Financial Aid Accounting Specialist



Financial Aid Accounting Specialist

Salary

$52,768.00 - $71,142.00 Annually

Location

Costa Mesa, CA

Job Type

Classified Staff

Job Number

O-036-18

Division

Orange Coast College

Department

SS/Enrol/Fin Aid

Opening Date

03/09/2018

Closing Date

3/26/2018 11:59 PM Pacific

Definition

DEFINITION:

Under the direction of the Financial Aid Director, to perform a variety of fiscal/accounting activities related to student financial aid programs; oversee and maintain the financial functions of student financial aid programs within a broad framework of applicable Federal, State and District requirements to insure budget and related fiscal reporting integrity for the college.

 

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

The Student Financial Aid Accounting/Fiscal Specialist is an alternate class  within the student financial aid series requiring excellent communication, time management, organization, and problem solving skills as well as specialized training and subject matter expertise in the area of student financial aid program budgeting, accounting, and fiscal reporting.  Knowledge of specialized program reporting requirements and fiscal problem solving is applied to the general oversight of the student financial aid programs utilizing a variety of widely used principles and concepts.

 

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES: Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

a.                   Plan, organize and coordinate the operation and maintenance of accounting/fiscal and budgetary functions of the student financial aid department.
b.                  Plan and develop procedures for preparing fiscal reports and for maintaining and storing specialized or centralized control of accounting and financial records.
c.                   Assist in the development of procedures for accounting and budgeting systems and recommend improvements.
d.                  May serve as lead to coordinate and direct the work of staff in assigned area; oversee the processing of accounting transactions, auditing, and accounting/fiscal reports.
e.                   Advise and assist student financial aid staff and District with reports, financial database systems, and department operations.
f.                   Participate and oversee the gathering, classifying, and summarizing of student financial data; research and analyze budget and financial discrepancies and recommend a course of action to resolve problems.
g.                  Prepare, review, and revise accounting/fiscal procedures and responsibilities according to applicable Federal, State, and District requirements.
h.                  Participate in budget development; prepare various accounting reports, schedules, charts, and tables as needed or required.
i.                    Oversee and participate in the compilation of data, statistical studies, and analyses of student financial data; prepare preliminary and final financial documents and reports as assigned.
j.                    Assist with the annual student financial aid audit.
k.                  Coordinate operations and activities of the student financial aid department to assure timely and accurate processing and reporting.
l.                    Confer with and provide technical accounting and fiscal procedural assistance to others as requested.
m.                Serve as resource to and liaison between Federal and State agencies, service providers, and other staff.
n.                  Collect, receive, review, verify, research, and/or correct student financial aid data; prepare schedules, reports, documents and/or entries as needed.
o.                  Prepare and process journal and budget entries.
p.                  Perform financial analysis and balancing, report corrections, and year-end procedures including applicable reports.
q.                  Prepare and/or participate in the development of spreadsheets, journals, purchase orders, supply orders, and budgets.
r.                    Use computerized accounting, budgeting, and database systems.
s.                   Interpret codes, rules, regulations, and/or instructions; thoroughly review financial reports, documents, records, and other related data; research and resolve identified problems.
t.                    Assist supervisor with special projects as required.
u.                  Use a computer and related software for data entry, word processing, reporting, and messaging.
v.                  Perform a full range of high-level clerical work in support of assigned projects such as independently prepare reports, correspondence, and other related duties.
w.                Maintain accurate records for student financial aid programs, accounts and functions.
x.                  Perform other related job duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Physical Demands

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

1.                  General principles and procedures of accounting, auditing, budgeting, bookkeeping, and fiscal record keeping related to student financial aid reporting.
2.                  Audit requirements for the segregation of duties within the student financial aid program.
3.                  Financial and statistical analysis as related to student financial aid programs.
4.                  Appropriate laws, codes, standards, and fiscal reporting requirements applicable to student financial aid.
5.                  Budget development, monitoring, and analysis for student financial aid programs and services, including other related categorical programs.
6.                  Standard office practices, procedures and equipment, including use of computers for word processing, spreadsheet and other financial software, and data base applications.
7.                  Technical aspects and guidelines of student financial aid programs. 

