Title: Deputy Director of Accounting

State Role Title: Financial Services Manager II / 19035

Hiring Range: $120,000 - $140,000 annually

Pay Band: 6

Agency: Virginia Employment Commission

Location: VEC CENTRAL OFFICE

Agency Website: https://www.vec.virginia.gov/

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

In a shared services environment, the Finance Office is led by the Director of Finance, who serves as the Controller for the agency, playing a vital role on the Executive Team. The Director of Finance is responsible for the oversight and management of annual appropriations, ensuring the integrity and transparency of financial reporting. The Finance Office is also a strategic business partner within the shared services framework.

The Deputy Director of Accounting aims to streamline financial processes, enhance efficiency, and ensure compliance with state and federal regulations. By leading the accounting team, the Deputy Director fosters collaboration among shared service partners to meet organizational goals. The objective is to provide accurate financial insights, optimize resource allocation, and support strategic decision-making, ultimately ensuring the financial health and sustainability of all agencies served. Through effective communication and partnership with internal stakeholders, the Deputy Director will drive continuous improvement and promote a culture of accountability and transparency in financial operations.

The Deputy Director leads the AP functions, Cost Management Accounting, Payroll, MOA/IFA functions, Shared Services and ARMICS ensuring all accounting and reporting functions are executed effectively.

This role provides executive-level support to the Director of Finance and serves as a back-up to the Director.

The Deputy Director ensures compliance with all state and federal financial regulations and collaborates with internal and external partners to address business needs and enhance the agency’s financial performance.

The Deputy Director will work in a collaborative office environment and may require occasional travel to represent the agency at meetings or conferences. The position may also involve extended hours to meet operational needs and deadlines

The Deputy Director of Accounting plays a crucial role in ensuring the financial integrity, operational efficiency, and strategic growth of the agency and shared services. This role also emphasizes the importance of transparency and accountability in financial practices, ensuring that all financial activities align with the organization’s strategic objectives and contribute to its overall mission. Through effective leadership, the Deputy Director will cultivate a high-performing team committed to excellence in service delivery and continuous improvement.

The following objectives are designed to align with the broader goals of the finance department and the agency as a whole:

Key Responsibilities:

-Ensure Accurate and Timely Financial Activities and Reporting

• Objective: Lead the preparation and review of accurate, comprehensive, and timely financial statements in accordance with GAAP and organizational policies.

• Success Metrics: Monthly and quarterly financial reports submitted on time with minimal revisions; zero significant discrepancies or audit findings in financial reporting.

-Enhance Internal Controls and Compliance/ARMICS

• Objective: Strengthen internal controls to mitigate financial risk, improve accuracy, and ensure compliance with relevant regulatory standards and company policies.

• Success Metrics: Successful internal and external audit results; no material weaknesses or significant deficiencies in internal controls; full compliance with applicable financial regulations.

-Improve Accounting Process Efficiency

• Objective: Identify and implement process improvements and automation within accounting workflows to enhance operational efficiency, reduce errors, and improve the accuracy of financial data.

• Success Metrics: Reduction in manual accounting processes; decreased time required for month-end close; measurable improvements in workflow efficiency.

-Support Strategic Financial Planning and Analysis

• Objective: Assist in the development of financial forecasts, and long-term financial strategies that align with the organization’s strategic goals.

• Success Metrics: Successful collaboration on annual budgeting and forecasting process; accurate variance analysis and timely adjustments to financial strategies as needed.

-Leadership and Team Development

• Objective: Provide leadership, mentorship, and professional development opportunities for the accounting team to improve skills, foster collaboration, and enhance department performance.

• Success Metrics: Positive feedback from team members; improved team performance metrics; successful completion of training and development initiatives.

-Drive Financial Data Integration and Reporting Tools

• Objective: Lead efforts to implement or upgrade financial systems, including ERP platforms, to improve data accuracy, financial reporting capabilities, and decision-making.

• Success Metrics: Successful implementation of system upgrades or new financial systems; measurable improvements in data reporting accuracy and timeliness.

-Foster Cross-Departmental Collaboration

• Objective: Serve as a key liaison between the accounting department and other functional areas to ensure alignment on financial goals, budgeting, and operational processes.

• Success Metrics: Effective communication and cooperation with other departments; resolution of cross-functional financial challenges; improved stakeholder satisfaction.

-Maintain High Standards of Ethical Financial Practices

• Objective: Ensure the organization’s financial practices uphold the highest ethical standards, promoting transparency, honesty, and integrity in all accounting activities.

