Staff Accountant

STAFF ACCOUNTANT

Astoria, OR, US

Clatsop Community College

Job Summary

The Staff Accountant supports the Business Office in the day‑to‑day operations, which include, but are not limited to, preparing journal entries, reconciling general ledger accounts, maintaining financial records, preparing various reports, meeting data compliance standards and other related financial duties under the supervision of the Chief Financial Officer. The Staff Accountant contacts other departments and/or outside agencies to resolve problems and provide training.

The Staff Accountant will need to know and apply accounting theory and principles, and ensure observance of professional standards and state rules including Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, Governmental Accounting Standards, Higher Education Accounting Standards, and Clatsop Community College’s policies, procedures, and other regulations and guidance. The successful candidate must possess exceptional organizational and time management skills, interpersonal skills, and a strong attention to detail.

• Compiles and analyzes financial information to prepare entries to accounts, such as general ledger accounts, documenting business transactions as needed and authorized by the Chief Financial Officer.
• Analyzes financial information detailing assets, liabilities, and capital, and prepares balance sheet, profit and loss statement, and other reports to summarize and interpret current and projected College financials.
• Determines proper handling of financial transactions and approves transactions within designated limits.
• Monitors compliance with generally accepted accounting principles and College procedures.
• Reviews, investigates, corrects, and reports errors and inconsistencies in financial entries, documents, and reports.
• Conducts studies and submits recommendations for improving the organization’s accounting operation.
• Serve as payroll backup and assist with payroll posting.
• Reconcile financial aid awards and grant expenditures to the general ledger and payments received through EFT and / or the Department of Education Grant Management System (G5).
• Assist the Chief Financial Officer with the preparation of financial reports including, but not limited to, monthly reports, quarterly reports, fiscal and calendar year‑end reports and ad hoc reports.
• Reconcile all bank accounts monthly.
• Train others in accounting processes within and outside of the department.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education / Experience: Bachelor's degree from a four‑year college or university; two to five years of related experience and/or training in payroll, grant accounting, preparing financial reports, and analyzing financial data, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Knowledge: Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the United States of America (GAAP). Must be highly skilled in the use of Excel worksheets. Demonstrated ability in problem solving, documentation, research and resolution, data analysis, multi‑tasking, and time management. High degree of accuracy, attention to detail, well organized, and able to work in a fast‑paced environment. Function as a team member, work independently, and exercise sound judgment.

Ability to learn quickly the financial structure, financial procedures and systems of the college.

Language Ability: Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from managers, clients, customers, and the general public.

Math Ability: Ability to apply mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.

Reasoning Ability: Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of tangible variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

Computer

Skills:

Knowledge of…