Accounting Analyst



Accounting Analyst

Salary

$68,544.00 - $92,410.00 Annually

Location

Costa Mesa, CA

Job Type

Classified Staff

Job Number

O-030-20

Division

Orange Coast College

Department

Admin/Fiscal Affairs

Opening Date

12/03/2019

Closing Date

3/5/2020 12:00 AM Pacific

Definition

About Orange Coast Colleg(OCC)
Orange Coast College's 164-acre campus is located in Costa Mesa just minutes from Southern California's beautiful beaches. Founded in 1947, with classes beginning in 1948, OCC has grown into one of the nation's largest -- and finest -- community colleges, enrolling more than 25,000 students each semester. OCC's has an unwavering commitment to equitable outcomes; inclusive practices; and rich racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic diversity. Ideal candidates for this position share OCC's devotion to educating and improving the lives of our representative student, employee, and community populations. Ideal candidates for this position share OCC's devotion to educating and improving the lives of our representative student, employee, and community populations. We currently enroll 21,498 students, the majority of whom are from racially minoritized populations: 35% of OCC's students are Latinx, 2% are African- American, 23% are Asian, less than 1% Native American, 31% are White, and 6% are multiracial. OCC engages in a variety of professional development opportunities and partnerships so that we can serve disproportionately impacted groups. Student-centered activities that support OCC's mission include campus-wide student success projects funded by the Office of Student Equity; partnerships with local Hispanic Serving four year institutions; active programs that work to improve the academic achievement of racially minoritized students, such as PUENTE and UMOJA; Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS) and Disabled Student Program and Services (DSPS).
 

Summary
Provides accurate and timely budget and financial reports that can be used for current and future financial and program decisions. Advises program administrators on budget issues. Participates in budget development processes for funding sources and/or clearing accounts.
 
Distinguishing Career Features
The Accounting Analyst is a technical position in the accounting career path requiring in-depth knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles, budget development, and financial reporting processes. The Accounting Analyst serves as a technical resource for all sources of funding to expense items including position control. Advancement to this position requires demonstration of competency in budget development, performing complex analytical research and reporting, monitoring revenue and expenditures, and preparation of special reports. Advancement to Accounting Analyst Senior is based on need and the ability to analyze costs and trends, both indirect and direct, and other overhead items and to perform special assignments requiring making projections. The Accounting Analyst Senior also may coordinate position control systems and practices.
 
