What are the responsibilities and job description for the Accounting Specialist position at College of the Desert?
Accounting Specialist
Job Type: Staff
Department: Fiscal Services
Basic Function:
BASIC FUNCTION
Under the direction of the Director, Fiscal Services, perform varied and complex accounting work specializing in the maintenance of a set of accounts and financial and statistical records; audit financial records District-wide.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
The Accounting Specialist performs more advanced work with responsibility for a set of accounts requiring more technical expertise and internal audit responsibilities. Positions allocated to the Accounting Technician class perform accounting work specializing in the maintenance of a set of accounts and financial and statistical records.
Under the direction of the Director, Fiscal Services, perform varied and complex accounting work specializing in the maintenance of a set of accounts and financial and statistical records; audit financial records District-wide.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
The Accounting Specialist performs more advanced work with responsibility for a set of accounts requiring more technical expertise and internal audit responsibilities. Positions allocated to the Accounting Technician class perform accounting work specializing in the maintenance of a set of accounts and financial and statistical records.
Representative Duties:
REPRESENATATIVE DUTIES
The following duties are representative of the essential functions of the position.
The following duties are representative of the essential functions of the position.
- Perform specialized accounting work involved in one or more assigned set of complex District-wide accounts such as accounts payable, accounts receivable, general fund and special categorical projects.
- Verify and code data according to prescribed procedures; review financial information to assure accuracy of information.
- Gather, assemble, tabulate, proof, extend, verify, balance, summarize and post fiscal data or assigned accounts.
- Review items for assigned set of accounts to assure accuracy and completeness of financial records; provide proper internal controls; audit and adjust source documents and other input data.
- Prepare supporting schedules, worksheets and reports for assigned accounts; prepare statements and reports for funds as assigned for management and Board review.
- Communicate with administrators, faculty, vendors, staff and others regarding assigned accounts; review budgets for assigned accounts and provide statements of forecasts and balances as requested; provide cash flows and other financial, statistical and analytical reports as requested for assigned accounts. Prepare and present training sessions as required.
- Process a variety of financial information; adjust accounts; input statistical data regarding budgets and assigned accounts.
- Reconcile accounts as assigned; prepare various accounting and budget control documents.
- Perform internal control procedures for receipt, deposit and expenditure of District funds; audit postings made by all District positions; perform random compliance tests to determine adequacy of internal controls; analyze reports to ensure compliance with internal audit controls.
- Train personnel in use of computerized on-line financial accounting and reporting system and appropriate cash controls, cash handling, and cash management.
- Monitor cash management system daily; reconcile and resolve positive pay exception notifications.
- Oversee the credit card balancing system for student accounts receivable registration; process and post credit card payments; review and analyze credit card transactions; monitor telephone credit card payments with collection of sales drafts; evaluate total fees collected and assign fees to appropriate budget account codes; act as liaison between bank officials and the District.
- Assist and reconcile third party collection firms with outstanding accounts receivable and debt collection including retiree health insurance benefits.
- Develop and assist in the formulation and implementation of improved accounting, budget and financial record-keeping procedures. Assist departments with annual budget development and formulation.
- Prepare and assist external actuary with information required for GASB 43 and 45 reporting. Maintain post retirement employee records.
- Audit monthly insurance invoices and process benefit payments for employees.
- Communicate in person, online and on the telephone with students, faculty, and the public regarding the collection of monies. Assist cashiers on front line counters with payments, deposits, or refunds. Open safe on a daily basis and maintain custody of District cash fund.
- Assist the Director of Fiscal Services to develop policies and procedures for the Bursar Office. Coordinate with District offices to identify and recommend resolutions to centralize all collection of money in the Bursar Office in accordance with District policy.
- Serve as contact person with banking institutions in completing daily banking transactions excluding federal grant drawdowns; authorize bank wires as necessary; issue stop payment orders on checks; transfer funds between District accounts as needed; coordinate action with banks regarding forgeries, disputed bankcard charges; monitor bankcard and credit card machine transactions and verify bank charge for these services.
- Audit, monitor and balance Federal and State reports and prepare periodic reports. Submit validated Federal drawdown requests for reimbursement to the Financial Analyst.
- Attend a variety of meetings, trainings, and conferences.
- Perform related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
Any combination equivalent to: an Associate degree in Accounting or related field and four (4) years of accounts receivable experience including two (2) years of experience receiving and accounting for cash and credit card payments.
Any combination equivalent to: an Associate degree in Accounting or related field and four (4) years of accounts receivable experience including two (2) years of experience receiving and accounting for cash and credit card payments.
Preferred Qualifications:
Knowledge of:
Knowledge of: Procedures, methods, practices and terminology used in bookkeeping and financial recordkeeping; modern office practices, procedures and equipment; modern accounting office machines; correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary; operation of computers and a variety of software such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Financial Aid, District, and County administrative systems; preparation, maintenance, verification and processing of payroll records, technical aspects of field of specialty; banking regulation and laws regarding credit card banking and foreign currency banking; applicable laws, rules and regulations related to assigned activities including Payment Card Industry Security Compliance; diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students; interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.
Ability to:
$Ability
Physical Demands:
Working Conditions:
WORKING CONDITIONS
Environment: Office environment. Constant interruptions.
Environment: Office environment. Constant interruptions.
Full Time/Part Time: Full Time
Weekly Working Hours: 40
Work Schedule & Hours: Monday - 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Tuesday - 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Wednesday - 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Thursday - 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Friday - 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Salary Schedule Range: Classified Salary Schedule Row 15: $71,619.12 - $100,768.08 annually
Specific Departmental Needs:
Posting Number: 25-006
Number of Vacancies: 1
Desired Start Date:
Posting Open Date: 02/07/2025
Posting Close Date: 03/02/2025
Open Until Filled: No
Special Instructions to Applicants:
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:
Applications missing any of the required documents listed will not be considered. The following documents are required at the time of application:
Applications missing any of the required documents listed will not be considered. The following documents are required at the time of application:
- Online Application: Please fill out your online application completely with all requested details.
- Resume: Must include length of employment (month/year start & end dates) for each employer.
- Cover Letter: Please address how you meet the minimum requirements for this position and any special qualifications you possess.
- College Transcripts: For consideration of college coursework, transcripts must be attached. Diplomas will not be accepted in lieu of transcripts.
IN YOUR APPLICATION
List of Professional References: References should include at three supervisors and two colleagues. Please include name, title, email, and current phone numbers for all references in your application. Letters of recommendation will not be accepted in lieu of the required addition of Professional References.
To apply, visit https://cod.peopleadmin.com/postings/8669
jeid-04c473d62f192a40a5c152a60a145908
Salary : $71,619 - $100,768
