Pierce College
Director of Fiscal Operations
SALARY
$104,838.00 - $129,710.00 Annually
LOCATION
Pierce College District, WA
JOB TYPE
Full Time
JOB NUMBER
A2412
DIVISION
Fiscal Services
DEPARTMENT
Finance
OPENING DATE
09/16/2024
CLOSING DATE
10/7/2024 5:00 PM Pacific
Position Summary
The mission of Pierce College is to create quality educational opportunities for a diverse community of learners to thrive in an evolving world.
Recognized by the Aspen Institute as one of the Top 10 community colleges in the nation (2021), Pierce College is an innovative, mission-driven, data-informed, and equity-minded community college dedicated to helping all students achieve their academic and professional goals, with a focus on racial and social equity and justice.
Reporting to the Associate Vice President of Fiscal Services, the Director of Fiscal Operations is responsible for providing supervisory and operational oversight for designated areas within fiscal services to include accounting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, budget, grants & contracts, payroll, procurement, printshop, shipping & receiving, and travel functions. The Director will monitor the district’s revenue and reserve accounts, manage acquisitions, and lead year-end closure processes.
This position will support the facilitation of the district’s budget process and serve as a key advisor to the Vice President for Fiscal Services and Associate Vice President of Fiscal Services regarding fiscal opportunities, evaluation of department processes, and continuous improvement of the District’s fiscal services.
This position actively leads, supports, and engages in Pierce College’s goals for equity and inclusion in order to create and maintain a workplace that supports and respects accessibility, equity, inclusion, and diversity.
About the District
The college enjoys a strong presence in the community and participates in numerous partnerships with business, community, government, and educational organizations. Named as a Top 5 Finalist and a Rising Star for the 2019 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, Pierce College Fort Steilacoom was recognized for exceptional achievements in student learning, certificate and degree completion while in community college and after transferring to a four-year institution, employment and earnings rates after graduation, and access for and success of minority and low-income students. Pierce College District was named as a Top 10 finalist forthe2021 Aspen Prize and a Top 25 for 2023.
Pierce College at Fort Steilacoom
Located on a beautiful 140-acre site adjacent to a 340-acre community, recreational park, and Waughop Lake. Want a feel for our District, take a peek with aerial campus views!
Pierce College at Puyallup
Located on an expansive site with 125-acres of wooded land including modern facilities and beautiful hideaways.
Pierce College at JBLM
Located at the Joint Base Lewis-McChord military sites, serving many of our military and active duty families serving our country.
Our colleges enjoy a strong presence in the communities in which they serve, and participate in numerous partnerships with business, community, government, and educational organizations.
Essential Functions
The Director of Fiscal Operations will be responsible for the following, but not limited to:
District Fiscal Services
Provide operational oversight for accounting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, budget, grants & contracts, payroll, procurement, printshop, shipping & receiving, and travel functions.
Ensure staff and functions adhere to applicable Federal and state laws, including Washington State Law (RCW), Washington Administrative Code (WAC), district policies and procedures, SBCTC directives, and applicable GAAP as promulgated by the Government Accounting Standards Board (GASB).
Monitor revenue and reserve accounts to ensure the district maintains appropriate level of reserve fund and cash balances.
Manage acquisition of capital assets, ensuring proper recording, amortization, and disposal in coordination with other departments.
Ensure monthly procedures are completed, and with the Associate Vice President of Fiscal Services lead year end closure processes in conjunction with the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges.
Prepare reports and validate supporting documentation to comply with audits and reviews from external auditors and agencies.
Budgetary
Collaborate with the Vice President and Associate Vice President of Fiscal Services to facilitate the budget process.
Provide fiscal oversight of budgets and related activity for reports to the Executive Team and Board of Trustees.
Analyze changes in funding based on legislative, enrollment, economic outlooks, and other external factors affecting revenue or expenses.
Review daily and monthly budget balances, informing on significant changes impacting the district.
Leadership and Supervision
Provide leadership, supervision, and direction to complex finance functions and assigned staff in delivery of fiscal services throughout the district.
Adhere to classified contracts and all district rules and regulations ensuring efficient operations and supervision of classified employees.
Support team members by prioritizing, directing, developing, and assessing assigned areas.
Ensure staff have adequate training and resources for their roles.
Nurture the development of a psychologically safe work environment, modeling professionalism, collaboration, learning, service, equity, and belonging.
As a key non-executive member, in the event that the district may be faced with an institutional emergency, this position may be required to remain at their work location, or report to work to protect, recovery, and provide continuity of operations under the District EOP.
