Fiscal Specialist 2 - Accounts Payable and Travel

Fiscal Specialist 2 - Travel and Accounts Payable

The Opportunity: The Fiscal Specialist 2 - Travel and Accounts Payable position performs a variety of complex and varied fiscal and administrative functions, such as travel and expense reimbursement, accounts payable, establishing and maintaining comprehensive fiscal record-keeping systems, under the general direction of the Associate Director of Business Operations. This position handles a high volume of incoming documents and performs a variety of accounts payable functions. Strong customer service skills are also essential for effectively working with vendors and college staff to resolve accounts payable items and related issues.

This is a full-time, classified position working 40 hours per week, 12 months per year. This position works onsite in the Business Office on the main campus located in Mount Vernon, Washington.

The Location: Skagit Valley College is on the traditional and unceded territories of the Coast Salish People's, especially on Swinomish Indian Tribal Community, Upper Skagit Indian Tribe, Samish Indian Nation, Nooksack Indian Tribe, and Sauk-Suiattle Indian Tribe. Located in a geographically diverse region between the dynamic metropolitan hubs of Seattle and Vancouver, BC, SVC is never far from world-class outdoor recreation, urban arts scenes, and local cultural events. SVC serves our local communities with a campus in Mount Vernon, Oak Harbor on Whidbey Island, and centers in Friday Harbor, a Marine Technology Center in Anacortes, and a Brewing Academy in Burlington.

Mission: Skagit Valley College cultivates student learning and achievement; contributes to the educational, personal, and economic success of students; and promotes equitable and thriving communities. Vision: The primary focus of Skagit Valley College is student-centered teaching and learning. We are committed to equitable student outcomes in access, achievement, and community; our guiding principles; decisions based on strategy and evidence; the development of our employees; and a diverse and inclusive college community where everyone belongs.

Guiding Principles: Respect, Integrity, Open and Honest Communication, Collaboration, and Compassion.

About SVC: Established in 1926, Skagit Valley College is a comprehensive community college within the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC) providing associates and bachelor's degrees, as well as certificates, in high-quality academic transfer pathways, workforce training, basic education for adults, and lifelong learning opportunities. Our equity goals align with SBCTC's Vision statement; "Leading with racial equity, our colleges maximize student potential and transform lives within a culture of belonging that advances racial, social, and economic justice in service to our diverse communities." SVC's commitment to equity and social justice drives our collective work to increase access to higher education, inspire student learning and achievement, and strengthen our diverse community. We embrace equity through our core themes of access, achievement, and community by pursuing the continuous examination and revision of norms, policies, and practices to foster the success of all. SVC aspires to reflect the diverse racial, ethnic, and linguistic demographics in the district, particularly a growing Latinx population. As an emerging Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) SVC seeks equity-minded leadership, faculty, and staff that are committed to inclusive practices and diverse environments where students from all backgrounds can thrive via multidisciplinary collaboration and the implementation of an array of services. Candidates representing all aspects of diversity are encouraged to apply.

Skagit Valley College offers: An unrelenting focus on our mission to improve the lives of our students and to strengthen our diverse community. Support for innovative teaching, learning, and scholarship. Exciting opportunities for personal and career growth. Diverse cultural and environmental benefits of rural, suburban, and urban lifestyles. Friendly, supportive, and diverse work environments. Excellent benefits include competitive leave packages and an array of health, dental, vision, and retirement plans to meet your current and future needs.

Duties and Responsibilities

Accounts Payable

• Work collaboratively with Purchasing, Grants, and other College departments to ensure accounts payable and grant expenses are paid in a timely manner;
• Perform timely and accurate accounts payable data entry in the College's automated financial management system;
• Review, process, and post business transactions including payment requests, vendor invoices, travel reimbursements, payroll vouchers, and journal entries;
• Ensure all information is complete in order to process payments in compliance with College guidelines and policies;
• Perform a variety of accounts payable functions, including price and quantity matching, and verifying receiving, account coding, and budget authorization;
• Interpret fiscal policies and procedures related to accounts payable; Process Vouchers for payment via check or ACH;
• Determine and apply applicable taxes to payments made.

Travel

• Maintain and process travel expense records; ensure compliance with state and institution regulations and procedures; Allocate travel expenses to appropriate budgets;
• Developing procedures relating to travel and training staff on appropriate travel procedures; Work to develop and provide travel training to Institutional staff;
• Inquire and answer inquiries regarding expenses and encumbrances incurred from TA/CNER from both the Operational and Grant departments;
• Maintain travel records;
• Resolve problems, review and approve, and ensure proper allocation of budgets;
• Assist with Travel Reconciliations and Fiscal Year-end Activities in the financial system;
• Ensure compliance with state and institutional regulations and procedures;
• Resolve problems and/or obtain approval for deviations from authorized procedures or expenditures.

Customer Service and Institutional Representation

• Represents Institution as an attendee at Council meetings and on State Board Task forces;
• Communicates with staff and suppliers to resolve payment and travel issues;
• May serve as a point of contact for the office, greeting and assisting staff and students as they enter; Provide Customer service to internal and external customers;
• Enter tickets to SBCTC for ctcLink process issues;
• Assist other fiscal staff with month-end and year-end close and during peak times.

Other duties as assigned

• Performs other work as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge or understanding of: Skagit Valley College policies and procedures related to accounting principles; State of WA policies and procedures related to accounting functions; Generally accepted accounting principles.

Skills: Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel, or similar programs; Strong oral and written communication skills; Strong time management skills; Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse groups; Plan and manage time effectively; Effectively organize multiple assignments.

Ability to: Work with agencies, vendors, and college employees regarding fiscal operations; Analyze purchasing contracts and orders; Effectively plan and organize multiple assignments; Work independently; Handle confidential information appropriately; Work effectively as a member of a team; Adapt easily to changing business needs, conditions, and work responsibilities; Work effectively with diverse groups; Communicate visually, orally, and in writing; Plan and manage time effectively; Respond appropriately in difficult situations; Accept personal responsibility for the quality and timeliness of work; Respond to difficult, stressful, or sensitive interpersonal situations in ways that reduce or minimize potential conflict and maintain good working relationships among internal and external customers.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Associate's degree;
OR
• Five (5) years of progressively responsible fiscally-related experience;
OR
• A combination of education and experience that is equivalent to five (5) years of full-time experience as a professional working in a financial or related role.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with accounts payable;
• Education and/or experience in governmental or non-profit accounting;
• Knowledge of Washington State Technical and Community College's accounting systems and procedures.
• Experience working with PeopleSoft ERP System in receiving, expenses, and accounts payable modules.

Salary, Benefits, Conditions of Employment, Application Procedure, About SVC

Salary and Benefits:

• Salary is based on Range 43, Step A, $3,917 per month with periodic increments to $5,111 per month. Starting salary may be dependent on education, qualifications, and experience. Salary and benefits are subject to change in accordance with legislative mandates and collective bargaining agreements.
• This position is eligible for overtime pay in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act and is dependent upon continued grant funding.
• This is a union-represented position subject to a collective bargaining agreement.
• Retirement, medical, and insurance benefits are provided in accordance with state regulations. Additional information on benefits can be found at