The Opportunity: The Senior Accountant provides specialized accounting leadership and operational support for Skagit Valley College’s (SVC) enterprise, auxiliary, and sponsored-service units whose financial activities require accounting treatment distinct from the College’s core academic mission. Reporting to the Director of the Business Office, this position serves as the primary accounting liaison between enterprise service units and standard Business Office processes, ensuring compliance with state, federal, and accrediting requirements while supporting operational effectiveness.

Enterprise service units—including Head Start, ECEAP, Road Scholars, McIntyre Hall, and the Bookstore—operate with complex cash flows, billing structures, regulatory environments, and stakeholder expectations. This position is designed to bridge those complexities by translating enterprise operations into compliant accounting practices, resolving non-routine issues, and proactively managing financial risk. The Senior Accountant is expected to exercise a high degree of professional judgment, independence, and diplomacy while maintaining institutional standards and internal controls.

This is a full-time, exempt position working 40 hours per week, 12 months per year. This position works for the Business Office on the main campus located in Mount Vernon, Washington.

About SVC: Established in 1926, Skagit Valley College is a comprehensive community college within the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges(SBCTC) providing associates and bachelor’s degrees, as well as certificates, in high-quality academic transfer pathways, workforce training, basic education for adults, and lifelong learning opportunities. Our equity goals align with SBCTC’s Vision statement; “Leading with racial equity, our colleges maximize student potential and transform lives within a culture of belonging that advances racial, social, and economic justice in service to our diverse communities.”

SVC's commitment to equity and social justice drives our collective work to increase access to higher education, inspire student learning and achievement, and strengthen our diverse community. We embrace equity through our core themes of access, achievement, and community by pursuing the continuous examination and revision of norms, policies, and practices to foster the success of all.

SVC aspires to reflect the diverse racial, ethnic, and linguistic demographics in the district, particularly a growing Latinx population. As an emerging Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) SVC seeks equity minded leadership, faculty, and staff that are committed to inclusive practices and to diverse environments where students from all backgrounds can thrive via multidisciplinary collaboration and the implementation of an array of services. Candidates representing all aspects of diversity are encouraged to apply.

Mission: Skagit Valley College cultivates student learning and achievement; contributes to the educational, personal, and economic success of students; and promotes equitable and thriving communities.

Vision: The primary focus of Skagit Valley College is student-centered teaching and learning. We are committed to:

• Equitable student outcomes in access, achievement, and community;
• Our Guiding Principles;
• Decisions based on strategy and evidence;
• The development of our employees;
• A diverse and inclusive college community where everyone belongs.

• An unrelenting focus on our mission to improve the lives of our students and to strengthen our diverse community.
• Support for innovative teaching, learning, and scholarship.
• Exciting opportunities for personal and career growth.
• Diverse cultural and environmental benefits of rural, suburban and urban lifestyles.
• Friendly, supportive, and diverse work environments.
• Excellent benefits including competitive leave packages and an array of health, dental, vision, and retirement plans to meet your current and future needs.

Enterprise and Auxiliary Accounting Oversight

• Serve as the primary accounting liaison for enterprise, auxiliary, and sponsored-service units, including Head Start, ECEAP, Road Scholars, McIntyre Hall, and the Bookstore;
• Provide expert guidance on accounting treatment for enterprise activities, including revenue recognition, restricted funds, cash handling, and cost allowability;
• Coordinate with enterprise unit leadership to ensure accurate and timely recording of revenues, expenses, receivables, payables, and cash activity;
• Monitor compliance with applicable federal, state, grantor, and accrediting requirements associated with enterprise operations;
• Review financial activity for trends, anomalies, and compliance risks, escalating issues with recommended solutions as appropriate;
• Support preparation for internal and external audits related to enterprise and auxiliary activities and assist with responses to audit findings.

• Provide advanced support and oversight for enterprise-related cash management, including reconciliation of receipts, deposits, and restricted cash balances;
• Oversee enterprise Accounts Receivable activity, including billing practices, aging analysis, collections coordination, and reconciliation;
• Review and support enterprise Accounts Payable transactions to ensure compliance with contract terms, grant requirements, and college policies;
• Identify process improvements to reduce errors, delays, and rework in A/R and A/P workflows associated with enterprise units;
• Serve as a subject-matter expert for non-standard transactions and complex payment scenarios.

