Director, Finance

Director, Finance

Be a part of the Red Hawk family and apply today! Benefits start on first day of hire! Extensive paid time off (including Spring Break), College fully pays the in-network health insurance deductible, minimum of 10% employer retirement contribution per payroll, and much more!

Thrive in Southwest Michigan Official transcripts required upon hire. Monday through Thursday summer work hours apply to this position. Information on our standard hiring process: Lake Michigan College will accept applications on this position for at least 14 days. Applications will be screened for minimum qualifications as received. Once the search committee has determined which applicants they would like to interview, those applicants will be contacted. If you have questions, please contact Human Resources at View email address on click.appcast.io.

Open Date: 10/07/2026

Closing Date: 11/04/2026

Position Information

Posting Number - 0001066

Position Title: Director, Finance

Reports to: Executive Director, Finance

Department: Finance

Classification: Exempt

Full or Part-time: Full Time

Job Summary: As operational lead of the Finance Department, responsible for the completeness and accuracy of the detailed accounting records and their compliance with generally accepted accounting standards and the Manual for Uniform Financial Reporting (MUFR) standards. Responsible for the planning, performing, and reporting related to detailed accounting functions. Responsibilities include financial reports, audits, budgeting, supervising staff and compliance with laws and regulations.

College Intro: Lake Michigan College, located in Benton Harbor, Michigan, is a vibrant community college committed to providing high-quality education and fostering a supportive learning environment. The college offers a diverse range of programs and degrees, including associate degrees, certificates, and transfer programs designed to help students achieve their academic and career goals. With modern facilities, experienced faculty, and a strong focus on student success, Lake Michigan College prepares students for a variety of careers and further education opportunities. Whether you're looking to start your college journey, enhance your skills, or explore new career paths, Lake Michigan College provides the resources and support needed to succeed.

Essential Functions: 1. Supervise Accounting Team Operations – Directly supervise Payroll Accountant, Accounts Payable Accountant, and General Accountant, ensuring each functional area operates efficiently, complies with internal controls, and meets critical deadlines. 2. Coordinate Month-End Close Activities – Oversee and coordinate month-end and year-end close process, ensuring that all reconciliations, journal entries, and reviews are completed timely and accurately. 3. Coordinate Annual Budget Process – Oversee and coordinate preparation of budget files for weekly uploads, create and maintain Budget Calendar and Hierarchy of T Drive. Reviews upload files for accuracy and creates P&L report after each upload. 4. Ensure Accuracy of Financial Data – Review, approve, and verify integrity of financial data submitted by accounting staff before inclusion in reporting or analysis. 5. Maintain Internal Calendar of Key Deadlines – Manage and communicate a consolidated calendar of financial tasks and deadlines (e.g., payroll cutoffs, reporting cycles, grant deadlines, reconciliations) to ensure department-wide accountability and timeliness. 6. Lead Preparation of Financial Statements & Board Reports – Initiate creation of monthly and quarterly financial statements and board financial reports by compiling, preparing, and performing first level of review for accuracy and completeness. Provide Executive Director of Finance with completed draft for secondary review, ensuring all supporting schedules and reconciliations are included and accurate. 7. Reconciliation Oversight – Ensure all critical reconciliations (bank, grant, payroll, AP, AR, etc.) are completed, reviewed, and resolved monthly. Investigate unresolved discrepancies. 8. Develop and Maintain Accounting Procedures – Draft, implement, and maintain accounting procedures and workflows to standardize operations across payroll, payables, and general accounting. 9. Coordinate Audit Documentation – Serve as primary liaison to external auditors, coordinating collection, review, and delivery of audit documentation prepared by accounting staff. 10. Monitor and Enforce Compliance with Financial Policies – Enforce adherence to college financial policies at operational level and propose updates where gaps or inefficiencies are identified. Perform ongoing verification of proper departmental internal controls to ensure minimal risk to College. 11. Support System Maintenance and Upgrades – Work with IT and system administrators to ensure accounting and ERP systems are configured to support efficient workflows and accurate financial reporting. 12. Provide Operational Financial Guidance – Serve as a resource to other departments regarding budget coding, expense classification, invoice processing, grant spending, and compliance with financial procedures.

Other Duties:

Job Specifications: Bachelor's degree in accounting required. At least 4 years of accounting experience required; public accounting experience highly preferred. Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Management Accountant (CMA) preferred. Must be highly technologically savvy, with data management and manipulation expertise. Must have working knowledge of an ERP system; Banner preferred. Intermediate skills with Microsoft Excel required; advanced skills preferred. Critical thinking and analytical skills required. Demonstrated ability to organize, prioritize, and maintain confidentiality. Positions at Lake Michigan College require regular and predicable on-site attendance as an essential job function. Under certain circumstances, the College may consider alternative work arrangements and will do so in compliance with and according to the parameters outlined in the College's Flexible Scheduling and Remote Work Options policy.

Hiring Range: $79,768 - $95,798

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. * Do you have a Bachelor's degree in Accounting?
   • Yes
   • No
2. * Do you have at least four years of accounting experience?
   • Yes
   • No

Required Documents

Required Documents

1. Cover Letter
2. Resume

Optional Documents

1. Unofficial Transcripts