Ability to:

8.                  Perform a variety of complex accounting, monitoring, and fiscal analysis related to student financial aid.
9.                  Gather, organize, analyze, prepare and present varied finance data and statistical analysis.
10.              Provide accurate information and reports to District and other reporting agencies.
11.              Prepare, audit, and analyze a variety of student financial aid data and reports.
12.              Analyze, interpret, and apply pertinent codes, laws, policies, and regulations related to student financial aid accounting and reporting.
13.              Understand and apply internal fiscal controls in the performance of work assignments.
14.              Operate a computer, applicable software and other office equipment.
15.              Make complex arithmetic computations with speed and accuracy; correct errors in arithmetical calculations made by others.
16.              Adjust to new technology.
17.              Effectively utilize automated accounting information systems and related software applications.
18.              Analyze situations quickly and objectively to determine proper course of action.
19.              Develop and prepare procedures, instructions, and standards for a variety of student financial aid accounting processes.
20.              May direct or lead the work of others in a lower classification, hourly or student workers.
21.              Plan and organize work to meet schedules and time lines.
22.              Handle multiple project assignments.
23.              Provide high-level customer service, in person and over the telephone.
24.              Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
25.              Establish and maintain effective relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience:

26.              Education equivalent to an Associate of Arts degree in accounting or business administration, or other related field.
27.              At least four years progressively responsible experience in accounting.
28.              Or, any combination of education and experience that would provide the required equivalent qualifications.

Conditions of Employment

This is a regular, full-time, 12-month per year, classified position. The normal hours of work are from 8:00am - 5:00pm, Monday through Friday. The effective date of employment will be arranged with the supervisor. 

  • Regular attendance is considered an essential job function; the inability to meet attendance requirements may preclude the employee from retaining employment.
  • The person holding this position is considered a mandated reporter under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in Coast Community College District policies, procedures, and Title IX. (Reference: BP/AP 5910)
  • The Coast Community College District celebrates all forms of diversity and is deeply committed to fostering an inclusive environment within which students, staff, administrators, and faculty thrive. Individuals interested in advancing the District's strategic diversity goals are strongly encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who self-disclose.

PAY PHILOSOPHY: 
All movement on the salary schedule will occur July 1 of each year for all classified employees. 
 

Additional Information

ATTENTION: Before applying, please be sure to review the Coast Colleges District Board Policy regarding Nepotism (BP 7310) to check if your application may be impacted. If you have any questions, please contact HR Recruitment at 714-438-4714 or 714-438-4716.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:
To be considered for employment you must submit a COMPLETE application packet. A complete application packet includes:
1. A complete Classified/Management Employment Application.
2. A current resume (attached as a separate document - PDF recommended).
3. A cover letter highlighting your qualifications for the desired position (attached as a separate document - PDF recommended).
4. Answers to all Supplemental Questions (please provide clear, thorough responses as they will be carefully evaluated to determine the most qualified candidate(s) to be invited for an interview; please do not put "see resume" or "N/A").
 
Submission of all required application information and materials is the responsibility of the applicant.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES:
Applications must be received no later than the posted closing date. There are NO EXCEPTIONS. Electronic applications may be completed by visiting www.cccd.edu/employment. Once you have completed an electronic application, you may apply to open positions within the Coast Community College District by submitting the application and all other required materials. Required materials differ for each open position and must be complete when submitted for a specific posting. Instructions for completing applications and applying to posted positions are available online or by calling Applicant Processing at (714) 438-4714 or (714) 438-4716.

Information for TDD users is available by calling (714) 438-4755.
 
All applications will be screened under a process of utmost confidentiality by a committee of representatives from the college community. All application materials become the property of the Coast Community College District and will NOT be copied or returned. Any documents that you are unable to attach can be faxed to (714) 782-6065. Faxes must clearly indicate your name and the job to which you are applying.

To ensure consistency and fairness to all applicants, please do not submit materials in addition to those requested. Additional materials will not be considered or returned. Be sure to complete all questions and sections of the application. For questions which may not apply, indicate "n/a" (not applicable). If you do not know an answer, please indicate so, but do not leave any space blank. 

Disability Accommodations:
If you require accommodations in the Application or Examination Process, please notify Human Resources by calling (714) 438-4714 or (714) 438-4716.

SELECTION PROCEDURES:

  1. All online applications and required materials received by the deadline date will be screened to determine which applicant(s) meet(s) the minimum qualifications as stated in the job announcement. Please note: Possession of the minimum qualifications does not ensure an interview.
  2. Applicants who meet the required qualifications and who are also deemed to possess the highest degree of desirable qualifications will be invited to discuss their qualifications in an interview with the College/District. Therefore, it is highly recommended that applicants submit clear, detailed responses to all supplemental questions in order to demonstrate his/her qualifications as related to the position.
  3. If any travel is required for an applicant to participate in-person during the interview process, this will be done so at the candidate's own expense.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:
  • The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
  • The work environment characteristics are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
  • Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The Coast Community College District is a multi-college district that includes Coastline Community CollegeGolden West College, and Orange Coast College.  The three colleges offer programs in transfer, general education, occupational/technical education, community services and student support services.  Coastline, Golden West and Orange Coast Colleges enroll more than 60,000 students each year in more than 300 degree and certificate programs. 
Since its founding in 1947, the Coast Community College District has enjoyed a reputation as one of the leading community college districts in the United States.  Governed by a locally elected Board of Trustees, the Coast Community College District plays an important role in the community by responding to needs of a changing and increasingly diverse population.

