Director, Accounting & Auditing

Summary: Manages, directs, coordinates and reviews as appropriate and the activities of the general accounting and auditing functions, including financial reporting and record keeping; coordinates financial accounting activities with other divisions, departments and external agencies; provides support and assistance to the Executive Director of Financial Services on complex matters.  Continually evaluates the district’s internal controls to identify control deficiencies.  Recommends improvements to CMS processes to improve the internal control system.

Essential Duties:

• Implement the Accounting and Audit departments' goals and objectives in alignment with Superintendent's goals and the district's strategic plan
• Manage, direct, organize and review as appropriate the work of assigned staff performing activities related to financial accounting, month-end close, year-end close, and reporting:
• Maintain a customer focus and commitment to continuous process improvement and streamlined workflow for the purpose of increasing operational efficiencies.
• Supervise (to include preparation and review) the compilation and analysis of various financial statements including monthly, interim and annual reports for state, local, federal and enterprise funds. Ensure technical accuracy and completeness of the financial statements. Reports include:
• Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR)
• Monthly financial statements reported to the Board of Education
• Monthly capital outlay report for submission to the County
• Various internal reporting
• Monitor and manage communications and reporting with the NC Department of Public Instruction (DPI)
• Guide, support and assist CMS schools and departments/divisions in financial matters
• Oversee state and federal sales tax filings
• Review and project cash flow, manage cash projections and forecast enterprise funds
• Participate in new projects, operational adjustments, and regulatory changes that have an impact on finance
• Research and prepare position statements/opinions on financial matters contemplated by state agencies, school system departments, professional groups and committees
• Coordinate and serve as key liaison for routine audit requests required by the external auditors
• Direct the internal audit work conducted in schools and departments
• Review reports prepared by internal auditors and conduct meetings with Principals/Department Heads as necessary to ensure compliance with accounting policies and regulations
• Assist in the development, implementation, review/assessment and/or improvement of accounting/financial systems, control systems and reporting procedures
• Motivate and evaluates personnel; provides or coordinates staff training
• Work with employees to correct deficiencies; implements discipline and termination procedures
• Performs related duties as assigned

Education and Experience:

Minimum

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting or Finance
• 5 Years of Increasingly Responsible Experience in Accounting including two years of Supervisory Responsibility

Desirable

• Master’s Degree in Accounting or Finance

Licensing / Certification Requirements: 

CPA Certificate issued by the Board of CPA Examiners

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities:

Knowledge of Accounting theory and practice, generally accepted accounting procedures, generally accepted auditing standards, federal, state and local laws regulating public finance and principles and practices of supervision.  Ability to organize, manage and implement a comprehensive accounting program, prepare and interpret complex financial statements, reports and analyses, communicate clearly, make decisions and manage time.