Hybrid Director of Accounting/ Controller na Carl Sandburg College, IL

About the Department

Purpose/position code/classification/level/work relationships

• The Director of Accounting is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day financial operations of the community college, ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting, compliance with regulations, and effective management of the college's financial resources.
• ADM CBS12510
• Administration, Level II
• Exempt, non-bargaining unit
• Supervises: Business office staff
• Reports to: Vice President of Business & Finance/ CFO
• Principal Working Relationships: Business office staff, foundation staff, students, faculty, and staff.

Position Duties

Primary responsibilities

1. Oversee all accounting functions including accounts payable, student accounts receivable, interfund, and general ledger.
2. Ensure accurate and timely financial reporting in accordance with GAAP, GASB and other regulatory requirements.
3. Serve in an acting capacity in the absence of the CFO for voucher approval.
4. Maintenance of compliance with GFOA requirements.
5. Prepare financial statements, reports, and analyses for internal and external stakeholders.
6. Evaluate, implement, and manage finance technology systems.
7. Perform risk analysis to assess areas of improvement, enhance business processes, identify opportunities for investment, and minimize risk to the institution.
8. Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, including tax filings and grant reporting.
9. Manage and oversee annual audits and implement audit recommendations.
10. Maintain internal controls to safeguard assets and ensure the integrity of financial data.
11. Supervise and mentor accounting staff, providing training and development opportunities.
12. Evaluate and provide frequent feedback to reporting team including but not limited to; yearly and probationary evaluations.
13. Collaborate with other departments to support and maintain a high level of customer service and satisfaction.
14. Provide training to new and existing members of the college employee community.
15. Provide financial insights and recommendations to senior leadership to support strategic initiatives.
16. Participate in long-term financial planning and policy development.
17. Identify opportunities for cost savings and revenue enhancement.

1. development and management of the annual budget, including forecasting and monitoring expenditures
2. audit oversight.
3. preparation of the budget book materials.

1. Maintain a working knowledge of the college’s emergency procedures and actively participate in the college risk-management program.
2. Monitor conditions, events and circumstances that present risk to the college community. Intervene and/or report as specified in the college’s risk-management plan.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum necessary education, skills and experience

1. Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required.  Master’s degree in accounting or finance preferred.
2. CPA or CMA certification preferred.
3. Minimum of 5-7 years of progressive accounting experience, including financial reporting required.
4. Supervisory experience required.
5. Proficient in using automated information systems.
6. Experience in higher education or nonprofit setting preferred
7. Strong knowledge of GAAP and nonprofit accounting principles preferred
8. Familiarity with grant management and reporting preferred.
9. Proficiency in accounting software and Microsoft Office Suite.
10. Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
11. Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
12. Ability to work with multiple deadlines in a fast-paced setting.
13. The ability to communicate successfully with clients of all ages, socio-economic status, gender, or race.
14. Spanish or French proficiency preferred. 

Other Qualifications

Physical requirements to perform job functions

1. Basic dexterity skills (computer work, telephoning and other office equipment).
2. General physical effort required includes sitting, bending, reaching and some lifting (20 lbs. or less) and the ability to place a work order for anything over that limit

Implemented: 08/01/2025

This is a security-sensitive position and will require a background check as a pre-employment qualifier.