Senior Accounting Clerk

Job SummaryPerforms general accounting and clerical functions including posting and reconciliation of finance processes, implementation of related policies and procedures, and oversight and coordination of the work activities of student service accounting to ensure the accuracy and reliability of financial transactions, with minimal guidance and direction.Essential Duties And ResponsibilitiesReconciles and balances accounts and provides complex problem resolution of student accounts. 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. Oversees reporting and transmittal of 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. Performs cashier duties, including processing payments using cash, debit/credit cards, and checks. Responsible for issuing receipts, managing refunds, and balancing cash drawers on a daily basis. Assists the students with payments, payment plan, financial aid status, verification of awards, class schedules, and other student services related assistance. Maintains updated knowledge of regulatory policies and procedures affecting area of responsibility and stays current with responsibilities through self-directed reading. 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. Validate and reconcile computer printouts of financial data against source documents. Makes computations, verifications and journal entries. Verifies the accuracy of journal entries and account coding to ensure proper relationships throughout the accounting structure. Enters and posts 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 students 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. Coordinates, 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. Verifies and posts details of business transactions, such as funds received and disbursed, and totals accounts. 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. Serves on committees as appropriate and as appointed by supervisor. 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.Physical DemandsThe physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand. The employee is occasionally required to walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear; and taste or smell. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.