Senior Accountant
Not Disclosed•Full-TimeOn-site
location_on1219, East Fir Street, Mount Vernon, Skagit County, Washington, 98273, United States
About the Role
The Senior Accountant serves as the specialized accounting liaison for Skagit Valley College's enterprise, auxiliary, and sponsored-service units. These units—including Head Start, ECEAP, Road Scholars, McIntyre Hall, and the Bookstore—operate with complex cash flows and regulatory environments distinct from the College's core academic mission. Reporting to the Director of the Business Office, this role bridges the gap between operational realities and standard financial processes, ensuring compliance with state, federal, and accrediting requirements while supporting operational effectiveness.
In this position, you will exercise a high degree of professional judgment and diplomacy to translate enterprise operations into compliant accounting practices. You will act as the primary point of contact for non-routine issues, resolving complex financial scenarios and proactively managing financial risk. The role requires navigating intricate interpersonal dynamics to foster collaboration between enterprise unit leaders and central finance functions, ensuring that institutional standards and internal controls are maintained across diverse stakeholder groups.
Work location
Work model: On-site
1219, East Fir Street, Mount Vernon, Skagit County, Washington, 98273, United States
Mount Vernon, Washington
Key Responsibilities
- check_circleServe as primary accounting liaison for enterprise, auxiliary, and sponsored-service units
- check_circleProvide expert guidance on revenue recognition, restricted funds, and cost allowability
- check_circleCoordinate accurate and timely recording of revenues, expenses, receivables, and payables
- check_circleMonitor compliance with federal, state, grantor, and accrediting requirements
- check_circleReview financial activity for trends, anomalies, and compliance risks
- check_circleSupport preparation for internal and external audits and assist with audit findings
- check_circleOversee enterprise cash management, including reconciliation of receipts and deposits
- check_circleReview Accounts Payable transactions to ensure compliance with contracts and policies
- check_circleIdentify process improvements to reduce errors in Accounts Receivable and Payable workflows
- check_circlePartner with legal and business office to resolve complex compliance issues
- check_circleServe as primary contact for non-routine accounting issues and operational challenges
- check_circleTranslate accounting policies into practical guidance for enterprise unit leaders
Requirements
- verifiedAssociate's degree
- verified3 years of progressively responsible experience in accounting, financial operations, or fiscal management within a public-sector, higher education, nonprofit, or similarly regulated environment
- verifiedExperience with cash management, Accounts Receivable, and/or Accounts Payable
- verifiedExperience applying accounting policies, compliance requirements, and internal controls in complex or non-routine situations
- verifiedBackground check including criminal record history
Nice to Have
Five (5) or more years of progressively responsible accounting or financial management experience in higher education, auxiliary operations, sponsored programs, or public-sector organizations; Experience supporting federally or state-funded programs with heightened compliance requirements (e.g., Head Start, ECEAP, grants, or enterprise operations); Familiarity with Washington State community and technical college systems, SBCTC guidance, and public-sector accounting practices; Experience working with PeopleSoft Finance or comparable ERP systems; Demonstrated success serving as a liaison between operational units and central finance functions; Demonstrated ability to present complex financial information to a wide variety of stakeholders.
Benefits & Perks
check_circleCompetitive leave packagescheck_circleHealth, dental, and vision insurance planscheck_circleRetirement plans
