Salary: $110,800.00 - $180,000.00 Annually
Location : Lexington County, SC
Job Type: FTE - Full-Time
Job Number: 187975
Agency: Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities
Opening Date: 05/22/2026
Closing Date: 6/7/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Agency Specific Application Procedures:: Please complete the online application.
Class Code:: AN15
Position Number::
Normal Work Schedule:: Monday - Friday (8:30 - 5:00)
Pay Grade: GEN14
Hiring Range - Min.: $110,800.00
Hiring Range - Max.: $180,000.00
Opening Date: 05/01/2026

Job Responsibilities
The Controller serves as the department's chief accounting officer and is responsible for the oversight, integrity, and standardization of all accounting functions across the South Carolina Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities. This position leads department-wide accounting operations, establishes financial controls, and ensures compliance with all applicable governmental accounting standards.

The Controller provides strategic direction for accounting policies, financial reporting, and internal controls across a complex system that includes mental health centers, regional disability service centers, autism residential homes, and state operated hospitals.
Key Responsibilities
Accounting Operations and Oversight 30%
• Direct and manage all department wide accounting functions, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll coordination, fixed asset management, capital project accounting and financial reporting. Supervise central accounting staff and provide technical guidance to regional and facility level finance personnel.
• Ensure the accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of all financial transactions and reporting activities
• Oversee month end and year end close processes across all divisions and facilities
Financial Reporting 25%
• Lead the preparation of comprehensive financial statements and reports in accordance with governmental accounting standards
• Ensure compliance with reporting requirements set forth by state oversight bodies and applicable federal agencies
• Coordinate the consolidation of financial data across all programs and facilities
Internal Controls and Compliance 15%
• Design, implement, and maintain a robust system of internal controls to safeguard assets and ensure financial integrity
• Ensure compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) requirements, and state financial policies
• Monitor adherence to accounting policies and procedures across all regions and facilities
Audit Coordination 15%
• Serve as the primary point of contact for external auditors and oversight entities
• Lead the preparation for annual financial audits, Single Audits, and other reviews
• Ensure timely resolution of audit findings and implementation of corrective actions
Policy Development and Standardization 10%
• Develop, implement, and maintain standardized accounting policies and procedures across the department (SOW's, SOP's, etc.)
• Promote consistency in accounting practices across mental health, disability services, autism services, and hospital operations. Identify opportunities to streamline processes, improve reporting capabilities, and enhance data integrity
• Continuously evaluate and improve accounting systems and processes and support implementation of new financial systems or upgrades as needed.
Performs other duties as assigned 5%
Minimum and Additional Requirements
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field
• Extensive experience in accounting, financial reporting, or governmental finance
• Demonstrated experience managing complex accounting operations
• Previous Senior Leadership Experience in management of a sizeable Accounting Staff
Preferred Qualifications
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation
• Master's degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration
• Experience with governmental accounting and GASB standards
• Experience in healthcare, behavioral health, or public sector environments
• Deep knowledge of GAAP, GASB, and governmental accounting principles
• Strong understanding of internal controls and audit processes
• Ability to manage large scale, multi-entity accounting systems
• High level attention to detail and commitment to accuracy
• Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills
Additional Comments
Work Environment

This position is primarily office based with coordination responsibilities across central office and regional operations. Occasional travel may be required.

Impact of the Role

The Controller is critical in ensuring the financial integrity and transparency of the department. By establishing strong accounting standards and controls, this role safeguards public funds, supports compliance, and provides the reliable financial information necessary to guide leadership decisions and sustain essential behavioral health and developmental disability services across South Carolina.

The Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities offers an exceptional benefits package for full time (FTE) employees:

• Health, dental, vision, long-term disability, and life insurance for employees, spouse, and children. Clickfor additional information.
• 15 days annual (vacation) leave per year
• 15 days sick leave per year
• 13 paid holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• S.C. Deferred Compensation Program available
• Retirement benefit choices *
  • State Retirement Plan
  • State Optional Retirement Program

Benefits for State Employees
The state of South Carolina offers eligible employees generous benefits, including health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid vacation and sick leave. Plus, work-life balance programs such as telecommuting and flexible work schedules are available to employees of some state agencies.

Insurance Benefits
Eligible employees may enroll in health insurance, which includes prescription coverage and wellness benefits. Other available insurance benefits include dental, vision, term life insurance, long term disability and flexible spending accounts for health and child care expenses.

Retirement Benefits
State employees are also offered retirement plan options, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans. Additionally, eligible employees may elect to participate in the South Carolina Deferred Compensation Program, which is a voluntary, supplemental retirement savings plan offering 401(k) and 457 plan options.

Workplace Benefits
State employees may also be eligible for other benefits, including tuition assistance; holiday, annual and sick leave; and discounts on purchases, travel and more.

Note: The benefits above are available to most state employees, with the exception of those in temporary positions. Employees in temporary grant and time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some or none of these benefits as benefits are associated with each position type. For these positions, contact the hiring agency to determine what benefits may be available.