Accountant II

Position Summary

Under the direction of the Director, Business Services/Bursar, applies broad understanding of accounting principles and the college’s finance structure to perform a variety of accounting functions. Responsible for monitoring various general ledger accounts, preparing various reports and schedules for audit and financial reporting purposes. Applies advanced accounting theory, and accounting practices, to assist management in developing and implementing college-wide accounting policies, procedures, and systems. Performs all functions and activities within the guidelines and philosophy set forth in the BMCC Mission, Vision and Strategic Plan.

Essential Functions

• Completes monthly accounting functions for various areas of the college including the Business Office.
• Prepares, enters, and uploads recurring and correcting journal entries into accounts on the computerized accounting system. 
• Performs monthly reconciliations, month end and year-end closures and processes, and ensures sufficient backup documentation is obtained.
• Provides coordination of contracts, fixed assets, and inventory.
• Monitors accounts payables, account receivables, payroll outstanding checks, and remits amounts outstanding to the State Unclaimed Properties Division or to current payroll provider. 
• Assists with monitoring and reporting on other fund accounts such as: Internal Service, Enterprise and Agency.
• Responds to accounting questions related to the general ledger accounts for which responsible, as well as general questions related to the general ledger module, the information and the running of reports.
• Assists the business office staff with creating new general ledger (GL) account information.  
• Assists with and/or prepares, distributes and files a variety of monthly, quarterly and annual financial documents and reports, including general ledger accounts and reports.
• Maintains comprehensive and complex accounts and funds requiring the analysis of accounting transactions.
• Designs and produces ad-hoc reports and financial models as requested by administrators and supervisors.
• Establishes and maintain fiscal procedures that ensure sound business practices.
• Assists Director, Business Services/Bursar in establishing and maintaining sound internal control procedures.
• Participates in ongoing operational review and development of new accounting and recording practices.
• Recommends and assists with necessary changes or improvements to the financial management systems modules and policies, to ensure integrity of financial information.
• Assists in ensuring that the college financial records, fiscal systems and processes are in compliance with generally accepted accounting principles.
• Obtains all supporting documentation for review by staff and external auditors.
• Prepares audit work papers and schedules for review by staff and external auditors.
• Cross trains in other functional areas within the business office to provide back up and support, including accounts payable.
• Participates in committees, sub-committees, or councils as appropriate and attend meetings and training sessions, as directed.
• Participates in the annual move of office documents and maintain all records/files in accordance with current retention regulations.
• Assists in the preparation of the annual budget.
• Contributes to departmental strategic planning, including goal setting and positioning department to assist in the achievement of organizational plans and goals.
• Maintains sensitivity, understanding, and respect for a diverse academic environment, inclusive of students, faculty, and staff of varying social, ability, economic, cultural, ideological, and ethnic backgrounds.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Other Aspects of this Position

• Must be available to work extra hours during busy times such as month-end, year-end, budget and audit(s), which may include evenings and/or weekends when necessary. 
• Travel to other BMCC sites or for professional development may be required, valid driver license required.

Physical requirements

• Ability to sit or stand in one position for prolonged periods of time.
• Ability to lift up to 20 lbs.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Individuals must possess the following knowledge, skills, and abilities or be able to explain and demonstrate that the individual can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, using some other combination of skills and abilities:

Knowledge and in-depth understanding of:

• Principles and practices of organization and management.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations governing public college operations.
• Governmental or fund accounting including source of funds, segregation and display of expenditures and revenues, budgetary accounting, and audit requirements.
• Budgetary procedures and Oregon budget law.
• Generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) statements.
• Analytical skills, independent problem-solving and administrative analysis techniques.
• Federal and state audit requirements as they relate to Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) and Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR’s).
• Demonstrated experience coordinating and overseeing complex financial projects and audits; working with computer systems; and experience working with computerized general ledgers and accounting systems.
• An in-depth level of computer literacy and knowledge of computerized programs and accounting systems, including Microsoft Word and Excel and Pivot Tables. Uses appropriate technology and office tools to accomplish job functions; understands and utilizes available technology as communication and data gathering tools.
• Skill developing and using computer models to analyze and forecast financial data. Skill analyzing accounting information and systems to prevent, detect, and correct errors.
• Within six (6) months of hire, must be proficient is using the College’s accounting software and other software assigned by College.
• Must be an independent worker capable of a high degree of confidentiality and responsibility with minimal supervision, while also being able to work effectively as a team member. 
• Strong oral and written communication skills, interpersonal and customer relation skills to deal effectively with a variety of personalities in difficult situations.
• Maintains the confidentiality and security of protected student information in accordance with FERPA regulations.
• Ability to provide a professional level of customer service.
• This position requires attention to detail due to the large volume of processing. Must be able to perform at a fast pace on an ongoing basis
• Skill in mathematical and analytical skills necessary to perform accounting functions.
• Ability to work with employees, vendors, or others, in person and on telecommunications and by other electronic means.
• Ability to accurately type and to operate a 10-key calculator with speed and accuracy.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration or related field with significant accounting concentration.
• Three (3) years direct accounting, finance, and business administration.

OR

• Significant direct experience, ten (10) plus years, in accounting, finance, grants and business administration with increasing responsibilities, along with an associate’s degree in an applicable field, may be considered in lieu of a Bachelor’s Degree.
• Experience with computerized accounting/bookkeeping systems and reports and the ability to apply complex accounting and bookkeeping procedures and principles and interface them within the college’s set policy and procedures.
• Governmental or other fund accounting experience.

The College recognizes the value of skills and knowledge gained outside of formal higher education and paid employment. Applicants who do not meet minimum qualifications but present other qualifications or experience equivalent to those required will be considered and are encouraged to apply. To qualify under equivalency, applicants must indicate how they qualify under equivalency by responding to the supplemental question presented during the application process.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Minimum of two (2) years demonstrated experience working with computer systems, hardware, and business-related software applications, or related areas.

This is a full-time position with excellent benefits including: Medical, dental, vision, life, accidental death & dismemberment, and long term disability insurance; Paid holidays; Sick leave; Vacation; and Tuition waiver for employee and qualified dependents.

Pay: $58,000-$62,000

This position is opened until filled

APPLICATION PACKETS MUST INCLUDE:

Resume,

Cover letter addressing how you meet the minimum qualifications as outlined in the position description, and

Transcripts of course work - graduate and undergraduate (if applicable) unofficial are acceptable for the application process.

Please contact Human Resources (541-278-5837) if you have a special need/accommodation to aid your participation in our hiring process.

Veteran's preference points will be given provided DD214/DD215 is provided.

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain work authorization throughout the employment term. No sponsorship is available for this position.

Blue Mountain Community College is an equal opportunity educator and employer.  For complete EEO disclosure statement please go to www.bluecc.edu/EEO.