Assistant Controller

Overview

The Assistant Controller is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the accounting function for the SC Education Lottery, ensuring compliance with applicable state laws, regulations, policies, and generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). This position reports directly to the Director of Finance/Controller and provides leadership and oversight for Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable functions. The Assistant Controller may also perform selected duties such as financial analysis, policy development, and participation in strategic financial planning. Employment with the SC Education Lottery is at-will, and is not covered by the State Employee Grievance Procedures Act.

Duties

Accounting Operations & Financial Management

• Manage and oversee SCEL’s accounting operations, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, cash management, and related financial activities.
• Ensure accurate, timely, and compliant financial transactions and records in accordance with GAAP, state statutes, administrative rules, and internal policies.
• Review and approve journal entries, reconciliations, and financial adjustments.
• Oversee month-end and year-end closing processes, ensuring deadlines are met and reports are accurate.
• Perform cash forecasting and effectuate transfers of funds to the Education Lottery Account, and prepare various wire payments to vendors, retailers, and governmental agencies.
• Assist the SCEL Claims Center with reconciling, cancelling and reissuing prizes to paid winners.

Supervision & Leadership

• Provide direct supervision, guidance, and performance management for Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable staff, to include support through training, coaching and performance feedback.
• Establish work priorities, review workload distribution, and ensure adequate internal controls within AP and AR functions.

Financial Reporting & Analysis

• Prepare, review, and analyze financial statements, schedules, and reports.
• Coordinate with both internal and external auditors to ensure compliance with Lottery statute and GAAP.
• Conduct financial analysis to support management decision-making and identify trends, risks, or areas for improvement.
• Prepare and assist with reports to be presented to the SCEL Board of Commissioners.

Leadership Support

• Assist the Director of Finance/Controller with higher-level financial activities, to include participation in budget development, monitoring, and variance analysis.
• Contribute to the development, implementation, and interpretation of accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls.

Compliance & Process Improvement

• Ensure compliance with state and federal regulations and internal control standards.
• Identify opportunities to improve accounting processes, systems, and controls; recommend and implement enhancements.
• Support financial system upgrades, implementations, or process automation initiatives as needed.

Qualifications

A bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field, with at least 2 years of progressively responsible accounting experience. Experience in a governmental/public sector environment, or public accounting experience auditing public sector/governmental entities, is strongly preferred. The ideal candidate would hold a CPA, be in the process of obtaining a CPA, or be eligible to sit for the CPA exam. If a candidate’s CPA is in progress, employment with SCEL will satisfy the state's CPA experience requirements. Costs associated with obtaining or maintaining a CPA certification are a fully covered part of the total benefits package offered. (Additionally, a CGFM or other relevant professional certification will be considered.)

Abilities

The Assistant Controller must have: (1) Thorough knowledge of governmental accounting principles, GAAP, and state financial regulations; (2) Strong supervisory and leadership skills with the ability to manage and develop staff; (3) Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills, (4) Work collaboratively at all levels within the organization; (5) Ability to prepare and interpret complex financial reports and data; (6) Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain financial information to non-financial stakeholders.; and (6) Proficiency in financial management systems, accounting software, and Microsoft Office applications (especially Excel).