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Specific duties may vary among departments, divisions, and jobs. Incumbents typically perform a substantial portion or all of the following types of duties, as assigned:
  • Participates in the budget development process for all funding sources.
  • Provides technical assistance to support research and preparation of department and program budgets.
  • Participates in preparing periodic financial reports, including variance analysis, for administrators of all funds and programs. 
  • Monitors approved position controls and staffing levels. Notifies administrators of exceptions and suggests allocations that comply with stipulations of restricted funds.
  • Prepares and initiates line item transfers. Reviews expense and other requisitions for compliance with applicable standards, rules and regulations, and approved budgets, analyzing variances and resolves variances with appropriate managers. Monitors expenditures of funds carried over from prior fiscal periods. 
  • Participates in the input of budget data. Complies with established procedures for all funding sources. Analyzes budget reports to ensure expenditures do not exceed appropriations.
  • Interprets, administers, and complies with the policies, rules, and regulations established by the Board of Trustees and the District's Fiscal Affairs Department.
  • Works with departments, programs, and sites to process financial transactions with established parameters.
  • Provides technical support to departments accessing computerized accounting systems and databases that contain financial and statistical information. May assist departments in cost-benefit analysis of a project, programs, and related proposals.
  • Interprets, administers, and complies with federal, state and local policies, rules and regulations. Prepares elements of federal, state and local financial reports relating to the assigned area of responsibility.
  • Provides assistance to other accounting staff on an as-needed basis to balance fluctuations in the workflow.
  • Prepares reports of revenue and expense performance, account balances, cash balances, and other accounts that contribute to a complete description of the activity and performance of an organization unit.
  • Prepares performance reports such as estimating revenues and expenses for current and anticipated administrative commitments, computing cost-of-service by allocating labor, materials, and services to accounts and comparing financial data to actual project outcomes.
  • Prepares work-in-progress reports for projects depicting account activity, year-to-date balances, and variances. Works with functional leaders to prepare narrative explanations of account activity.
  • Researches and prepares short and long-range financial, fiscal, and budget forecasts for projects, programs, and operations. Integrates data from a variety of sources, both internal and external.
  • Compiles, categorizes, and organizes data to support the accounting department and fiscal affairs needs.
  • Conducts studies of financial, operating, economic, and statistical data to support administrative decision-making processes. Devises methods for collecting and processing data, utilizing knowledge of available sources of data.
  • Constructs 'what if' models that simulate outcomes based on changing variables. Uses computer-aided spreadsheets, databases, and programs.
  • Develops 'pro forma' financial statements to support decisions on programs, grants, and special funds. Researches and extracts data from records of financial transactions in a fund, project, or general ledger accounting systems.
  • Develops and maintains management information and control processes to assist department and program leaders to understand the financial position with respect to business plans, goals, and objectives.
  • Researches and resolves student account discrepancies and/or payment application errors. Researches, processes, communicates and posts student refund returns.
  • Reconciles Capital Accounts to Fixed Asset Database and Inventory.
  • Reconciles position budgets with HR Recruitments/attrition reports and maintains campus Vacancy reports.
  • May prepare accounting reports documenting adjustments to account balances, detailing the transaction trail for audit purposes.
  • May review accounting systems for controls, account classifications, and reports.
  • May review accounting items such as fixed asset balances, inventory, expenditures, cash, accounts payable and accounts receivable.
  • May direct the work of others in a lower classification.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned that support the objective of the position.
  • Required to abide by all District policies and procedures including Board Policy 3050 – Code of Professional Ethics.

Qualifications and Physical Demands

Knowledge and Skills
  • The position requires in-depth technical knowledge of the principles and procedures of accounting, with additional expertise in budget preparation and control.
  • Requires in-depth knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles and programs and of laws, codes, and regulations applying to assigned financial operations.
  • Requires working knowledge of audit documentation requirements.
  • Requires working knowledge of the workings of automated accounting systems and relational databases, sufficient to train others, and to troubleshoot errors and exceptions.
  • Requires basic knowledge of position control.
  • Requires basic knowledge of the practices and techniques in accumulating and allocating accounting information.
  • Requires working knowledge of financial management, control, and reporting processes associated with restricted funds.
  • Requires well-developed math skills to perform complex accounting and statistical computations.
  • Requires sufficient language skills to prepare reports suitable for internal and external publications.
  • Requires well-developed human relations skills to explain detailed information to small groups and work with staff in an advisory capacity.

Abilities
  • Requires the ability to perform the essential responsibilities and functions of the position.
  • Requires the ability to train and provide oversight to employees performing accounting transactions.
  • Requires the ability to prepare complex analyses and write reports which adequately communicate problems and solutions.
  • Requires the ability to organize and prioritize work in order to meet rigid schedules and budget timelines.
  • Requires the ability to provide one-on-one and small group discussion, and otherwise work with administrative staff and peers.
  • Requires ability to initiate and conduct technical research, complete complex arithmetic, algebraic and statistical computations, solve highly technical problems associated with financial transactions.
 
Physical Abilities
  • The general physical demands, working conditions, and essential job functions associated with this classification will be kept on file with the Office of Human Resources.
  • Essential functions will vary by position.
  • As defined by Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act ("ADA") and California's Fair Employment and Housing Act ("FEHA"), the District shall engage in a timely, good-faith interactive process with employees or employment applicants who are requesting or are in need of reasonable accommodations and, provide reasonable accommodations for employees or employment applicants who, because of their disability, are limited in or unable to perform one or more of the essential functions of their job in accordance with applicable state and federal law.
 
Education and Experience
  • The position typically requires a Bachelor's degree in accounting or business or equivalent plus five years of relevant and progressively responsible experience in governmental accounting and budgeting that includes monitoring of restricted funds. Or, any combination of education and experience which would provide the required equivalent qualifications for the position.
 
