Accounting Specialist

Job Summary

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.  

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

Grant Accounting 

• 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.  

• Develops positive working relationships to foster a collaborative environment for grant coordination and oversight.   

• Coordinates with key personnel to support proper and timely expenditure of grant funds in compliance with applicable guidelines and budget deadlines.     

• Reviews grant expenditures for proper documentation, account coding, compliance with grant regulations and BMCC accounting policies and procedures.    

• 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.      

Business and Finance Process Automation

• 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.   

Purchasing

• 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.   

Fixed Asset Accounting  

• 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.     

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• 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.   

Education and Experience:

• Any combination of experience and education in a Business, Finance, Accounting, or IT field will be considered.  An ideal educational background is a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting.  The ideal candidate would be willing to obtain a Bachelor’s Degree. 

• 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. 

To Apply:  All interested candidates should upload the following documents by Monday, June 22, 2026 at 4:00 p.m.:

1. Letter of interest that addresses how the applicant meets the posted requirements
2. Resume or curriculum vitae.
3. Unofficial transcripts for all earned degrees (official transcripts required at time of offer)
4. Proof of tribal enrollment, if claiming preference.
5. A list of contact information and nature of professional relationship of at least three (3) professional references. Candidates may provide letters of reference if preferred.

The statements above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required in said position. 

In accordance with the Clery Act, Bay Mills Community College’s Annual Security Report is available at the Receptionist's desk in the Administration Building or the Accounting Department upon request. This document provides critical safety information, such as emergency response and preparedness, crime prevention, crime reporting, and timely warnings. This report also includes crime statistics for the past three years.

 It is the policy of BMCC to provide equal opportunity in employment to all employees and applicants for employment. No person will be discriminated against in employment because of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, disability, military status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal or state law. However, BMCC Indian Preference in accordance with the spirit of the Indian Preference Act, PL 88-352-Sec. 707 (1) July 2, 1972, may grant first consideration for employment to Indians.