• Ensure enterprise service activities adhere to established internal controls, segregation of duties, and documentation standards;
• Identify and address compliance risks arising from non-standard or evolving enterprise operations;
• Partner with the Director of the Business Office, Budget and Resource Management, Sponsored Activities, and Legal/Attorney General’s Office as needed to resolve compliance issues;
• Assist in developing corrective action plans and monitoring implementation when deficiencies are identified;
• Document decisions, accounting treatments, and exceptions to support audit trails and institutional transparency.

• Serve as the primary point of contact for enterprise units for non-routine accounting issues, operational challenges, and compliance questions;
• Translate college accounting policies and regulatory requirements into practical guidance for enterprise unit leaders;
• Navigate complex interpersonal dynamics with professionalism, firmness, and diplomacy, particularly in situations involving resistance to compliance requirements;
• Proactively identify emerging issues and recommend solutions before they escalate into audit, compliance, or reputational risk;
• Support training and capacity-building for enterprise unit staff related to financial processes and expectations.

• Strong knowledge of public-sector, higher education, auxiliary, or sponsored-program accounting principles;
• Advanced understanding of cash management, Accounts Receivable, and/or Accounts Payable processes;
• Ability to apply accounting standards and compliance requirements to non-standard and complex operational scenarios;
• Demonstrated skill in risk identification, internal controls, and audit preparedness;
• High level of professional judgment and ability to work independently with minimal supervision;
• Demonstrated exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to work effectively with strong personalities and diverse stakeholders;
• Ability to translate complex accounting concepts into clear, actionable guidance for non-financial audiences;
• Proficiency with enterprise resource planning systems (e.g., PeopleSoft Finance), financial reporting tools, and Microsoft Office applications;
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple priorities concurrently.

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate’s degree;
• Three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in accounting, financial operations, or fiscal management within a public-sector, higher education, nonprofit, or similarly regulated environment;
• Demonstrated experience with cash management, Accounts Receivable, and/ or Accounts Payable;
• Experience applying accounting policies, compliance requirements, and internal controls in complex or non-routine situations;
• Or a combination of education and experience that is equivalent to three (3) years of experience in a financial or related role.

• 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.

Salary and Benefits:

• Annual salary rate for this twelve-month, 100% full-time position is $80,000 - $90,000, depending on experience;
• Contracts are written annually for the period of July 1 to June 30. This position will be filled as soon as practical after a candidate is identified and the salary will be pro-rated for the remaining contract period.
• This position is exempt from civil service. This position is eligible for overtime.
• Salary, retirement, medical, and insurance benefits are provided in accordance with state regulations and may be subject to change in accordance with legislative mandates. Additional information on benefits can be found at https://fortress.wa.gov/hca/pebbhealthplan/compare.aspx.

1. Meet the minimum qualifications and;
2. Submit a complete application to the online recruitment system at www.skagit.edu that includes the following:
   • The online application, which includes answers to all supplemental questions and contact information for at least three (3) professional references;
   • A current resume; (Attachment: Resume);
   • A letter of interest addressing the minimum, desired qualifications, and your education and experience as it supports the responsibilities of this position; (Attachment: Cover Letter).

• Prior to employment, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. 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.
  
  Additionally, pursuant to RCW 28B.112.080, applicants must declare whether they are the subject of any substantiated findings of sexual misconduct in any current or former employment or are currently being investigated for, or have left a position during an investigation into, a violation of any sexual misconduct policy at the applicant’s current or past employer. By law, post-secondary education institutions cannot hire an applicant who refuses to declare the existence or non-existence of an investigation or findings subject to this statute.

• In the interest of providing a healthy, safe and secure educational and work environment, and in order to meet the requirements of federal legislation, it is the policy of Skagit Valley College to maintain an alcohol and drug-free workplace for our employees and students.
• If hired you will be required to provide proof of identity and documentation of U.S. Citizenship or appropriate authorization to work in this position as required by the Immigration Reform Control Act of 1986.
• Completion of academic degree(s) will be verified through receipt of official transcripts at the time of hire.