Job Summary
Performs general accounting functions including the supervision and reconciliation of finance processes, implementation of related policies and procedures, and oversight and coordination of the work activities of the financial services unit to ensure the accuracy and reliability of financial transactions, with minimal guidance and direction.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
• Reconciles and balances accounts and provides complex problem resolution. Researches, analyzes and corrects financial transactions in the finance system and/or other applicable database systems.
• Assists with the implementation of business processes. Provides assistance to department staff. Trains, guides, prioritizes assignments and reviews the work of staff. Functions as technical resource regarding accounting principles and procedures and the application of federal and state rules and regulations.
• Compiles summary reports with analysis and recommendations. Performs production and maintenance of control reports. Prepares and utilizes exception reports to resolve issues and interpret data. Reports and transmits information to external agencies in area of responsibility.
• Consults with and provides assistance to management regarding policies and procedures related to area of responsibility. Assists in researching, developing and interpreting administrative policies and procedures for district-wide finance processes. Develops documentation as required. Applies knowledge of multiple federal and state rules and regulations to maintain compliance.
• Assists with year-end closing for area of responsibility. Monitors dates and ensures staff is aware and comply with closing timelines. Assists auditors with annual audit.
• Uses computer and various software programs to input, maintain, research, and retrieve information. Interprets programming scripts and performs testing of systems to determine reliability of relational databases. Searches for anomalies in programs and coordinates edits/changes with appropriate personnel. Makes recommendations for improvements to systems and processes. Maintains integrity of data through frequent monitoring and adjusting of balances in various forms and tables.
• Communicates technical and confidential student and financial information to college staff, student employees, and vendors and outside entities. Responds to and resolves internal and external questions and concerns.
• Maintains updated knowledge of regulatory policies and procedures affecting area of responsibility and stays current with responsibilities.
• Performs regular accounting functions as assigned in such areas as contracts and grants, payroll operations, financial aid, treasury, receivable and payable and general accounting. Functions may include, but are not limited to, preparing financial schedules and/or reports, balancing banking accounts, establishing systems for tracking accounting codes/transactions and reconciling vendor accounts and processing requisitions, refunds and accounts receivable collections.
• Makes computations, verifications and journal entries. Verifies the accuracy of journal entries and account coding to ensure proper relationships throughout the accounting structure. Enters journal entries into computerized ledger system. Maintains an accurate history of records in accordance with policies and procedures.
• Reviews and processes general accounting, accounts payable or receivable transactions, including travel or bond expenses that may be contested or complicated; reviews documentation to determine dollars owed to vendors and processes transactions.
• Designs, coordinates and maintains operations specific to the department’s financial functions. May serve as subject matter expert in development of new processes. Prepares and submits billings and maintains records on payments related to particular area of responsibility.
• Enters and monitors data related to area of assignment such as scholarships and financial aid, accounts payable or receivable, contract payments, etc.
• Monitors and reconciles accounting processes performed by subcontractors, department clerks and other college staff.
• Develops and maintains positive working relationships and responds to requests for financial information from administrators, auditors, departmental clerks, other accounting staff, contractors, outside agencies and other entities.
• Performs general office duties including logging materials and data, filing and other record keeping functions.
• Compiles and sorts documents, such as invoices and checks, substantiating business transactions; prepares and sends invoices as necessary; receives and verifies invoices.
• Prepares vouchers, invoices, account statements, reports, spreadsheets, and other records.
• Ensures the security of the College’s funds by keeping monies and financial records recorded, locked, and secure from unauthorized access.
• Promotes a positive image of the College when handling customer/client problems by treating each individual with respect and resolving their concerns/complaints in a professional manner.
• Conducts general administrative duties such as answering phones, greeting visitors, assisting employees, and responding to phone calls; assists students via web-site, email, telephone, and one-on-one.
• Handles sensitive and extensive confidential information.
• Attends the workplace regularly, reports to work punctually and follows a work schedule to keep up with the demands of the worksite.
• Completes duties and responsibilities in compliance with college standards, policies and guidelines.
• Promotes positive morale and teamwork within the functional unit and provides exceptional customer service to students, faculty and the community.
• Uses interpersonal skills and makes sound judgments to decide how duties and responsibilities are completed between coworkers, the supervisory chain, faculty, staff, students, and customers.
• Completes all required training and professional development sessions sponsored by Texas Southmost College (TSC).
• Supports the values and institutional goals as defined in the College’s Strategic Plan.
• Assists with the process for systematic review and evaluation of the planning unit per the model adopted by the College, including the development and monitoring of outcomes and plans of action for improvement based on the assessment of those outcomes and plans.
• Working hours may include evenings, holidays or weekends depending on deadline requirements and special events.
• Performs duties and responsibilities within a high-tech all-digital environment.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
Required Knowledge and Skills
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
• Must be able to accurately account for monies and receipts collected for the College using established accounting procedures.
• Must have exceptional aptitude in accounting procedures, tested and proven clerical aptitude to include complex filing systems, accurate keyboarding, knowledge of accounting systems, and 10-key calculator by touch skills.
• The ability to learn, apply, and communicate policies, procedures, and regulations relevant to assigned account functions and make basic mathematical computations rapidly and accurately are required.
• A working knowledge of spreadsheets, word processing and other business software applications is required.
• Ability to grasp concepts and procedures quickly.
• Strong detail orientation and ability to multi-task with little direct supervision.
• Strong judgment, decisiveness, interpersonal skills to work effectively with employees at all levels of the organization.
• Ability to work under pressure with multiple interruptions and meet deadlines.
• Cooperation team player in a diverse working environment.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, customer-service oriented collaborative team environment.
• Excellent customer service skills and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to handle sensitive and extensive confidential data.
• Problem solving skills and the ability to lead, instruct, handle a large variety of details and to work with all levels of organization.
• Proficient in the use of e-mail, word processing, spreadsheet, database, and presentation software and use of the Internet to access data, maintain records, generate reports, and communicate with others.
Required Education and Experience
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the education and experience required.
• Associate’s degree or 60 college hours from an accredited college or university and
• Two (2) years of accounting experience or
• Four (4) years of experience and 30 hours from an accredited college or university
• In pursuit of their associate’s degree (selected candidate must show proof of progress every semester, after completing one year of employment).
Preferred Education and Experience
• Experience using finance module of Colleague or another accounting/finance module of another similar student-oriented enterprise system.