Accounting Specialist

Bay Mills Community College•Brimley, MI

15h

About The Position

The Accounting Specialist is responsible for providing accounting and financial services, automating business and finance processes, accounting for fixed assets, and reviewing purchasing requests to ensure compliance with the procurement policy. This position works under the direction of the Vice President for Business and Finance, and will meet academic and professional qualifications, demonstrate dedication to academic excellence and student-centered education, and will support the mission and objectives of Bay Mills Community College.

Requirements

Possess a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail in daily work and other projects; ability to meet communicated schedules and deadlines; exercise substantial independent judgment, and work with limited supervision.
Familiarity with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), governmental accounting standards, the Single Audit Act, and OMB Circulars and guidance pertaining to grant administration preferred.
Excellent interpersonal skills, ability to interact effectively with external organizations as well as establish and maintain effective interdepartmental communications and relationships.
Advanced software and project management experience, specifically with accounting and student information database systems.
Demonstrated understanding of, and a commitment to: the tribal college mission and purpose; teaching and learning; high academic standards; and, student success.
Any combination of experience and education in a Business, Finance, Accounting, or IT field will be considered.
Ideal experience includes three years in a similar position in higher education, governmental, or non-profit accounting.
Excellent written communication and organization skills.
Proven ability to work collaboratively with others, college and departmental committee experience preferred.
Knowledge or experience working with people of diverse backgrounds, abilities, and needs.
Knowledge or experience in working with Native Americans, in an educational setting preferred.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), governmental accounting standards, the Single Audit Act, and OMB Circulars and guidance pertaining to grant administration.
College and departmental committee experience.
Knowledge or experience working with people of diverse backgrounds, abilities, and needs.
Knowledge or experience in working with Native Americans, in an educational setting.
A Bachelor's Degree in Accounting.
Willingness to obtain a Bachelor’s Degree.

Responsibilities

Develops an understanding of each grant, its purpose, allowable expenditures, and billing requirements.
Sets up and maintains the chart of accounts for assigned grants.
Assists project directors with budget proposals and amendments, spending projections, and estimates of carryover funds.
Prepares journal entries, reconciliations, and allocations.
Prepares invoices and draws down funds from various agencies in accordance with applicable award terms, conditions, and cash management requirements.
Prepares financial statements for grants, compares actual expenditures to budget, and communicates areas of concern to appropriate managers.
Schedules and conducts initial kick off meetings for new grants, regular monthly or quarterly status meetings for ongoing grants, and a pre-close out meeting at least two months prior to the end of each grant.
Conducts sub-recipient monitoring, if applicable, in accordance with single audit requirements, including risk assessment and financial reviews.
Prepares and ensures timely submission of financial reports for grantor agencies; reminds project directors of upcoming performance report due dates, verifies timely submission, and obtains a copy for the grant file.
Prepares and submits quarterly and annual performance reports for grants.
Assists with the annual external audit and prepares workpapers or schedules, as requested.
Takes the lead on department initiatives to streamline processes and improve workflow through use of technology and other strategies.
Identifies, coordinates, facilitates, and implements business and finance process automation projects.
Understands, reviews, and documents accounting processes and procedures.
Conducts training sessions and answers questions from staff throughout the college on business and finance processes.
Manages and reviews documents for the procurement of supplies, services, equipment, and materials to ensure compliance with the BMCC procurement policy, as well as applicable grant funding requirements.
Processes purchase order (PO) requests, which includes reviewing competitive quotes, checking for suspension and debarment, assigning PO numbers and general ledger account information.
Makes recommendations on policies and procedures as needed to ensure the success and compliance of all procurement related activities.
Reviews general ledger account activity to determine which assets should be capitalized.
Records fixed asset acquisitions and dispositions in the accounting system.
Tracks the existing fixed assets, compiles construction costs, and records information in proper fixed assets accounts.
Records depreciation.
Reconciles the fixed asset subsidiary ledger to the general ledger.
Prepares audit schedules relating to fixed assets and assists auditors in their inquiries.
Other duties as assigned.