Accounting and Payroll Manager

Position Summary

Themissionof Pierce College is to create quality educational opportunities for a diverse community of learners to thrive in an evolving world.The Pierce College District is committed to being an anti-racist institution; to truly be anti-racist we must work deliberately to eliminate barriers that have prevented the most promising and capable students from entering and thriving in college.We work to ensure that every student in the Pierce College District feels valued, respected, and inspired to achieve their goals. We provide a brave space for Black, Indigenous, Persons of Color (BIPOC), LGBTQ/QTPOC students, students with disabilities, and all students and staff to seek refuge, and an opportunity for them to cultivate their strengths, intelligence, resilience, and creativity.To learn more about our Equity, Engagement, and Belonging efforts, please visit:https://www.pierce.ctc.edu/equity-engagement-and-belonging.

Are you ready to take the lead as the Chief Financial Accountant, oversee a dynamic team, and shape Pierce College district's financial future?

The Accounting and Payroll Manager (Fiscal Analyst 5) serves as the Chief Financial Accountant for the District, overseeing both fiscal professional staff and fiscal supervisors. As the top statewide expert in a specialized financial area, responsibilities include policy and process development, monitoring district-wide accounting, managing investments and account reconciliations, and ensuring internal controls. Additionally, this role holds primary responsibility for district-wide financial reporting.

This role, reporting to the Director of Fiscal Operations, requires regular and consistent attendance, with the potential for occasional telework once the incumbent is fully established in the position.

About The District

Named as a Top 5 Finalist and a Rising Star for the 2019 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, Pierce College Fort Steilacoom was recognized for exceptional achievements in student learning, certificate and degree completion while in community college and after transferring to a four-year institution, employment and earnings rates after graduation, and access for and success of minority and low-income students. Pierce College District was named as a Top 10 finalist forthe2021 Aspen Prize and a Top 25 for 2023. Want a feel for our District. Take a peek with aerial campus views!

Pierce College Fort Steilacoom

Located on a beautiful 140-acre site adjacent to a 340-acre community, recreational park, and Waughop Lake.

Pierce College Puyallup

Located on an expansive site with 125-acres of wooded land with beautiful hideaways.

Pierce College at JBLM

Located at the Joint Base Lewis-McChord military sites, serving many of our military and active-duty families that are serving our country.

Our colleges enjoy a strong presence in the communities in which they serve, and participate in numerous partnerships with business, community, government, and educational organizations.

Essential Functions

The Accounting and Payroll Manager will be responsible for the following, but not limited to:

ACCOUNTING (GENERAL/TREASURY/FINANCIAL ASSETS/PAYROLL)

TO INCLUDE MONTHLY/QUARTERLY AND ANNUAL/BIENNIAL CLOSING

• Monitors, reviews, and approves general ledger balances, transactions, and adjusting entries.
• Integrates and maintains accounting sub-systems, cross-pillar reconciliation methods and ensures compliance with OFM standards.
• Generates accounting reports, assists with financial reconciliation, and works with district-wide staff to ensure proper closings.
• Resolves discrepancies between Financial Supply Chain Management (FSCM), Standard Monthly Analysis Review of Transactions (SMARTER), and Agency Financial Reporting System (AFRS).
• Assists in the development of financial statements, policies, and procedures related to accounting processes and functions
  
  

TREASURY

• Ensures timely reimbursement requests from State and Federal sources, monitors District investments and cash balances by fund, and oversees the appropriate use of debt financing proceeds and timely debt payments
• Assists in preparing monthly bank reconciliations for review by the Director of Fiscal Operations and approval by the Associate Vice President of Fiscal Services, as well as in Treasury closing processes
• Contributes to the development of policies and procedures related to Treasury business processes and functions
  
  

FINANCIAL ASSETS

• Responsible for recording, depreciating, and reporting of physical assets. Assists in the closing processes for Asset Management-reconciliation between Direct Line and ctcLink.
  
  

PAYROLL

• Coordinates with Human Resources and Payroll to ensure accurate coding of accounting information.
• Ensures proper coding of positions and salaries in collaboration with Human Resources and Payroll department.
• Coordinates the calculation of amounts needed to fund full-time faculty salary changes, part-time faculty hires, and related benefits expenditures.
  
  

LEADERSHIP, POLICIES & PROCEDURES, COMMUNICATIONS & RELATIONS

• Provides management guidance to staff on long-term fiscal requirements, determines deadlines, and plans staffing for special fiscal projects; develops fiscal management reports to support effective accounting practices.
• Serves on various committees throughout the District and State, fostering partnerships with other colleges in Pierce County and statewide on relevant topics.
• Acts as a liaison, advising department administrations on accounting rules, policy interpretation, and compliance issues, and provides guidance, direction, and training to enhance district effectiveness and customer service.
• Develops and maintains District policies and procedures to ensure compliance with State and Federal laws, regulations, and community college system fiscal policies, recommending changes to serve the District's best interests.
  
