a violation of any sexual misconduct policy at the applicant’s current or past employers or professional association. By law, post-secondary education institutions cannot hire an applicant who does not complete this form.

Mission, Vision & Values

Our Mission, Vision & Values define our reason for being, and provide the framework for planning and improvement efforts at LCC. For details on LCC's Mission, Vision & Values, see our Strategic Plan.

Conditions of Employment 

• If you are hired, you will need to provide proof of identity and documentation of U.S. citizenship or appropriate legal authorization to work for the duration of this position as required by the Immigration Reform Control Act of 1995.

• 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.

• The College is committed to maintain an environment for teaching and learning which is free of drugs and alcohol.

Anticipated Start Date

LCC offers two start dates for new employees - the 1st and 16th or the closest working day.