Licenses and Certificates
  • May require a valid driver license.
 
Working Conditions
  • Work is performed in an office environment with minimal exposure to health and safety considerations.

Conditions of Employment

**This position will remain open until filled.  The first review of applications will take place by January 3, 2020.

This is a regular, full-time, 12-months per year classified position.  (Salary Range EE-121)  The normal hours of work will be Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, with the flexibility to occasionally work extended hours and occasional weekends, as necessary to meet the needs of the department. 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.
 
The deadline to apply is open until filled. Application materials must be electronically submitted online at http://www.cccd.edu/employmentIncomplete applications and application materials submitted by mail will not be considered.

Additional Information

Applications must be received no later than the posted closing date. There are NO EXCEPTIONS. Electronic applications may be completed by visiting http://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.
 
All application materials become the property of the Coast Community College District and will NOT be copied or returned. Information for TDD users is available by calling (714) 438-4755.
 
Application Requirements:
To be considered for employment you must submit a complete application packet. A complete application packet includes:

  • A complete online Classified/Management Employment Application.
  • current resume. (Attached as a separate document.)
  • cover letter highlighting your qualifications for the desired position. (Attached as a separate document.)
  • Answers to Supplemental Questions. (clear and detailed responses required as they will be carefully evaluated to determine the most qualified candidate(s) to be invited for an interview; please do not paste your resume, or put "see resume" or "N/A", or leave blank).
 
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. If you do not know an answer, please indicate so, but do not leave any space blank.
 
All applications will be screened under a process of utmost confidentiality by a committee of representatives from the college community. Please note: Possession of the minimum qualifications does not ensure an interview.

Any documents that you are unable to attach can be emailed to jobs@cccd.edu. Emails must clearly indicate the job you are applying to and your name.
 
Disability Accommodations:
If you require accommodations in the Application or Examination Process, please notify Human Resources by calling (714) 438-4716 OR (714) 438-4713.
 
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 a 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
Describe your experience with financial and accounting software applications. In your response, list the different applications and how you used them and for what period of time.
02
Describe a difficult situation that you resolved which illustrates your ability to analyze a problem, make recommendations and develop feasible solutions.
03
Describe your budgeting experience, including your (a) levels of responsibility and authority; (b) types of budgets; (c) amounts of budgets.
04
Describe your experience, including specific duties and responsibilities, in maintaining the general ledger and subsidiary ledgers making adjusting entries.
05
Please describe the most complex budget or reconciliation you have overseen and/or participated in developing, maintaining, and controlling in a work environment.
06
This position requires mid-level Microsoft Excel and Access capabilities. Please describe examples of how you have utilized Microsoft Excel and Access functionality to obtain information from a larger data source to prepare and analyzing budgets and perform fiscal analysis.
07
Describe your experience and or responsibility in analyzing and preparing financial statements, reports and projecting cash flow requirements.
08
Describe how you have achieved awareness-level workload management skills – the ability to plan and organize assignments to create timely, accurate work products; work efficiently, remain focused, and handle interruptions effectively.
09
What experience do you have with producing and analyzing financial statements for management as well as auditors?
10
I understand that a COMPLETE application packet is required for consideration, which includes the following: 1. A completed Coast Community College District Online Employment Application 2. A current resume (uploaded as a separate attachment - PDF recommended) 3. A cover letter (uploaded as a separate attachment - PDF recommended) 4. Responses to supplemental questions (clear and detailed responses required as they will be carefully evaluated to determine the most qualified candidate(s) to be invited for an interview; please do not paste your resume, or put "see resume", or "N/A" or leave blank)
  • Yes
  • No
11
Have you ever worked as a short-term temporary employee with Coast Community College District?
  • Yes
  • No
12
If you answered "Yes" to previously worked with CCCD as a short-term employee, please provide your employee number and your dates of employment. Please type N/A if this question does not apply to you.

Required Question

Agency
Coast Community College District
Address
1370 Adams Avenue

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