  

INTERNAL CONTOLS

• Ensures compliance with fiscal policies and procedures from SBCTC, OFM, and IRS, recommending fiscal controls and developing accounting systems.
• Responds to audit reports (State, DOR, IRS, SBCTC, etc.), takes corrective actions, and initiates changes to address discrepancies or noncompliance.
• Conducts internal audits, develops and maintains internal controls to safeguard District resources, and balances these controls with best practices for efficient operations.
• Leads staff in unannounced cash counts at collection locations and recommends changes in cash handling procedures, assisting the Cashier's office in implementing strong cash control measures.
  
  

TEAM WORK

• Participates in and serves as backup for various Fiscal Services activities, including mailing Refund, Accounts Payable, Payroll, and Financial Aid checks.
• Assists in the annual preparation of records for archival.
• Completes special projects as assigned by the Director of Fiscal Operations, Financial Reporting and Compliance Specialist, or Associate Vice President for Fiscal Services.
  
  

Qualifications

Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.

The qualified candidate will have 1 or more of the following experiences and/or education:

Required Education

• Bachelor's degree or a combination of equivalent education and/or experience.
  
  

Applicable Coursework include

Finance|Accounting | Business| Statistics|orRelated field

Education to Experience Equivalences

Associate Degree = 2 years | Bachelor's Degree = 4 years | Master's Degree = 5 years

Experience Required

• Some college-level coursework, including at least 15 quarter or 10 semester hours in accounting, auditing, or budgeting from an accredited college or university.
• Experience with budget coding systems.
• Experience monitoring expenditures and reconciling funds and accounts.
• Comprehensive understanding of current modern accounting principles, practices, and methods; internal accounting controls, budgeting, fund accounting, and generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).
• 5 years of relevant professional experience.
  
  

Special Requirements

• The successful candidate must consent to and pass a criminal background check
  
  

after a conditional offer of employment. * Candidates invited for an interview will be required to complete an accounting skills examination.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), Department of Education (DoEd), and any applicable Office of Financial Management (OFM), State Board for Community and Technical College (SBCTC) or Washington State laws as outlined in the Revised Code of Washington (RCW). Utilization of the previously referenced items is outlined in the State Administrative & Accounting Manual (SAAM) or the SBCTC Fiscal Affairs Manual (FAM). Additionally, knowledge and understanding of Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) fund accounting practices is preferred.
• Ability to work with a complex fund structure, detailed budgets, and extensive chart of accounts.
• Ability to develop and modify computerized and manual transactions and monitoring and reporting tools.
• Ability to monitor and review input and output of financial data, and develop fiscal queries and reports.
• Ability to interpret and explain applicable state and federal regulations.
  
  

Basic Computer Skills

• MS Excel
• MS Word
  
  

Interpersonal Skills

• Upholds candor, openness, inclusiveness, and honesty, building trust with others. Works effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and collaborates with internal and external teams, leading efforts across organizational lines.
  
  

Communication

• Communicates plans and activities clearly to support unit goals and mission outcomes. Demonstrates strong written and verbal communication skills, using positive words and actions to enhance outcomes and impact situations.
  
  

Establishment of Rapport

• Fosters constructive relationships based on acceptance, cooperation, and mutual respect. Maintains an approachable manner, treating others fairly, preserving their dignity, and valuing their opinions.
  
  

Team Work

• Works cooperatively with team members, valuing their contributions and perspectives. Provides constructive feedback, keeps team informed, and fosters unity by sharing expertise, solving problems together, and prioritizing team success.
  
  

Personal Responsibility

• Develops ethical standards, upholds integrity, and respects others. Maintains confidentiality and earns trust through honest, professional interactions. Reliably achieves excellent results, addressing issues directly and respectfully.
  
  

Adaptability & Flexibility

• Manages change calmly, reducing concerns for others, and remains composed under stress. Open to new approaches and ways of doing things.
  
  