Advisory
Serve as a key advisor to the Vice President and Associate Vice President of Fiscal Services on finance and accounting matters, including development of strategic plans.
Ensure alignment of district finance with Board of Trustees strategic plan, and other district planning, such as the academic plan, tech plan, and facility master plans.
Identify fiscal opportunities, develop financial models, and provide analysis to assist Executive Team and Board of Trustees with fiscal decisions.
Serve as Acting Associate Vice President of Fiscal Services when directed.
Policies and Procedures
With the Associate Vice President of Fiscal Services, engages in continuous improvement processes implementing, monitoring, and revising departmental policies and procedures relating to fiscal operations.
Aids in ensuring that all departmental policies and procedures comply with district policy, procedures, and directives; state and federal regulations; orders and statutes; and collective bargaining agreements.
Collaboration
Engage with the diverse operations of the district and college leadership to coordinate with the fiscal services department to ensure accountability of stakeholders; and accuracy in accounting and budget.
Provide campus-wide trainings to improve financial literacy amongst budget stakeholders and support staff around the district.
Engage with external organizations at state and national levels to collaborate and exchange ideas, including being the primary representative of the district to the BAR of the community and technical colleges in Washington State.
Qualifications
Education Required
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Business, Accounting, Finance, Management, or related field.
Experience Required
Five (5) years or more of progressively responsible supervisory experience in accounting or budget roles.
Minimum of five (5) years related experience as a professional accountant, including experience in fund accounting processes and procedures in higher education, government, or a non-profit. Experience includes progressively responsible accounting experience involving the application of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).
Minimum of five (5) years’ experience with Microsoft Office suite, including experience with pivot tables.
Minimum of five (5) years’ experience with an educational, government, or non-profit Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) finance and accounting software system. Peoplesoft experience is preferred.
Demonstrated experience working in a collaborative team environment with diverse employees, including supervising accounting staff comprised of classified staff subject to collective bargaining agreements.
Demonstrated ability to work closely with administrative colleagues and the academic areas within the organization.
Demonstrated knowledge of principles and procedures of governmental accounting and related accounting standards.
Demonstrated skills in budgeting, finance or management.
Special Requirements
The successful candidate must consent to and pass a criminal records background check and credit check after a conditional offer of employment. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability to perform in this position.
Must not be in default on any student loans.
Required Competencies
Ability to work in a diverse culture committed to building an anti-racist institution and dismantling barriers for marginalized and minoritized individuals.
Ability to recognize the uniqueness of self and others, and demonstrate openness toward diverse points of view.
Strong mentoring skills, including the ability to support employees in achieving both the district’s mission and their individual professional goals.
Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to explain administrative, financial, and budget issues to non-financial managers including faculty, students, and staff.
Ability to think, reason, and make sound judgments on how responsibilities are completed in compliance with college standards and guidelines.
Excellent time management and prioritization skills to manage district resources.
Strong positive interpersonal skills including the ability to work collaboratively and be a team-oriented leader, work effectively across organizational lines and create and nurture a safe, bias-free working environment which engenders respect for all individuals and for their differences.
Knowledge of general accounting, payroll, budget, procurement, grants and contracts, and auxiliary enterprise functions.
Knowledge of the goals, objectives, structure, operations, policies, and procedures common to institutions of higher education
Skilled in developing long-range plans and policy decision making tools, including the ability implement plans and use data analysis to ensure success.
Application Process
To be considered for this position, applicants must
Meet the required qualifications as outlined in this announcement.
Complete the online application profile and apply for the specific job opening at: https://www.pierce.ctc.edu/hr.
Upload (attach) a cover letter that addresses how you meet the required qualifications as outlined in this announcement. (Cover Letter)
Upload (attach) detailed résumé of all educational and professional experience. (Résumé)
Transcripts are not required in order to apply for this position; however, if you are selected for an interview, you will be asked to submit copies of unofficial transcripts showing completion of the required level of education. Please upload current copies of your transcripts, if available. Unofficial copies of all college and university transcripts must include degree received and conferral date. International transcripts must include a foreign transcript evaluation. For a list of approved credential evaluation services visit: https://www.naces.org/members (Unofficial transcripts acceptable for application process; official transcripts required upon hire). (Transcripts)
Please Note:
Certain positions require specific levels of educational attainment such as a post-secondary degree, licensures or certifications. In order to evaluate applicant materials to determine if the minimum qualifications are met, information regarding your education and experience should be included in your application materials.
Applications without transcripts attached, may receive notification that their application materials are incomplete. If you receive a notice and information has been provided elsewhere in your applications materials, please disregard. (Unofficial transcripts acceptable for application process; official transcripts required upon hire).