Coast Community College District is an Equal Opportunity Employer
The Coast Community College District is committed to employing qualified administrators/managers, faculty, and staff members who are dedicated to student learning and success. The Board recognizes that diversity in the academic environment fosters awareness, promotes mutual understanding and respect, and provides suitable role models for all students. The Board is committed to hiring and staff development processes that support the goals of equal opportunity and diversity, and provide equal consideration for all qualified candidates. The District does not discriminate unlawfully in providing educational or employment opportunities to any person on the basis of race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, medical condition, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, or genetic information.

Comprehensive Medical, Dental and Vision
We know that the health of our employees and their families is a priority. That's why we offer extensive health care benefits to benefits-eligible employees. We offer the District's PPO plan as well as two HMO's, United Health Care and Kaiser Permanente. We also provide District-paid dental and vision insurance. 

Benefits are available to regular permanent employees working 20 or more hours per week.  Benefits are not available to temporary or short term employees.

District-paid Life Insurance
The District provides Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment insurance benefits, underwritten by ING. This District-paid benefit is equal to one time your annual salary and remains in effect until age 70.

District-paid Disability Benefits
Coast provides both short and long term disability benefits for eligible employees unable to work because of disability due to illness, injury, or maternity.

Voluntary Plans
A variety of voluntary plans are offered through the District to benefits-eligible employees such as Long Term Care, Hyatt Legal, and Section 125 compliant flexible spending accounts.

Enrich Your Profession
Professional Development Programs
The District offers a variety of Professional Development programs for faculty and classified staff that encompasses all types of facilitated learning opportunities, ranging from college degrees to formal coursework and conferences. We encourage lifelong learning that maintains and improves professional competencies, enhances career progression, and keeps our employees on the cutting edge of their profession.

Sabbatical Leaves
Faculty members are encouraged to pursue professional growth leading to the development of increased competence and the improvement of instruction and/or redirection in their current teaching discipline. The District's sabbatical leave program is designed to assist in this pursuit and is available on a semester basis after completing six consecutive years of service.

Academic Senate
The Academic Senate is the governing body at each of our colleges for making recommendations to administration and to our Board of Trustees with respect to academic and professional matters. The Senate consists of elected faculty and has the responsibility for matters related to curriculum and general academic policy.

Time to Refuel
Vacation
Classified, contract staff earn vacation days commensurate with years of service. Classified Management and Administrators earn 22 days vacation per year.

Sick Leave
All contract employees earn sick leave as outlined in the CA Education Code. Sick leave may be carried over from year-to-year and, upon retirement, unused sick leave may contribute to your PERS and STRS retiree benefit.

Holidays
The District observes 21 paid holidays per year.

Jury Duty, Bereavement, Military Leave
Coast grants contract employees called to jury duty a leave of absence, without loss of pay, for the entire length of required service. Other available leaves include bereavement from 3-5 days and military leaves of absence in accordance with applicable state laws.

Great Expectations
Pension Plans
The District participates in the California State Teachers Retirement System (CalSTRS) and the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) for contract employees. Non-contract employees participate in Public Agency Retirement Services (PARS) plan for the first 1,000 hours of their employment.
Additionally, it is the policy of the Coast Community College District that contract employees who retire from the District with ten or more years of service be afforded the same group insurance benefits until 70 years of age. A Medicare Supplement or GAP plan  is available to retirees and their spouses after age 70.

Annuities
The District maintains a program whereby qualified employees may request through Payroll to have a portion of his or her salary deposited under a tax sheltered annuity plan or an approved deferred compensation plan.

Schools First Federal Credit Union

The Schools First Federal Credit Union is a federally insured, full service, financial cooperative that is a not-for-profit organization. Earnings are used to benefit all members to provide a full range of financial services and offerings.


01
I understand that a COMPLETE application packet is required for consideration, which includes the following: 1. A complete Coast Community College District Online Employment Application 2. A current resume or curriculum vitae (upload as a separate attachment - PDF recommended) 3. All unofficial transcripts (upload as a separate attachment - PDF recommended) 4. Answers to ALL supplemental questions (clear, detailed responses required for evaluation purposes) 5. Application for Equivalency, if applicable, please go to www.cccd.edu/employment to obtain the form (upload as a separate attachment - PDF recommended)
  • Yes
  • No
02
What specific qualifications do you possess that would allow you to be successful in this position?
03
Please describe in detail, your experience in the following areas: Return to Title IV, Disbursements, Account Reconciliation and budgeting.
04
Describe your experience with Ellucian software specifically the Banner system and any other programs you have implemented in your current or former positions.
05
Describe the training and/or experience that demonstrate your sensitivity to, and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students.

Required Question

Agency
Coast Community College District
Address
1370 Adams Avenue

Costa Mesa, California, 92626
Phone
714-438-4668
714-438-4714