Accountant I - Finance & Payroll

Classification

Regular

Minimum Pay

$60,070.00

Compensation will be commensurate with the level of the position, education, and experience.

JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY

Under general direction, performs accounting and analysis functions for the College in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). Collaborates with finance and payroll departments to ensure accurate financial processing and compliance. Assists with preparation of annual audit work papers. Assists in preparation of routine, ad hoc financial and analytical reports. Maintains files in enterprise resource system. Coordinates with finance and payroll teams on budget reconciliations, payroll accounting entries, and financial data integrity. May act as a lead to departmental functions and assist with training newly hired staff.

ESSENTIAL POSITION FUNCTIONS:

• Monitors assigned accounting sub-system(s); analyzes and reconciles accounting data and transactions; initiates contact with outside agent, institution, or with other MCC units to develop and implement a solution to accounting discrepancy.
  • Performs the work in a timely manner according to special financial and accounting practices defined and established for the assigned sub-system.
  • Analyzes complex reconciliation documents and other information to arrive at logical and accurate conclusions.
  • Determines appropriate corrective action to take when confronted with discrepancies and takes the initiative to assure that corrective action is completed.
  • Adequately analyzes the effects of transactions on reports, as well as accounting systems and sub-systems.
• Applies GAAP, applicable state and federal fiscal guidelines, and agency fiscal policies to record financial activity in accounting systems and varied sub-systems. 
• Responds to inquiries for solution of routine accounting problems.
• Maintains knowledge of current federal, state, department and GAAP rules, trends and developments in the field. Applies relevant new knowledge to performance or responsibilities.
• Balances and reconciles accounting records such as journals, ledgers, batch reports, bank statements, assigned grants and contracts, agency-generated reports or related records. Determines sources of errors by researching accounting records. Records correcting journal entries.
• Participates in the compilation of data and prepares standard accounting reports.
• Assists with preparation of year-end financial statements and audit work papers.
• Assist with Sales Tax for College.
• Responsible for assigned financial reporting and analysis of auxiliary operations.
• Responsible for fixed assets accounting including the recording of depreciation, disposals, capitalization, as well as reconciliation of fixed assets.
• Assist with processing procurement card charges into accounting system monthly.
• Provides support to auditors and other reviewers. Identifies and corrects procedural problems revealed in reviews and audits.
• Consistently and dependably attends work, activities, and functions as scheduled or assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles.
• Knowledge of applicable FASB and GASB standards and pronouncements.
• Knowledge of and demonstrated ability to use College provided software; e.g., Ellucian’s Colleague, and Microsoft Office products, including Excel.
• Knowledge of state and federal fund accounting regulations.
• Knowledge of Financial Services procedures.
• Skill in supervision and training.
• Ability to create and utilize database management.
• Skill in demonstrating a cooperative and professional attitude.
• Communication skills both written and orally, and excellent spelling, grammar, and editing skills.
• Troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to plan, organize and perform professional level accounting duties and apply governmental accounting and auditing principles and procedures in the work performed.
• Ability to work well with minimal supervision in a team-oriented environment.
• Ability to perform complex analytical studies and draw sound conclusions.
• Ability to manage and prioritize multiple departments and tasks.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality with regard to College and Foundation business.
• Ability to use office equipment including computer, copier, scanner, and fax machine.
• Ability to maintain professionalism, patience and understanding in stressful situations.
• Ability to effectively work and interact with various cultures and ethnicities.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS FOR EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or equivalent education.