Description

POSITION SUMMARY: The Controller is responsible for managing the district’s accounting operations, financial reporting, internal controls, and compliance functions in accordance with GAAP, GASB, state regulations, and federal grant requirements. This position ensures the accuracy, completeness, and audit readiness of all district financial statements, SEFA reporting, and related state and federal submissions.

The Controller leads the development, monitoring, and documentation of internal controls; oversees fiscal policies and procedures; supports district-wide budgeting processes; and supervises the accounting and capital finance teams. This position also serves as the District’s Audit Compliance Officer and Grants Administrator.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Directs, reviews, analyzes, and interprets financial and management information; provides recommendations on fiscal impacts related to budgets, revenues, expenditures, compliance requirements, levy and bond programs, and internal controls.
• Provides leadership for the district’s accounting, capital finance, budgeting support, fixed assets, records management, and audit compliance functions. Develops and improves systems, internal controls, and procedures to protect district assets.
• Ensures the accuracy and timeliness of all financial reporting, including the F-196, GAAP financial statements and disclosures, SEFA, cash position reports, budget status reports, continuing disclosure requirements, debt service schedules, and other state or federal reporting.
• Prepares, reviews, or oversees financial reports required for categorical programs such as special education excess costs, safety net, vocational programs, transportation, K3 enhancements, and other state and federal funding programs.
• Serves as the District Audit Compliance Officer, coordinating all external audits and ensuring adherence to state and federal requirements. Leads corrective actions and implements audit recommendations.
• Ensures compliance with federal grant requirements, including Uniform Grant Guidance, SEFA development, restricted program accounting, time and effort compliance, indirect cost applications, and monitoring of federal program expenditures.
• Provides direction and training to department and school staff on accounting practices, budget monitoring, fiscal reporting, and district financial systems.
• Develops, implements, and monitors district fiscal policies, procedures, and internal controls to ensure compliance with state regulations, federal requirements, GAAP, and GASB standards.
• Collaborates with Technology to support financial system configuration, data integrity, workflow design, and automation that improve accuracy and reporting.
• Oversees accounting for bond and levy projects, financial tracking of capital expenditures, and reporting related to capital funds.
• Conducts research and implements changes in response to evolving rules, regulations, legislation, technology, and school business finance requirements.
• Provides strong supervisory leadership to accounting and capital finance staff, including hiring, training, evaluation, workload oversight, and performance improvement.
• Maintains positive working relationships with district leaders, school administrators, program directors, auditors, community partners, and staff across the system.

Participates in district committees, special projects, and other responsibilities consistent with the scope and intent of the position.

QUALIFICATIONS:
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Business or Public Administration. Master’s degree preferred. 
EXPERIENCE: Minimum of three years of experience in a large and complex organization. Audit and/or supervisory experience preferred. CPA preferred. 

Further, the individual will possess the: 

• Extensive knowledge of state and federal laws, regulations, and guidelines related to school district accounting, finance, and budgeting.
• Strong understanding of GAAP, GASB, SEFA, Uniform Grant Guidance, and state reporting requirements.
• Ability to ensure accuracy and completeness in financial reporting with high attention to detail.
• Ability to analyze and interpret complex laws, regulations, and financial data.
• Skill in designing, implementing, and monitoring internal controls.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and supervise staff, provide clear expectations, and build a collaborative team environment.
• Ability to meet immovable deadlines while maintaining accuracy and compliance.
• Ability to organize, prioritize, and manage multiple high-stakes responsibilities.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, including preparation of financial reports and presentations.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff at all levels of the organization.
• Strong problem-solving and conflict resolution skills.

CONTINUING EDUCATION/TRAINING: Valid WA State driver’s license and appropriate insurance required. Must 
maintain as current any certification or license listed herein and held at hire date. 

CERTIFICATES & LICENSES: At least one relevant technical certification preferred. 
REQUIRED TESTING: None Specified 

CLEARANCES: Criminal Justice Fingerprint/Background Clearance 

FLSA Status: Exempt 

BARGAINING UNIT: Unrepresented