Director of Finance

The Director of Finance serves as the principal financial officer of the Southeast Crescent Regional Commission (SCRC), providing strategic leadership and day-to-day management of all financial operations. This role is responsible for financial reporting, budget development and execution, accounting, procurement, internal controls, and compliance with applicable requirements governing the Commission’s financial activities. The Director serves as a senior leader and primary advisor to the Federal Co-Chair and Executive Director on all financial matters. The position requires sound judgment, a high degree of integrity, and the ability to translate complex financial information into clear guidance for Commission leadership, state partners, and oversight entities . Success in this role requires the ability to build and maintain financial systems and controls appropriate for a federal-state commission, manage competing priorities, and operate effectively in a dynamic environment. The Director must be comfortable engaging with external oversight entities and communicating financial performance to audiences with varying levels of financial expertis e. Reports to: Executive Direc torLocation: Columbia, SC

PRIMARY RESPONSIBIL

ITIESFinancial Management and Accou ntingDevelop and implement all financial policies and procedures for the organization based on applicable requirements, audit recommendations, or internal control re viewsDesign and maintain internal controls for the finance department and for the organization related to financial mat ters.Perform periodic risk assessments of internal controls and implement corrective actions as ne eded.Oversee all financial operations of the Commission, including accounts payable, general ledger management, cash management, and bank reconcilia tion.Manage the processing of all Commission obligations and payments in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (G AAP).Oversee interagency transfers of funds by SF 1151 or IPAC, and develop interagency agreement provisions governing financial transact ions.Create and maintain procurement policies and procedures necessary to manage contracts, grants, and purchasing activities, including credit card purchasing, purchase orders and logs, and other mechanisms for agency purch ases.Calculate, monitor, and report annual assessments collectable from states; prepare formula allocations of appropriated funds for grants, administration, and discretionary prog rams.Collaborate with the Director of Grants and Programs to establish procedures promoting timely post-award grant reimbursement activities and clos eoutsFinancial Reporting and Regulatory Compl iancePrepare timely and accurate monthly and annual financial statements and management reports for the Commis sion.Review monthly and annual reports from the financial service provider, ensuring accuracy and alignment with Commission rec ords.Prepare annual budget presentations for the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and Congress; prepare periodic budget execution reports to OMB and the Commis sion.Provide data necessary to prepare for budget hearings and performance assessment proce sses.Oversee the annual audit process, respond appropriately to audit findings, and develop ongoing audit processes designed to identify and resolve issues throughout the year.Monitor submitted reports on grant awards and outlays by location, ensuring accuracy and timeli ness.Prepare short- and long-term financial forecasts, advising Commission leadership of identified trends and cash flow considerat ions.Ensure compliance with applicable financial management standards and reporting requirem ents.Budget Development and Manag aments.Budget Development and Manag ementLead an inclusive budgeting process, involving Commission leadership and department leaders, to develop the annual operating bu dget.Prepare and submit the annual operating budget, distinguishing administrative expenses from programmatic expenses, for consideration and approval by the Commis sion.Monitor agency financial performance and budget management activities, regularly leading reconciliation work and comparing financial performance against the approved bu dget.Prepare monthly budget reports for Commission leadership, identifying potential issues for resolu tion.Lead periodic budget realignment activities as necessary to ensure appropriate use of funds and effective financial steward ship.Strategic Financial Leade ve.Strategic Financial Leade rshipServe as principal financial advisor to the Federal Co-Chair and Executive Director, providing data-driven guidance on financial strategy, risk, and organizational sustainabi lity.Support Commission leadership in presenting financial information to the Commission membership, OMB, Congress, and state part ners.Identify opportunities to strengthen financial systems, improve operational efficiency, and build financial management capacity within the organiza tion.Advise on the financial implications of programmatic decisions, contracts, and policy cha ges.Team Leadership and People Manag ementLead, manage, and develop the finance team, establishing clear performance expectations, accountability measures, and workf lows.Coach and mentor finance staff, addressing performance issues directly and constructi vely.Oversee staffing, onboarding, and professional development within the depart ment.Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and ethical con duct.Cross-Functional Coordin ationCoordinate closely with the Grants and Programs team to ensure alignment between programmatic activities and financial manage ment.Support audits, monitoring reviews, and external reporting requirements in coordination with relevant staff and oversight bo dies.Work with legal counsel, the Office of the Federal Co-Chair, and Executive Director to ensure financial practices align with Commission governance requirem ents.Serve as the Commission’s primary point of contact with Treasury, Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and other oversight entities on financial mat ters.

PERFORMANCE EXPECT

ATIONSWithin the first 12 months, the Director of Finance is expect ed to:Conduct a thorough assessment of existing financial systems, controls, and reporting processes, and implement targeted improvements to strengthen accuracy, consistency, and compl iance.Establish or refine financial policies and procedures that reflect current requirements and best practices for a federal-state commi ssion.Ensure timely and accurate financial reporting to Commission leadership and external stakeho lders.Successfully manage the annual budget process, including preparation, submission, and ongoing monit oring.Build a high-performing finance team with clear roles, expectations, and accountab ility.Develop strong working relationships with the Grants and Programs team, legal counsel, and external oversight ent ities.Operate effectively in a dynamic environment, applying sound judgment and maintaining financial integrity under conditions of uncert ainty.Employees are expected to work collaboratively across departments and maintain a high level of professionalism when engaging with state partners, grantees, and federal age tionSEducation and Exp erienceBachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, public administration, business administration, or related field from an accredited insti tution.Seven (7) or more years of progressively responsible experience in accounting, finance, or financial mana gement.Demonstrated experience managing financial operations, including budgeting, reporting, and internal co ntrols.Grant accounting and/or governmental accounting experience, preferably in a federal or federally funded setting, is highly d esired.Knowledge, Skills, and Ab ilitiesStrong knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and financial reporting sta ndards.Skilled in financial reporting and leveraging technology in developing r eports.Skilled in data analysis and in advising leadership based on trends and fi ndings.Knowledge of the federal budgeting process and accounting systems is pre ferred.Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex financial information to audiences of varying levels of financial exp ertise.Ability to manage multiple priorities and operate effectively in a dynamic envir ment.

PREFERRED QUALIIF

ICATIONSCertified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM).Experience working with federal financial management systems, Treasury, or OMB reporting requi rements.Familiarity with federal budgeting processes, appropriations, and interagency financial arran gements.Experience in a federal-state commission, regional commission, or similar entity.Demonstrated ability to build or strengthen financial systems and internal controls in a growing organ ization.Experience leading or developing a finan ce team. COM PENSATIONThe salary range for this position is $137,000 – $145,000. The Commission offers comprehensive benefits to complement the salary provided to staff. #J-18808-Ljbffr Southeast Crescent Regional Commission