Assistant Director for General Accounting na Columbia Basin College (WA), WA

About the Department

The Assistant Director for General Accounting will be responsible for complex accounting and reconciliation processes involving the accuracy and integrity of the general ledger and other accounting activities.  This position assists in contract and capital projects accounting activities as well as advises and develops controls and processes to reduce fraud.  This position serves as a key member of the department leadership team and provides coverage in the Director’s absence.

This position reports to the Director for Accounting Services & Controller

The salary range for this position is $77,946-$86,159

This position is receiving applications until October 19, 2025 at 11:59 PM PST. The College will conduct initial interviews with selected candidates via Zoom and will conduct on-campus interviews with finalists.

Position Duties

• Review the general ledger to ensure accuracy and integrity of the accounting data contained within;
• Conduct various complex accounting and reconciliation processes involving cash, investments, cash flow analysis, Vendor Payment Advance, standard monthly analysis and review of transactions, sales tax, unrelated business income tax and unclaimed property.  Perform month-end and year-end close accounting processes, including preparing, reviewing, and creating journal entries as needed;
• Serve as primary preparer of all fiscal reports in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) such as statement of fund balance, board reports, income statements or balance sheets, and annual financial statements on an accrual basis;
• Prepare and reconcile the funds requested from the State Treasurer's Office for operating and capital project payments ensuring appropriate spending, and review and reconcile state clearing account draws and fund transfers to the State Treasurer’s office;
• Conduct asset accounting to properly record college assets placed into service (including construction in progress), depreciation schedules and disposal, as well as debt accounting, including the proper recording of college debt service;
• Monitor the accuracy of college's accounting data to ensure integrity of data reporting to state agency financial system;
• Facilitate accurate and timely monthly general ledger reconciliations, bank reconciliations, and financial reporting for restricted and unrestricted funds. Assist in preparation of financial statements and audit schedules;
• Implement and perform reviews and assessments of business processes and accounting policies to ensure best practices, and assess and recommend internal controls to ensure compliance with laws, regulations, and policies.  Conduct internal audits to identify discrepancies and inefficiencies, and perform necessary cleanup of financial records to ensure accuracy and compliance with audit requirements;
• Support the annual audit process by providing supporting documents and explanations per external auditor’s request, and maintain files and supporting documentation for all areas of responsibility in compliance with audit requirements;
• Coach and mentor accounting personnel in daily, monthly and annual accounting tasks using experience and knowledge in accounting by following established procedures and policies.  Maintain positive working relationships with college departments and staff, State Board for Community and Technical Colleges, local and federal agencies, vendors and the public;
• Serve on college committees, and perform other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Associate’s degree in Accounting, Business, Finance or related field from an institutionally accredited college or university; and
• Two (2) years of experience in a related field.
  
  Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Accounting, Business, Finance, or related field from an institutionally accredited college or university;
• Experience working in governmental, public or college accounting system (ctcLink experience preferred);
• Familiarity with State of Washington accounting, rules and regulations;
• Proficient in GAAP, GASB, and SAAM;
• Strong analytical, reconciliation, and reporting skills.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and problem-solving abilities; and
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with a commitment to customer service and collaboration.
  
  Competencies:
  
  Project Management: Manage projects by focusing attention on key priorities; evaluate approaches, determine feasibility, and adjust plan as needed; develop plans, coordinate projects and teams; communicate changes and progress; complete projects on time and on budget; perform well without direct supervision; do complex work independently; follow tasks through to completion;
  
  Quality Management: Set clear quality requirements; measure key outcomes; improve processes, products, and services;
  
  Leadership: Lead through influence, rather than authority, and take ownership and accountability for the area of responsibility and decisions made; demonstrate confidence within area of expertise – promote a cooperative work environment; ability to appropriately apply leadership techniques to motivate, develop and guide employees;
  
  Conceptual Thinking: Have the ability to understand a situation or problem by identifying patterns or connections, and addressing key underlying issues; use past professional or technical training and experience, creativity, inductive reasoning, and intuitive processes to find potential solutions or valuable alternatives that may not be obviously related or easily identified; think "outside the box";
  
  Oral & Written Communication: Speak clearly and persuasively in positive and negative situations; listen and get clarification; respond well to questions; demonstrate group presentation skills; participate in meetings; structure and convey information clearly and effectively through both formal and informal documents; review and edit written work constructively; ability to tailor to audience in mind;
  
  Accountability: Accountable for own actions, decisions, errors, mistakes and/or failures to act when appropriate; accept responsibility when given, understand what duties employee is responsible for and can be counted upon to carry out those responsibilities;
  
  “Shared Commitments”/Teamwork: Demonstrate a willingness to work with, and help others in completing job assignments, the ability to accept constructive criticism, and to cooperate with fellow employees and supervisors; demonstrate alignment with the "Shared Commitments" culture, (e.g., treat each other with dignity and respect, hold each other accountable, celebrate each person’s contributions); and
  
  Support for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: Reflecting CBC's mission, vision and values, support initiatives that expand the human qualities that differentiate our workplace and educational setting; demonstrate and advocate an understanding of differences, open mindedness, compassion, sensitivity and interest in differing viewpoints given the diverse population and show a deep commitment to the involvement of colleagues, students and community members to student experience and success honoring freedom of expression as fundamental to personal, professional and organizational growth.

Other Qualifications

This is a full-time, overtime exempt staff position. Please note: The salary threshold for overtime eligibility is $77,969/yr. The typical work hours are Monday through Thursday 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Friday 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.; however, work hours may vary due to work demands and some evening and weekend work may be required.

CBC offers excellent medical/dental insurance, life insurance, long-term disability, paid leave, retirement plans, and a variety of benefit options. Please view the “Benefits” tab for comprehensive benefits information.

Successful candidates must meet the following requirements:

• Provide proof of lawful permanent residency or other appropriate work authorization as required by the Immigration Reform Control Act of 1986.
• Disclose any substantiated findings or any ongoing investigations related to sexual misconduct as required by RCW28B.112.080.
• Pass a criminal background check. Note: information learned during the criminal background check will not necessarily preclude employment but may be a factor in eligibility for the position.
• Verify education at the time of hire. 
• Maintain an alcohol-free and drug-free workplace during employment.