Upload (attach) a list of at least three (3) professional references with names, telephone numbers, and e-mail addresses. One of which must be your current or most recent supervisor. Letters of recommendation will not be accepted. (References)
Provide a response to the following question. (Supplemental Question)
The College's goal is to support all students and to achieve racial and social equity in pursuit of mission. If you were selected for this position, how would you contribute to and support this goal? Please limit your response to a maximum of 500 words.
Please Note
To ensure consideration, application materials should be received no later than 5:00 p.m. on the closing date.
All correspondence regarding your application status will be sent to the email address associated with your NeoEd account. Please make sure to check your spam folder periodically, in the case of an automated, incorrect delivery.
Terms of Employment
This is a full-time administrative - exempt position. The primary work location will be at Pierce College, Fort Steilacoom campus. Frequent travel to Pierce College campuses or other sites may occur. Standard work hours are between 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday, with occasional evening and weekend hours required. This position is eligible for occasional work from home. This position requires regular and consistent attendance.
Salary & Benefits
The salary range for this position is $104,838.00 to $129,710.00 annually. The salary will be determined based on the candidate's qualifications and related experience. Typically, new hires start no higher than $109,207.00/year, based on Pierce College's Administrative/Exempt Compensation Plan.
Your paycheck is just part of the total compensation package. There is an outstanding benefits package which is worth an additional value equivalent to about 30% of your salary. A comprehensive health care benefits package for you and your dependents includes medical, dental and vision insurance. Life and long- term disability insurance plans; vacation, sick and personal leave; reduced tuition; and retirement benefits are also provided. For more information, please visit our Benefits and Leave website at: https://www.pierce.ctc.edu/hr- benefits.
Physical Work Environment
This position works indoors in an office environment.
Reasonable Accommodation
Applicants with disabilities who require assistance with the application and employment process will be accommodated to the extent reasonably possible. Requests should be made to the District Human Resources Office by calling 253-964-7342. Persons who are deaf or hard of hearing may dial 711 to place a call through Washington Relay, the state's free telecommunication access service.
Screening & Interview Process
Only those candidates who have complied with the application process and meet the required qualifications will be considered. Following the review of application materials, the most qualified candidates will be contacted for an interview. Check the email account you used for the application process for communication regarding the status of your application. Application materials submitted to Pierce College are the property of the College and will not be returned.
Please Note
This is a competitive selection process. Your application materials will be reviewed and evaluated based on the minimum qualifications listed for the position. Applicants whose qualifications most closely correspond to the District's needs will be eligible for further consideration.
Notification of application status normally occurs 4 to 6 weeks after the closing date. Short notice may be given to applicants to participate in further selection processes which may include written, oral and performance examinations, and final interviews.
Conditions of Employment
Pierce College is a “fully vaccinated campus” under the state’s higher education guidance, which means that COVID-19 vaccination is highly encouraged for all employees and students.
Prior to the start of employment, the finalist for this position will be subject to a criminal background check as a condition of employment. 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.
Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington State Law RCW 28B.112.080.
An offer of employment will not carry with it any responsibility or obligation on the part of the District to sponsor an H-1B visa. In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, proof of authorization to work in the United States will be required at the time of hire.
Pierce College has adopted a Drug Free Workplace policy. As a condition of employment, employees must agree to abide by the requirements established in that policy.
Equal Opportunity
The Pierce College District is an equal opportunity employer. The Board of Trustees and Pierce College District are committed to providing equal opportunity and will not discriminate in terms and conditions of employment and personnel practices. Decisions are made without regard to race, color, national origin, 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.
For more information about this position or assistance regarding your application, please contact the Human Resources office at: jobs@pierce.ctc.edu.
Questions regarding equal employment opportunities or discrimination may be directed to the following:
Sean Cooke
Title IX Coordinator
(253) 840-8472
Davi Kallman
ADACO / Section 504 Coordinator
(253) 912-3715
Deena Forsythe
Interim Vice President for Human Resources
(253) 964-6586
Paula Henson-Williams
District Affirmative Action Officer
(253) 864-3229
Agency
Pierce College
Address
9401 Farwest Drive SW
Lakewood, Washington, 98498
Phone
253.964.7342
Website
https://www.pierce.ctc.edu/hr
Director of Fiscal Operations Supplemental Questionnaire
QUESTION 1
The College's goal is to support all students and to achieve racial and social equity in pursuit of mission. If you were selected for this position, how would you contribute to and support this goal? Please limit your response to a maximum of 500 words.
Required Question