• Success Metrics: No ethical violations or conflicts of interest within the accounting team; positive reputation for financial transparency both internally and externally.

-Contribute to Long-Term Strategic Growth

• Objective: Collaborate with senior leadership to support strategic decision-making and growth initiatives by providing financial insights, data analysis, and recommendations based on financial performance.

• Success Metrics: Active participation in planning sessions; actionable financial insights that directly contribute to growth opportunities and risk mitigation.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA)

Accounting Principles: Extensive knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and governmental accounting standards, including financial reporting requirements.

Financial Management: Proficient in finance operations, and related state and federal regulations, including the Department of Accounts, Planning and Budget, Auditor of Public Accounts, and Labor.

Accounting Expertise: Familiarity with Virginia accounting policies and practices, including Accounts Payable (AP) and cost accounting.

Grants Accounting: Knowledge of federal grant requirements and the ability to manage grants in compliance with applicable regulations.

Internal Controls: Strong understanding of internal control frameworks, audit standards, and compliance policies, with the ability to implement and oversee these practices effectively.

Analytical Skills: Demonstrated ability to analyze complex financial data, identify trends and issues, and make sound recommendations based on findings.

Financial Reporting: Proficient in preparing detailed financial reports and statements, ensuring accuracy and adherence to reporting standards.

Technical Proficiency: Experience with financial management systems and software, including proficiency in data analysis tools and Microsoft Office Suite.

Competencies

Leadership: Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire and guide a finance team, fostering a culture of collaboration and accountability.

Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively present financial information to diverse audiences, including senior executives and external stakeholders.

Analytical & Problem-Solving: Strong analytical skills with the ability to identify issues, analyze complex financial data and develop actionable solutions. Proven ability to identify financial issues, negotiate resolutions, and implement effective solutions in a timely manner.

Interpersonal Skills: Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with senior-level executives, staff, and various stakeholders to facilitate collaboration and achieve common goals.

Ethical Standards: Commitment to maintaining professional ethics related to confidentiality and integrity in all financial dealings.

Training and Development: Skill in developing and delivering training and technical assistance to staff and stakeholders on financial policies and procedures.

Process Improvement: Capacity to evaluate and implement cost-effective process improvements to enhance efficiency and service delivery within the finance function.

Attention to Detail: Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy in financial reporting and analysis.

Organizational Skills: Ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and work under tight deadlines.

Discretion & Confidentiality: Ability to handle sensitive financial information with professionalism and confidentiality.

Additional Considerations

Experience in Oracle e-Business Suite, Cardinal, eVA, FAACS, LAS and state budgeting and financial reporting.

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

Diversity and inclusivity are at the heart of what we do in Virginia, and the VEC is committed to upholding these values in our employment opportunities across the Commonwealth to people from all backgrounds, including all races, ethnicities, genders, and abilities.

The Virginia Employment Commission Is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Program, and a Virginia Values Veterans (V3) certified employer. AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service alumni are encouraged to apply.

The selected candidate must successfully pass a comprehensive background check including an FBI fingerprint background investigation.

Applications for this position must be submitted electronically through this website. Mailed, emailed, faxed, or hand delivered applications and résumés will not be accepted.

Applications are not accepted after the recruitment closing date.

Please carefully review the details of this recruitment including the location of the position and the posted salary before applying. VEC does not provide relocation assistance, and no salary will be offered outside of the posted salary range / flat rate.

Consideration for an interview is based solely on the information within the application (and/or resume). You must ensure your application/resume includes the scope of your experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities as it relates to the position you are applying for. Information not stated will not be assumed.

This website will provide a confirmation of receipt when the application is submitted for consideration.

For the status of your application and this position, please refer to your Jobs.Virginia.Gov account. We do not provide application status updates via email or telephone.

Auxiliary Aids and Services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.
Applicants needing accommodations should contact the Human Resource office for additional information.

The VEC does not provide sponsorship; therefore, applicants must be a citizen or national of the U.S., a Lawful Permanent Resident, or an alien authorized to work in the US.

NOTICE: VEC will record information from each new employee’s Form I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification) into the Federal E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.

Contact Information

Name: Human Resources / Recruitment

Phone: For the most up-to-date status of your application, please refer to your Jobs.Virginia.Gov account. We do not provide application status updates via phone.

Email: Careers@vec.virginia.gov for recruitment related questions. Emailed applications, resumes, or cover letters will not be accepted. For the most up-to-date status of your application, please refer to your Jobs.Virginia.Gov account.

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.