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 expertise.

Reports to: Executive Director

Location: Columbia, SC


PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Financial Management and Accounting

• Develop and implement all financial policies and procedures for the organization based on applicable requirements, audit recommendations, or internal control reviews
• Design and maintain internal controls for the finance department and for the organization related to financial matters.
• Perform periodic risk assessments of internal controls and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Oversee all financial operations of the Commission, including accounts payable, general ledger management, cash management, and bank reconciliation.
• Manage the processing of all Commission obligations and payments in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).
• Oversee interagency transfers of funds by SF 1151 or IPAC, and develop interagency agreement provisions governing financial transactions.
• 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 purchases.
• Calculate, monitor, and report annual assessments collectable from states; prepare formula allocations of appropriated funds for grants, administration, and discretionary programs.
• Collaborate with the Director of Grants and Programs to establish procedures promoting timely post-award grant reimbursement activities and closeouts

Financial Reporting and Regulatory Compliance

• Prepare timely and accurate monthly and annual financial statements and management reports for the Commission.
• Review monthly and annual reports from the financial service provider, ensuring accuracy and alignment with Commission records.
• Prepare annual budget presentations for the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and Congress; prepare periodic budget execution reports to OMB and the Commission.
• Provide data necessary to prepare for budget hearings and performance assessment processes.
• 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 timeliness.
• Prepare short- and long-term financial forecasts, advising Commission leadership of identified trends and cash flow considerations.
• Ensure compliance with applicable financial management standards and reporting requirements.

Budget Development and Management

• Lead an inclusive budgeting process, involving Commission leadership and department leaders, to develop the annual operating budget.
• Prepare and submit the annual operating budget, distinguishing administrative expenses from programmatic expenses, for consideration and approval by the Commission.
• Monitor agency financial performance and budget management activities, regularly leading reconciliation work and comparing financial performance against the approved budget.
• Prepare monthly budget reports for Commission leadership, identifying potential issues for resolution.
• Lead periodic budget realignment activities as necessary to ensure appropriate use of funds and effective financial stewardship.

Strategic Financial Leadership

• Serve as principal financial advisor to the Federal Co-Chair and Executive Director, providing data-driven guidance on financial strategy, risk, and organizational sustainability.
• Support Commission leadership in presenting financial information to the Commission membership, OMB, Congress, and state partners.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen financial systems, improve operational efficiency, and build financial management capacity within the organization.
• Advise on the financial implications of programmatic decisions, contracts, and policy changes.

Team Leadership and People Management

• Lead, manage, and develop the finance team, establishing clear performance expectations, accountability measures, and workflows.
• Coach and mentor finance staff, addressing performance issues directly and constructively.
• Oversee staffing, onboarding, and professional development within the department.
• Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and ethical conduct.

Cross-Functional Coordination

• Coordinate closely with the Grants and Programs team to ensure alignment between programmatic activities and financial management.
• Support audits, monitoring reviews, and external reporting requirements in coordination with relevant staff and oversight bodies.
• Work with legal counsel, the Office of the Federal Co-Chair, and Executive Director to ensure financial practices align with Commission governance requirements.
• Serve as the Commission’s primary point of contact with Treasury, Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and other oversight entities on financial matters.

Within the first 12 months, the Director of Finance is expected to:

• Conduct a thorough assessment of existing financial systems, controls, and reporting processes, and implement targeted improvements to strengthen accuracy, consistency, and compliance.
• Establish or refine financial policies and procedures that reflect current requirements and best practices for a federal-state commission.
• Ensure timely and accurate financial reporting to Commission leadership and external stakeholders.
• Successfully manage the annual budget process, including preparation, submission, and ongoing monitoring.
• Build a high-performing finance team with clear roles, expectations, and accountability.
• Develop strong working relationships with the Grants and Programs team, legal counsel, and external oversight entities.
• Operate effectively in a dynamic environment, applying sound judgment and maintaining financial integrity under conditions of uncertainty.
• Employees are expected to work collaboratively across departments and maintain a high level of professionalism when engaging with state partners, grantees, and federal agencies.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, public administration, business administration, or related field from an accredited institution.
• Seven (7) or more years of progressively responsible experience in accounting, finance, or financial management.
• Demonstrated experience managing financial operations, including budgeting, reporting, and internal controls.
• Grant accounting and/or governmental accounting experience, preferably in a federal or federally funded setting, is highly desired.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and financial reporting standards.
• Skilled in financial reporting and leveraging technology in developing reports.
• Skilled in data analysis and in advising leadership based on trends and findings.
• Knowledge of the federal budgeting process and accounting systems is preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex financial information to audiences of varying levels of financial expertise.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and operate effectively in a dynamic environment.

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM).
• Experience working with federal financial management systems, Treasury, or OMB reporting requirements.
• Familiarity with federal budgeting processes, appropriations, and interagency financial arrangements.
• 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 organization.
• Experience leading or developing a finance team.

The salary range for this position is $137,000 – $145,000. The Commission offers comprehensive benefits to complement the salary provided to staff.