Senior Accountant

Senior Accountant

Salary

$80,000.00 - $90,000.00 Annually

Location

Mount Vernon Campus, Mount Vernon, WA

Job Type

Exempt

Job Number

E26-012

Department

Business Office

Opening Date

05/13/2026

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Position Summary

The Opportunity: The Senior Accountant provides specialized accounting leadership and operational support for Skagit Valley Colleges (SVC) enterprise, auxiliary, and sponsored-service units whose financial activities require accounting treatment distinct from the Colleges 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 unitsincluding Head Start, ECEAP, Road Scholars, McIntyre Hall, and the Bookstoreoperate 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 bachelors 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 SBCTCs 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.

SVCs 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.

The Location: Skagit Valley College is on the traditional and unceded territories of the Coast Salish Peoples, especially on Swinomish Indian Tribal Community, Upper Skagit Indian Tribe, Samish Indian Nation, Nooksack Indian Tribe and Sauk-Suiattle Indian Tribe. Located in a geographically diverse region between the dynamic metropolitan hubs of Seattle and Vancouver, BC, SVC is never far from world-class outdoor recreation, urban arts scenes, and local cultural events. SVC serves our local communities with a campus in Mount Vernon, Oak Harbor on Whidbey Island, and centers in Friday Harbor, a Marine Technology Center in Anacortes, and a Brewing Academy in Burlington.

Guiding Principles: Respect, Integrity, Open and Honest Communication, Collaboration, and Compassion.

Did You Know: Skagit Valley College is an innovative community college committed to offering inclusive access to educational opportunities, supporting student achievement, and engaging our community. SVC is nationally known for learning communities and support for high impact teaching practices that improve the lives of our students. We are committed to creating student learning experiences that foster equity and diversity to strengthen our local and global communities. We practice a high degree of collaboration among faculty, staff, and administrators to lead initiatives that advance student success and strengthen our increasingly diverse district. We value student and colleague engagement in creating an equitable, diverse, innovative, learning-centered environment.

Skagit Valley College offers:

• 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.

Duties and Responsibilities

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.

Cash Management, Accounts Receivable, and Accounts Payable

• 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.

Compliance, Controls, and Risk Management

• 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 Generals 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.

Liaison, Consultation, and One-Off Problem Resolution

• 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.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• 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.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Associates 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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, Benefits, Conditions of Employment, Application Procedure, About SVC

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.

Application Deadline: Priority screening will begin after May 31, 2026. Applications received on or before this date will receive first consideration. Applications received after the screening date may be considered until the position is filled.

Please be aware that the College hiring authorities reserve the right to hire one or more candidates and may exercise the option to make a hiring decision prior to the conclusion of the recruitment process. Only candidates selected to interview will be contacted.

Priority Screening Date: May 31, 2026

Interviews with Committee: TBD

Finalist Interviews: TBD

Anticipated Start Date: July 2026

Application Procedure:

To be considered for this position, applicants must:

• Meet the minimum qualifications and;
• 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).

In order to be considered for the position, you must complete the online application in full and attach the required supplemental documents. Failure to provide this information may eliminate you from consideration for this position.

Conditions of Employment:

• 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 applicants 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 applicants 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.

Application Assistance: If you have questions about the position or require special accommodation, you may contact Human Resources at (360) 416-7794, Monday through Thursday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Pacific Time. SVC complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Applicants with disabilities who require assistance with the recruitment process may leave a TDD/TTY message at (360) 416-7718 by the application closing date. Information on SVCs Reasonable Accommodation policy can be found at OPPM 3040.

For questions regarding the online application system, you may call NEOGOV Applicant Tech Support at (855) 524-5627 from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Pacific Time. For best results, apply using one of the following browsers supported by NEOGOV: Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, Microsoft Edge, and later versions of Internet Explorer.

SVC Annual Security Report: The U.S. Department of Education and the federal Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act require all colleges to provide information to current and prospective students and employees about campus safety policies, procedures, and statistics on certain crimes, including hate crimes, domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, and sexual assault. We are required to report our campus security information and statistics in an Annual Security Report, which is updated annually each October. All prospective employees may obtain a copy of the Annual Security Report from the Human Resources Office by calling (360) 416-7794 or by accessing the Report at:https://www.skagit.edu/about/safety-security-parking/

Skagit Valley College is an equal-opportunity employer and is committed to providing equitable opportunities for all groups in terms and conditions of employment and personnel practices.

