Accountant II - Cash and Investments

Accountant II

Portland Community College has an exciting opportunity for the Accountant II position. The Accountant II performs complex accounting activities requiring the selection and broad use of generally accepted accounting principles and standards, financial analysis and procedures relating to major program areas. Coordinates accounting matters with other departments, divisions and campuses. Develops and/or recommends accounting methods and procedures as needed and as a result of conducting special studies and/or projects.

Principal Accountabilities (includes some or all of the following):

• Maintains comprehensive and complex accounts and funds requiring the analysis of accounting transactions and the establishment or maintenance of internal controls.
• Develops, installs and modifies accounting systems, records, methods, and procedures.
• Recommends and evaluates changes or enhancements to financial management systems and policies. Assists in assuring that the college financial records are in compliance with generally accepted accounting principles.
• Processes the month end and year end closings.
• Prepares monthly financial statements and operating reports for distribution to management and other college personnel and federal and state entities as required.
• Prepares monthly reconciliations and balance sheets.
• Prepares a variety of comprehensive narrative reports, financial analysis, and forecasting.
• Reviews and verifies the accuracy of journal entries and accounting classifications.
• Assists college administrators and staff in solving complex problems regarding tracking and evaluation of revenues, expenditures and encumbrances.
• Assures compliance with federal, state and/or local regulations, inclusive of the Oregon Budget Law, the Single Audit Act and OMB Circular 133 and OMB Circular A-21.
• Prepares and presents information to auditors and federal and state officials.
• Responds to inquiries and defends accounting practices when appropriate.
• May lead projects or oversee lower level accounting staff; reviewing work of adequacy, methods, and conformance and giving performance input to the supervisor.
• Designs and produces ad-hoc reports and financial models as requested by administrators and supervisor.
• Translates complex financial information and technical language into clear and concise documents from which administrators can make decisions.
• Acts as a technical resource to other Financial Services personnel.
• Participates in special projects as requested by management and performs other related duties as assigned.

These qualifications, skills and abilities are critical for success in this position. Throughout the screening process, you will be evaluated based on the demonstration of these qualifications.

• Demonstrated experience analyzing and interpreting complex financial/accounting information and preparing reports
• Demonstrated experience preparing daily reconciliations of automated financial systems such as an ERP system, banking software, eCommerce, merchant systems, and POS systems
• Experience in government and/or college fund accounting systems and principles.
• Experience providing technical information to departmental managers and other staff regarding college accounting requirements and college accounting software.
• Experience working with diverse academic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds of community college students and staff. This also includes working directly with both internal and external departments and stakeholders.
• Knowledge of banking regulations, federal financial aid processing (in particular related to nursing loans), FERPA and PII compliance, as well as processing posting errors, reversals, chargebacks, and completing reconciliations.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration or related field. Experience performing the duties described may substitute for the degree requirement on a year-for-year basis. Two years of experience working in governmental, municipal, fund accounting, or the area of accounting that is related to the assignment is required.
• Demonstrated experience working with PC and mainframe computer systems, hardware and supporting software applications.
• Experience working with computerized accounting systems and how they aid in compiling, maintaining, and using accounting information.

Preferred Qualifications

• Student loan experience (nursing loans a plus)
• Accounting experience in higher ed or a government environment

Work Environment

Work is typically performed in an office environment or at various college locations. Occasional evening or weekend hours may be required depending on project requirements.

The PCC district encompasses a 1,500-square-mile area in northwest Oregon and offers two-year degrees, one-year certificate programs, short-term training, alternative education, pre-college courses and life-long learning. As part of our College community, you'll enjoy:

• A collaborative and inspiring…