Application Process

Application Requirements

To Be Considered For This Position, Applicants Must

• Meet the required qualifications as outlined in this announcement.
• Complete the online application profile at:https://www.pierce.ctc.edu/hr.
• Apply for the specific job opening.
• Upload (attach) a cover letter that addresses how you meet the required qualifications as outlined in this announcement. (Cover Letter)
• Upload (attach) detailed résumé of all educational and professional experience.(Résumé)
• Transcripts are not required in order to apply for this position; however, if you are selected for an interview, you will be asked to bring copies of unofficial transcripts showing completion of the required level of education. Please upload current copies of your transcripts, if available. Unofficial copies of all college and university transcripts must include degree received and conferral date. International transcripts must include a foreign transcript evaluation. For a list of approved credential evaluation services visit: https://www.naces.org/members. (Transcripts)
• Please note:Certain positions require specific levels of educational attainment such as a post-secondary degree, licensures or certifications. In order to evaluate applicant materials to determine if the minimum qualifications are met, information regarding your education and experience should be included in your application materials.
• Applications without transcripts attached, may receive notification that their application materials are incomplete. If you receive a notice and information has been provided elsewhere in your applications materials, please disregard. (Unofficial transcripts acceptable for application process; official transcripts required upon hire).
• Upload (attach) a list of at least three (3) professional references with names, telephone numbers, and e-mail addresses. One of which must be your current or most recent supervisor. Letters of recommendation will not be accepted.(References)
• Provide a response to the following question. (Supplemental Question) "The College's goal is to support all students and to achieve racial and social equity in pursuit of mission. If you were selected for this position, how would you contribute to and support this goal? Please limit your response to a maximum of 500 words."
• For definitions of certain equity, engagement, and belonging language, please visit:https://www.pierce.ctc.edu/eeb-definitions
  
  

Special Note

To ensure consideration, application materials should be received no later than 5:00 p.m. on the closing date.

All correspondence regarding your application status will be sent to the email address associated with your NeoEd account. Please make sure to check your spam folder periodically in the case of an automated, incorrect delivery.

Terms of Employment

This is a full-time (40 hours per week) classified, overtime-eligible position with Pierce College District. This position is permanent after serving a minimum six-month probationary period. The primary work location will be at Pierce College Fort Steilacoom campus. Occasional travel to Pierce College campuses and/or sites may occur. Work hours are typically between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, with occasional evenings and weekend work, and occasional travel as required. This position may be subject to reassignment between campuses or sites. This position requires regular and consistent attendance and may be eligible for occasional telework once the incumbent is established.

Salary & Benefits

The starting salary range of this position is $6,077.00 a month to $7,226.00,dependent upon qualifications, with annual periodic increments up to $7,400.00 monthly. However, your paycheck is just part of the total compensation package. There is an outstanding benefits package, which is worth an additional value equivalent to about 30% of your salary. A comprehensive health care benefits package for you and your dependents includes medical, dental and vision insurance. Life and long-term disability insurance plans, vacation, sick and personal leave, reduced tuition, and retirement benefits are also provided. For more information, please visit our Benefits and Leave website at:https://www.pierce.ctc.edu/hr- benefits.

Physical Work Environment

This position requires working indoors in an open office environment, which requires visual concentration on detail, dexterity, and precision and is subject to frequent noise and interruptions.

Reasonable Accommodation

Applicants with disabilities who require assistance with the application and employment process will be accommodated to the extent reasonably possible. Requests should be made to the District Human Resources Office by calling 253-964-7342. Persons who are deaf or hard of hearing may dial 711 to place a call through Washington Relay, the state's free telecommunication access service.

Screening & Interview Process

Only those candidates who have complied with the application process and meet the required qualifications will be considered. Following the review of application materials, the most qualified candidates will be contacted for an interview. Check the email account you used for the application process for communication regarding the status of your application. Application materials submitted to Pierce College are the property of the College and will not be returned.

Please Note

This is a competitive selection process. Your application materials will be reviewed and evaluated based on the minimum qualifications listed for the position. Applicants whose qualifications most closely correspond to the district's needs will be eligible for further consideration.

Notification of application status normally occurs 4 to 6 weeks after the closing date. Short notice may be given to applicants to participate in further selection processes which may include written, oral and performance examinations, and final interviews.

Conditions of Employment

Prior to the start of employment, finalist(s) for this position will be subject to a pre-employment background check as a condition of employment. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington State Law RCW 28B.112.080.

An offer of employment will not carry with it any responsibility or obligation on the part of the district to sponsor an H-1Bvisa. In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, proof of authorization to work in the United States will be required at the time of hire.

Pierce College has adopted a Drug Free Workplace policy. As a condition of employment, employees must agree to abide by the requirements established in that policy.

Bargaining Unit

This position has been designated as a bargaining unit position represented by the Washington Public Employee Association (WPEA).

Equal Opportunity

The Pierce College District is an equal opportunity employer. The Board of Trustees and Pierce College District are committed to providing equal opportunity and will not discriminate in terms and conditions of employment and personnel practices. Decisions are made without regard to race, color, national origin, age, perceived or actual physical or mental disability, pregnancy, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, creed, religion, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or use of a trained guide dog or service animal.

For more information about this position or assistance regarding your application, please contact Human Resources at jobs@pierce.ctc.edu or call (253) 964-7342.

Questions regarding equal employment opportunities or discrimination may be directed to the following

Sean Cooke - Title IX Coordinator

(253) 840-8472

Davi Kallman - ADACO/Section 504 Coordinator

(253) 912-3715

Deena Forsythe - Interim Vice President for Human Resources

(253) 964-6586

Paula Henson-Williams - District Affirmative Action Officer

(253) 864-3229