Skagit Valley College provides a drug-free environment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity, pregnancy, genetic information, age, marital status, disability, honorably discharged veteran or military status in its programs and employment. For inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies, contact Carolyn Tucker, Vice President of Human Resources/EEO, 360.416.7794 or carolyn.tucker@skagit.edu. For inquiries regarding sexual misconduct compliance, contact Title IX Coordinator, Sandy Jordan, 360.416.7923 or sandy.jordan@skagit.edu. Mailing address: 2405 E. College Way, Mount Vernon, WA 98273. All faculty and staff hired at Skagit Valley College are encouraged to embrace, continually support, and enhance diversity and equity on our campus and in our community. Annual Notice of Non-Discrimination.

Why work at Skagit Valley College?

Nestled between the Cascade Mountains and Puget Sound in the northwest corner of Washington State, Skagit Valley College offers a unique and highly regarded transfer curriculum and professional-technical programs that respond to the workforce needs of the region. The College celebrates diversity in its staff and students, and adheres to a set of guiding principles: respect, integrity, open and honest communication, and collaboration.

Benefits

Skagit Valley College offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes high-value medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and their eligible dependents with affordable monthly premiums. Basic life and long-term disability insurances are provided with the option to purchase additional coverage at a low employee cost. Flexible spending account and dependent care assistance programs are also available.

We help you prepare for life after your career by offering an excellent retirement plan, which includes employer contributions. In addition, employees have the option to participate in two tax-deferred retirement investment programs.

Personal and Professional Development

Staff development and personal growth are encouraged at Skagit Valley College. Training opportunities are offered to build employee competencies and develop leadership capacity. A professional development funds program and participation in the State Employee Tuition Waiver program provide further potential for personal and career growth.

A Full Work/Life Package

Pay, benefits, flexibility, and workplace opportunities to help you get the most out of your career and out of life.

01

Select from below the options that best describe your highest education attained.

• Not applicable.
• High School diploma, GED, or equivalent.
• Some college: one (1) to two (2) years of college.
• Some college: three (3) to four (4) years or more of college.
• Associates degree or equivalent.
• Bachelors degree or equivalent.
• Masters degree, or higher degree.

02

Specify the field of study of your highest education attained if applicable, or if further clarification is needed relating to your highest education attained, please describe in the text box below (if not applicable, type "n/a").

03

Select from below the options that best describe your experience in accounting, financial operations, or fiscal management within a public-sector, higher education, nonprofit, or similarly regulated environment.

• None / not applicable - no relevant experience, or related experience.
• 1 month to 6 months of experience.
• 6 months to 11 months of experience.
• 12 months to 23 months of experience.
• 24 months to 35 months of experience.
• 36 months to 47 months of experience.
• 48 months to 59 months of experience.
• 60 months or more of experience.

04

In the text box below, describe how you meet this qualification: Experience in accounting, financial operations, or fiscal management within a public-sector, higher education, nonprofit, or similarly regulated environment. Responses such as "see resume" or similar may be considered incomplete and result in disqualification.

05

In the text box below, describe how you meet this qualification: Experience with cash management, Accounts Receivable, and/ or Accounts Payable. Responses such as "see resume" or similar may be considered incomplete and result in disqualification.

06

In the text box below, type or paste your response to the following question: Skagit Valley College is committed to promoting the success of diverse students and employees. Describe ways in which you have used your position and privilege to create opportunities for people of diverse social identities (race, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, class, ability status, etc.) and/or engaged in conversations about diversity. Examples include creating programs, acting as a mentor, developing equity-based curriculum or training, changing institutional policies, engaging diverse communities, etc. Please limit your response to a maximum of two pages equivalent. You do not need to include your response as a separate attachment in addition to typing or pasting it here Responses such as "see resume" or similar may be considered incomplete and result in disqualification.

07

I acknowledge that SVC reserves the right to determine the work modality for each position. The individual selected for this role must reside in Washington State or have the ability to relocate.

• Yes, I reside in Washington State.
• No, I do not reside in Washington State but I have the ability to relocate.
• No, I do not reside in Washington State and do not have the ability to relocate.

08

I acknowledge that I have read the application procedure found in the job announcement. In order to be considered for this position, I understand that I must complete the online application, which includes the names and contact information for at least three (3) professional references, responses to the supplemental questions, and the following documents as attachments: a) A current resume; b) A letter of interest addressing the minimum, desired qualifications, and your education and experience as it supports the responsibilities of this position.

• I understand the application requirements.

Required Question

Employer Skagit Valley College

Address 2405 E College Way

Mount Vernon, Washington, 98273

Website http://www.skagit.edu