ASSOCIATE DEAN OF FINANCE OPERATIONS

BARGAINING UNIT: MEA Administrator Level VI, pending classification

 

 

STARTING SALARY RANGE: $61,208 - $79,863

 

 

DEPARTMENT: Finance

 

 

REPORTS TO: Dean of Finance

 

 

BENEFITS: 100% employer paid health, dental and life insurance for employees (spouse/domestic partner/dependent coverage also available), vision insurance, choice of Maine Public Employees Retirement System or TIAA CREF in lieu of social security, generous vacation/personal/sick time allowances, 13 paid holidays, professional development, and free tuition within the MCCS for employees, spouse and dependents. SMCC summary of benefits 2025.pdf

 

 

 

POSITION SUMMARY: The Associate Dean of Finance Operations serves as a key operational leader within the Finance division, responsible for overseeing the day-to-day accounting functions, financial processes, and staff management that ensure the accuracy, integrity, and efficiency of the College’s financial operations.  Reporting to the Dean of Finance, this role translates strategic priorities into effective operational practices, strengthens internal controls, and ensures compliance with all regulatory and audit requirements.  This position plays a critical role in advancing the College’s strategic priorities by ensuring financial systems and processes support student success, operational excellence, and long-term institutional sustainability.

 

 

 

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Financial Operations & Accounting Oversight

Oversee all core accounting functions, including general ledger, reconciliations, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and cash management.  Ensure timely and accurate month-end and year-end close processes.  Maintain the integrity of financial data and ensure compliance with applicable regulations, policies, and accounting standards.  Lead preparation for audits and serve as primary liaison for external auditors.  Monitor and strengthen internal controls to mitigate risk and ensure accountability.  Oversee management of restricted funds, grants, and designated accounts.  

 

 

• Systems, Reporting & Process Improvement

Lead optimization and effective use of financial systems, including ERP platforms and reporting tools. Identify process inefficiencies and implement improvements to increase accuracy and efficiency.  Ensure timely access to financial data and reporting to support institutional decision making.  Collaborate with internal stakeholders to align financial operations with broader institutional needs. 

 

 

 

 

• Strategic & Operational Support

Partner with the Dean of Finance to implement strategic financial initiatives.  Provide analysis, reporting, and operational insights to support planning and resource allocation.  Support budget development and monitoring processes through accurate financial data and reporting.  Serve as a key operational leader in the absence of the Dean, as appropriate.

 

• People Leadership & Team Management

Supervise and lead finance and accounting staff, establishing clear expectations, workflows, and accountability.  Build and maintain comprehensive standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure consistency and continuity.  Support staff development, training, and cross-functional knowledge sharing.  Foster a collaborative, service-oriented culture within the finance team.

 

 

 

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a closely related field.  Demonstrated experience managing staff and leading operational teams.  Strong knowledge of accounting principles, financial reporting, and internal controls.

 

 

 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

 

 

 

 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Minimum 7-10 years of experience in accounting or financial operations
• 7-10 years of progressively responsible experience in accounting, financial operations, or related leadership roles preferred
• Experience in higher education, government, or other complex organizational environments
• Experience with enterprise financial systems (ERP), reporting tools, and process improvement initiatives

 

 

 

 

WHY WORK AT SMCC:

SMCC offers meaningful work in a mission-driven environment where employees are valued for their expertise, commitment, and care for students.  SMCC employees benefit from a collegial workplace, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to make a direct impact on student’s lives and Maine’s workforce.

 

 

 

ABOUT SMCC:

SMCC is Maine’s largest community college and a member of the Maine Community College System.  SMCC is dedicated to providing accessible, affordable, and high-quality education that prepares students for careers, transfer, and lifelong learning.

 

 

 

MISSION, VISSION, & STRATEGICE ANCHORS:

SMCC is guided by a student-ready philosophy and a commitment to equity, access, and excellence.  Our work is grounded in three strategic anchors:

• Students - Supporting access, success, completion, and well-being
• People - Investing in a supportive, inclusive, and engaged workforce
• Community – Strengthening partnerships and responding to regional workforce and community needs

 

 

 

RECOVERY FRIENDLY WORKPLACE

SMCC is proud to be a Recovery Friendly Workplace.  We are committed to fostering an inclusive, supportive environment that values the unique experience and contributions of individuals from all walks of life.  At SMCC, we believe in empowering all members of our community to thrive and succeed in both their professional and personal journey

 

 

 

 

 

 

EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY:  In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. Currently, SMCC is unable to sponsor or assume sponsorship of an employment visa. 

 

 

 

 

THINKING ABOUT APPLYING?

Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting. If you’re currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your lived experience and passion set you apart.

 

 

 

SMCC is an Equal Opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive and non-discriminatory environment for all employees. We provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. For more information, please contact 207-741-5568.

 

 

 

 

APPLICATION PROCESS: Review of applications will begin May 5, 2026 and will continue until the position is filled. Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, resume and a list of three professional references. 

Apply Here

 

 

Southern Maine Community College

Attention:  Human Resources

                                                            2 Fort Road, South Portland, ME  04106

smcchumanresource@mainecc.edu

Qualifications:

POSITION SUMMARY: The Associate Dean of Finance Operations serves as a key operational leader within the Finance division, responsible for overseeing the day-to-day accounting functions, financial processes, and staff management that ensure the accuracy, integrity, and efficiency of the College’s financial operations.  Reporting to the Dean of Finance, this role translates strategic priorities into effective operational practices, strengthens internal controls, and ensures compliance with all regulatory and audit requirements.  This position plays a critical role in advancing the College’s strategic priorities by ensuring financial systems and processes support student success, operational excellence, and long-term institutional sustainability.

 

 

 

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Financial Operations & Accounting Oversight

Oversee all core accounting functions, including general ledger, reconciliations, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and cash management.  Ensure timely and accurate month-end and year-end close processes.  Maintain the integrity of financial data and ensure compliance with applicable regulations, policies, and accounting standards.  Lead preparation for audits and serve as primary liaison for external auditors.  Monitor and strengthen internal controls to mitigate risk and ensure accountability.  Oversee management of restricted funds, grants, and designated accounts.  

 

 

 

• Systems, Reporting & Process Improvement

Lead optimization and effective use of financial systems, including ERP platforms and reporting tools. Identify process inefficiencies and implement improvements to increase accuracy and efficiency.  Ensure timely access to financial data and reporting to support institutional decision making.  Collaborate with internal stakeholders to align financial operations with broader institutional needs. 

 

 

 

• Strategic & Operational Support

Partner with the Dean of Finance to implement strategic financial initiatives.  Provide analysis, reporting, and operational insights to support planning and resource allocation.  Support budget development and monitoring processes through accurate financial data and reporting.  Serve as a key operational leader in the absence of the Dean, as appropriate.

 

 

 

• People Leadership & Team Management

Supervise and lead finance and accounting staff, establishing clear expectations, workflows, and accountability.  Build and maintain comprehensive standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure consistency and continuity.  Support staff development, training, and cross-functional knowledge sharing.  Foster a collaborative, service-oriented culture within the finance team.

 

 

 

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a closely related field.  Demonstrated experience managing staff and leading operational teams.  Strong knowledge of accounting principles, financial reporting, and internal controls.

 

 

 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

 

 

 

 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Minimum 7-10 years of experience in accounting or financial operations
• 7-10 years of progressively responsible experience in accounting, financial operations, or related leadership roles preferred
• Experience in higher education, government, or other complex organizational environments
• Experience with enterprise financial systems (ERP), reporting tools, and process improvement initiatives

 

 

Salary : $61,208 - $79,863