Whatcom Community College (WCC) is a public associate and applied baccalaureate degree granting institution with an accomplished faculty and staff who serve 11,000 students annually on its beautiful 72-acre campus in Bellingham, Washington. WCC's core themes - achieving success, building community, advancing equity, and enhancing effectiveness - describe the College's values and goals to create a thriving learning community that supports excellence, opportunity, and equity for students, faculty, and staff. Whatcom offers transfer degrees, an applied baccalaureate degree, professional and technical training programs, basic education, job skills, and community and continuing education classes. Programs and courses are offered through face-to-face, hybrid, and online modalities to promote access for a diverse student population. The College is committed to equal opportunity and believes diversity of experiences and cultures enrich our campus community. WCC has been selected as one of the top 150 community colleges in the country by the Aspen Institute based on its outstanding and equitable student outcomes (Aspen Institute, 2011, 2013, 2015, 2017). The College is accredited by The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. For more information about WCC, please visit www.whatcom.edu

The Community:

Whatcom's campus is located in Bellingham (population 86,720). Bellingham showcases a strong commitment to education and is regularly rated on "best of the Northwest" lists. The 12th largest city in Washington State, Bellingham is midway between Seattle and Vancouver, B.C. Canada. The city is surrounded by the rural landscape of Whatcom County (population 212,540), which is home to a thriving network of farms and scenic wilderness. As you explore our community, you'll discover historic neighborhoods, waterfront cities, farmlands and mountain towns all within a few dozen miles of each other. Bellingham and Whatcom County are known for their outdoor activities and being ranked second in the nation for arts businesses per capita. Whether your idea of fun is visiting galleries, watching live theater, kayaking, hiking, snowboarding, or unwinding with a good book, you'll love Bellingham and Whatcom County. To learn more about Bellingham, please visit: http://www.bellingham.org

General Description of Work

Whatcom Community College welcomes applications for a Senior Accountant.

The Senior Accountant, as a vital member of the Business Office, is to accurately report the financial position of Whatcom Community College and its departments for various constituencies coordinating and directing financial transactions recorded in the accounting system of the college are within the scope of this position's responsibilities. This responsibility requires that the Senior Accountant be service-oriented relative to the financial needs of all college departments while still assuring that all transactions adhere to college policies and procedures, generally accepted accounting principles, and rules established by the authoritative governing bodies.

This is a professional exempt staff position that reports directly to the Director for Business and Finance. The position serves on college committees as required and provides leadership within the Business Office.

Responsibilities

Accounting, Auditing and Financial Statements:

* Perform work functions related to accounting, auditing, financial reporting and other fiscal review and analysis for the College.

* Assist Business and Finance Director in managing banking services and cash balances.

* Work with staff in cashiering, accounts payable, and accounts receivable to ensure entries into the financial reporting system are timely and accurate.

* Coordinate audits by preparing materials for annual administrative and financial reviews.

* Prepare annual Governmental Accounting Standards Board GASB compliant financial statements, accompanying fiscal disclosures and management discussion and analysis (MD&A) in coordination with business office leadership and other staff.

* Conducts internal audits within the organization as necessary.

Fixed Assets:

* Input, maintain and reconcile assets with State asset database, including land, buildings, equipment, inventories, and infrastructures.

* Assure general ledger balances with fixed assets database.

* Oversee college-wide manual inventory count on a bi-annual basis.

Financial Reporting:

* Provide customer service and support related to budget, expense tracking, and fiscal reporting.

* Assist the Director for Business and Finance in the preparation of annual Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) report.

* Perform other reporting duties as needed/assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

* Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in accounting, finance, business, or related field.

* Two [2] years of relevant professional experience.

* Demonstrated experience working with automated accounting systems.

* Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).

* Proven ability to research and implement Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) statements.

Preferred Qualifications:

* Master's degree from an accredited institution in accounting, finance, business, or related field.

* Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or CPA candidate.

* Professional experience in higher education or governmental accounting.

* Experience in the preparation or audit of financial statements.

* Experience working in a diverse academic environment, inclusive of students, faculty and staff of varying social, economic, cultural, ideological, gender/sexuality and ethnic backgrounds and identities.

* Excellent verbal, listening, writing, problem-solving and interpersonal communication skills.

Salary

Salary and Appointment:

* This is a full-time Administrative/Exempt position. Exempt from Washington State civil service law with an annual salary based on a range of $83,000.00-$90,000.00 depending on experience.

Benefit Package:

* The position comes with a full benefit package, including health, dental, life, long-term disability insurance and a retirement plan.

* Accrues 8 hours per month of sick leave and 14.67 hours per month vacation leave.

* Additionally, as a Washington State, public higher education institution, WCC offers the following:

* Whatcom Community College is a qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program (PSLF). If you work for the College full time, have had Direct Loans and are on an eligible repayment plan, you are eligible to apply.

* Full-time employees are eligible to apply and participate in the Whatcom Community College Employee Tuition Program, which provides a tuition waiver for available and eligible WCC courses.

* Full-time employees may qualify for Washington State Paid Family Medical Leave (PFML) benefit.

Start Date:

* As soon as can be arranged with the successful candidate.

Application Due Date:

* For guaranteed consideration, applications packets should be received by Monday, April 29th, 2024 at 5:00 pm. Position open until filled.

How To Apply

A completed application consists of an online application and:

* Cover letter which includes a diversity statement that addresses how you have committed to equity and inclusion in the past and how you might support a diverse workplace and educational environment through this position.

* Current resume.

* Official transcripts of any degrees listed as part of the minimum requirements will be required upon hire, but not as part of the application process.

* List of 5 professional references with contact information.

Mission and Vision Statement

Mission: Whatcom Community College contributes to the vitality of its communities by providing quality education in academic transfer, professional-technical, and lifelong learning, preparing students for active citizenship in a global society.

Vision: Whatcom is a supportive community, empowering lives through education.

EEO Statement

Whatcom Community College values diversity and is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Educator. WCC provides equal opportunity in education and employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, perceived or actual physical or mental disability, pregnancy, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, creed, religion, or honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the use of trained guide dog or service animal in its programs and activities. Prohibited sex discrimination includes sexual harassment (unwelcome sexual conduct of various types). As of October 1st, 2020 as per RCW 28B.112.080 WCC will be requiring all finalists for positions to complete a Declaration Regarding Sexual Misconduct. WCC provides reasonable accommodations for qualified students, employees, and applicants with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Federal Rehabilitation Act. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Executive Director for Human Resources, 237 W. Kellogg Road, Bellingham, WA 98226, 360.383.3400. For Title IX compliance, contact: Title IX Coordinator, 237 W. Kellogg Road, Bellingham, WA 98226, 360.383.3400. WCC publications are available in alternate formats upon request by contacting the Access and Disability Services Office at 360.383.3080; VP 360.255.7182. Whatcom Community College is a smoke-free/drug free environment.