Accountant III

PURPOSE AND SCOPE:

Under minimal supervision performs accounting activities that include bank reconciliations, general ledger account reconciliations, and journal entry preparation. Analyzes and assesses general ledger account activity. Reviews and verifies the accuracy of journal entries. Develops and recommends process and procedure changes. Performs internal and external reporting.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Reconciles bank statements on a monthly basis, utilizing Microsoft Access software.

• Prepares journal entries to record cash and credit card activity.

• Maintains documentation of the operating processes and procedures for cash related activity.

• Reviews journal entries prepared by individual colleges; provides assistance and information regarding accounting practices and procedures.

• Prepares various reports meeting state and local compliance requirements.

• Translates technical guidance received from regulatory process requirements into usable information applicable to the assignment.

• Participates in varied assignments requiring some evaluation, independent thought, and responsibility.

• Prepares cost allocations and accrual calculations for the District’s benefit plans.

• Reconciles the subsidiary records to the general ledger for assigned general ledger accounts.

• Establishes regular procedures and performs scheduled analysis of assigned general ledger income and expense accounts.

• Evaluates and assesses impact of changes in procedures and processes required by internal policy changes or external regulators.

• Assesses impact of Colleague software upgrades; develops and performs testing procedures for the implementation process.

• Prepares audit schedules and provides supporting documentation as required by the internal and external auditors.

• Demonstrate effective interpersonal skills in relating to and communicating with District personnel and external contacts.

• Performs other duties as assigned by the Director, Business Services.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, EXPERIENCE:

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance.
• Five years of professional accounting and/or finance experience.
• Broad knowledge of general accounting principles, practices and procedures.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Attention to detail and ability to cope with several tasks simultaneously, and be deadline oriented.
• Initiative and analytical skills are mandatory.
• Strong computer skills.
• Experience with database financial software systems.
• Capable of performing complex query functions using the mainframe application software, Colleague.
• Excellent skills with Microsoft Access, Excel, and Word.

EQUIPMENT USED:

PC workstation running on a LAN in a Microsoft Windows environment, calculator, phone, and other general office equipment.

CONTACTS:

Internal - College staff (including clerical and administrative),  Internal Auditors.

External  - External Auditors, Banking Institution employees, Local, State and Federal agency employees.

COMPLEXITY/EFFORT:

Position requires ability to perform with attention to details, accuracy, and timeliness. Analysis and research of financial data. Daily usage of personal computer using Microsoft Access database software and Microsoft Excel spreadsheet software. Must be capable of performing complex query functions using the mainframe application software, Colleague. Job requires little physical effort and health and safety precautions associated with general office environments.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work is performed primarily in a climate controlled office environment not readily accessible to the general public. Exposure to health and safety risks is minimal. Requires work characteristics supportive of collaborative work efforts in a collegial atmosphere.

GENERALIZED WORK ACTIVITIES:

• Monitoring and Controlling Resources - Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

• Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

• Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

• Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

• Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others - Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.