Controller

The NWESD aspires to be a racially and culturally inclusive staff that reflects the diversity of those we serve. We believe this strengthens our organization, stimulates creativity, promotes the exchange of ideas, and enriches staff engagement.

Summary:

The Controller is responsible for the comprehensive management of all agency accounting functions, including transactional processing, supervision of accounting and finance staff, and development and maintenance of fiscal processes. This role ensures financial transactions for all funds are completed in accordance with prescribed accounting practices, legal requirements, and robust internal controls. The Controller leads payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger, financial analysis, grant accounting, asset inventory, and financial reporting functions.

Essential Functions:

Duties listed are intended to provide a summary of the major duties and responsibilities of this position. Employee(s) may not perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional duties not listed, but within the general scope of the position.

Leadership and Oversight

• Assume full responsibility for agency accounting operations, including internal controls, audit practices, regulatory compliance, and implementation of technical accounting guidance (GASB).
• Supervise and develop accounting/finance staff, including performance management, goal setting, work assignment, training, and conflict resolution.
• Maintain and improve fiscal processes to ensure efficiency, compliance, and effective internal controls across the agency.

Core Accounting Functions

• Develop and maintain account coding and classification systems that meet internal agency needs and is in compliance with the Accounting Manual for Educational Service Districts; this includes ensuring accounting structures allow accurate reflection of the services provided and support financial analysis to adequately evaluate the effectiveness of programs and services.
• Perform key functions, manage internal controls, and oversee the work of others for the payroll process; this includes ensuring all employees are paid accurately and timely for all hours worked, reporting of employee’s time is adequately supported and meets all federal and agency compliance requirements, and time and effort reporting is timely posted to the accounting records.
• Perform key functions, manage internal controls, and oversee the work of others for the purchasing and accounts payable process; this includes ensuring all purchases are in compliance with legal and agency requirements, vendor invoices are appropriately coded to the accounting records, and payments are timely processed for all goods and services received.
• Perform key functions, manage internal controls, and oversee the work of others for the billing and accounts receivable process; this includes ensuring all services provided are billed to customers timely and in accordance with contract and/or grant terms, customer invoices are appropriately coded to the accounting records, and payments from customers are received for goods or services provided.
• Direct the recording, depositing, and investment of excess funds to ensure maximum returns, as allowed by law, for all funds.
• Oversee fixed asset inventory and periodic physical inventory of equipment.
• Approve purchase orders and ensure purchasing activities comply with agency, state, and federal laws and policies.
• Review and approve accounting system entries, including journal vouchers and budget revisions ensuring proper coding and documentation.
• Oversee submission of claims on grants and contracts and resolve grant and contract related issues with customers and/or vendors, as necessary.
• Manage security access in the accounting software (currently Qmlativ) for all agency system users.
• Prepare, as appropriate, and review account reconciliation to ensure accuracy of the financial records and reporting of agency activities.
• Oversee revolving funds and related resolution records.

Financial Reporting and Compliance

• Prepare and oversee year-end financial statements, OSPI’s Annual Financial Report (F-185), schedule of federal awards, and related footnotes in accordance with GAAP.
• Serve as primary liaison for annual financial statement and performance audits by regulatory and state agencies.
• Prepare, as applicable, and oversee the work of others to submit required local, state, and federal reports (e.g., Internal Revenue Service tax reports, Department of Retirement Systems reports, Department of Revenue tax reports, grant reimbursement requests, monthly Board reports).
• Lead the agency budget process, including preparation of supporting documents and presentations.

Policy, Training, and Communication

• Provide leadership in the training of department staff on fiscal and accounting procedures, including onboarding and ongoing staff development.
• Ensure agency-wide communication and training for policy and procedure compliance; oversee the maintenance of fiscal intranet resources (currently SharePoint) for use by internal agency staff.

Continuous Improvement and Collaboration

• Monitor and implement new GASB guidance to ensure ongoing compliance.
• Analyze financial data and reports to identify and address issues.
• Partner with program leadership to ensure compliance with state and federal grant requirements, including monitoring, reporting, and training.
• Advise and support the Deputy Superintendent on financial matters related to agency operations and programs.
• Present financial data to the superintendent, cabinet, board of directors, and program managers as requested.
• Engage in continuous process improvement and system implementation initiatives.
• Represent NWESD on the statewide ESD Accounting Committee.

Required knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Deep knowledge of governmental accounting and auditing principles, practices, procedures, and GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) and GASB (Governmental Accounting Standards Board) requirements for governmental agencies.
• Proficiency with accounting software (e.g., Qmlativ) and Microsoft Office applications.
• Thorough understanding of county, state, and federal laws, rules, and regulations relevant to educational service districts.
• Strong supervisory, leadership, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to coach and develop staff for performance and goal achievement.
• Analytical skills for interpreting laws, policies, procedures, and complex regulations.
• Effective time management, organizational, and independent work skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain complex regulations to diverse audiences.
• Ability to prepare and interpret accurate financial statements and reports.
• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to develop and improve accounting and auditing systems, procedures, forms, and records.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with agency staff, external partners, and regulatory bodies.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and professional development.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Business, Public Administration, or related field. Minimum seven years of applicable governmental accounting and/or auditing experience. Minimum three years of supervisory experience required. Experience in payroll processing oversight preferred. CPA designation strongly preferred. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered. Valid Washington State driver’s license. Washington State Patrol background clearance required.

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements:

Work is performed primarily in an office environment; however, travel may be required for workshops, committee representation or conferences. Lifts and carries a maximum of forty (40) pounds. Adequate manual and finger dexterity, hearing, speech, and vision are necessary to perform the essential functions of this position. This position may be eligible for partial telecommuting at the discretion of the Deputy Superintendent for Business and Operations, following a successful six-month probation period.

Hazards: Potential hazards are present based on the fact that the position requires the incumbent to drive a significant amount. Hazards may include but are not limited to traveling alone, driving in inclement weather conditions, and varied road conditions.

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the essential functions of this position, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise to balance the workload. Changes to the position description may be made at the discretion of the employer.

It is the policy of the Northwest Educational Service District No. 189 to not discriminate against any person with regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, marital status, physical or mental disability, or citizenship or immigration status.