IN-HOUSE ONLY: Accounting Coordinator

Coast Community College District•Costa Mesa, CA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Accounting Coordinator is an advanced-level classified accounting position in Orange Coast College’s Student Services Wing. Reporting to the Vice President of Student Services, the role provides comprehensive budget and fiscal support to student-serving programs and departments, particularly those supported by categorical and restricted funding. Programs include Student Equity and Achievement, the Basic Needs Center, Promise, LGBTQIA+ Programs, UndocuScholars, AANHPI Programs, and Veterans Services, among others. The position coordinates budget-related activities and transactions, including budget monitoring and transfers, purchase orders, invoices and payments, expenditure reconciliation, reporting, and detailed recordkeeping. It monitors expenditures and balances, assists with budget projections, supports statewide budget reporting, and provides timely fiscal information for meetings and other purposes. The Accounting Coordinator works closely with Student Services administrators, program managers and staff, and District Fiscal Services, and may support other areas within Student Services as needed. More broadly, the role performs accounting reviews, entries, and reconciliations for general, enterprise, and special fund accounts; provides technical general-ledger accounting services; and helps ensure accurate, timely financial and budget information for current and future decisions. The position may participate in the design, testing, implementation, and evaluation of accounting systems and processes. This is an on-campus, in-person, temporary, special-funded, full-time classified position scheduled for 40 hours per week, 12 months per year. Normal hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with occasional evening or weekend work when necessary.

Requirements

A bachelor's degree in accounting or finance, or equivalent, plus five years of relevant, progressively responsible experience in governmental accounting, fund accounting, or a closely related field, including participation in designing financial accounting systems; additional relevant experience may substitute for some higher education, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Demonstrated sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, geographic, gender, gender identity, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students.
Considerable knowledge of accounting, auditing, and finance principles and procedures, with expertise in budget preparation and control.
In-depth knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles and regulations and controls applicable to assigned financial operations.
Working knowledge of audit documentation requirements and financial management, control, and reporting for restricted funds.
In-depth knowledge of automated accounting systems and relational databases used to store and link accounting data.
Basic knowledge of cost-accounting information practices, including allocating accounting data to determine standard costs or rates.
Well-developed mathematics skills for complex accounting and statistical computations, and sufficient language skills to prepare reports suitable for external publication.
Well-developed interpersonal skills to explain detailed information in small-group settings and advise staff.
Ability to apply accounting controls, rules, and procedures; perform accounting tests and calculations; and research, compile, analyze, and interpret accounting data.
Ability to maintain accurate, retrievable files, records, and audit trails and trace transactions to original entries.
Ability to set up complete fund accounts and prepare financial statements.
Ability to organize and prioritize work to meet deadlines and timetables and work cooperatively with colleagues, work teams, and vendors.
Ability to use a computer, common office productivity software, specialized accounting software, and databases.
Authorization to work in the United States; the District does not sponsor visas or assume existing visa sponsorship.
Regular attendance and compliance with District policies and procedures are required.
A valid driver's license may be required.

Nice To Haves

General understanding of categorical budgets, including state guidelines for expenditures, reporting, and compliance.

Responsibilities

Maintain accounting records for assigned functions, including categorical programs, special programs, enterprises, auxiliary activities, and related accounts.
Reconcile cash accounts, fund balances, vendor accounts, and specified balance-sheet asset accounts.
Review revenue and expense accounts; analyze transactions for accuracy and proper coding, classification, and allocation; and reclassify transactions as needed.
Work with accounting and fiscal staff to identify business needs and best practices, including opportunities to improve efficiency through automation and system controls.
Assist with aspects of budget development for categorical, special, and general funds, including data collection and prior-year performance analysis.
Maintain current knowledge of regulations, reporting requirements, and procedures for categorical, special, and general fund programs.
Provide technical financial assistance to staff and update or train staff on program changes and requirements as needed.
Develop and maintain budget and accounting documents, reports, and resource manuals for assigned areas.
Review proposals for departmental financial accounting systems and monitor their procurement, development, and implementation to support integration with other systems.
Prepare and process accounts payable information and verify merchandise and services received against claims, invoices, purchase orders, and packing slips.
Prepare service agreements and contracts, submit documents for approval, and distribute executed instruments.
Verify and correct account codes, budget authorization, and available and qualifying budgets; help resolve accounting transaction and adjustment problems.
Facilitate and prepare line-item budget transfers and review requisitions for compliance with applicable requirements and approved budgets.
Analyze budget variances, resolve them with appropriate managers, monitor carried-over funds, and ensure expenditures do not exceed appropriations.
Receive and verify cash and cash equivalents, enter transactions in appropriate accounts, prepare deposits and transmittals, and compile periodic cash receipt and accounts payable and receivable reports.
Trace transactions to identify and correct discrepancies; prepare invoices and account statements; and follow up on outstanding customer balances and account disputes.
Provide technical support to departments using computerized accounting systems and financial databases.
Assist auditors and participate in preparing periodic financial statements and categorical reports, including variance analyses.
Assist with opening and closing financial records for fiscal years and, as needed, provide partial leadership or assistance to other accounting staff.
Enter pre-encumbered funds into the automated accounting system, monitor job allocations for compliance with special-fund requirements, and perform other related duties.
Follow District policies and procedures, including the Code of Professional Ethics.