Accounting Systems Analyst

Definition

Identifies, defines, analyzes, and resolves transactional and business process issues; develops requirements and specifications for accounting system/module development and modification; and serves as a resource to accounting and business office staffs by providing technical assistance, training, and coaching on the use of PeopleSoft and SAP accounting systems.

Typical Duties

Routinely audits transactional data, reports, accounting system functionalities, and inter-system integration to ensure effective operational outcomes; identifies opportunities for improving business processes and insuring compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and policies, including GAAP.


Consults with accounting system users to identify and define operational needs and objectives, current operational procedures, problems, input and output requirements, and levels of systems access.


Analyzes the feasibility of and develops requirements/specifications for new systems/modules and enhancements to existing systems in areas such as general accounting, accounts receivable/payable, specially funded, student accounts, enterprise accounting and ensures that the system design fits the needs of the users.


Documents business processes and system changes; develops and distributes communications to colleges, student, and other stake holders regarding policy, process, and procedural changes.


Acts as liaison between process owners and IT systems and programming staff engaged in analyzing, designing, coding, implementing, maintaining, and modifying technology components of accounting information technology systems and applications.


Performs testing for system projects from development to production and recommends changes in configurations to resolve errors and address user needs.


Recruits, trains, and guides user-testers from various business areas to complete quality testing of new features and changes to existing accounting system modules.


Provides technical training, mentoring, and coaching to professional and technical staff of matters related to usage of PeopleSoft and SAP systems functionality.


Maintains effective and cooperative working relationships with process owners, technical team members, and users.


Writes instructions, procedures, and manuals associated with the implementation and maintenance of payroll/retirement systems.


Writes reports and correspondence containing descriptive, analytical, and evaluative content including specifications, findings, conclusions, and recommendations for accounting systems.


Acts as a liaison with auditors engaged in regulatory, contractual, and operational audits of District accounting operations.


May be assigned to project teams doing business process analysis in all functional areas under the direction of Vice Chancellor/Chief Financial Officer.


May perform professional level work in the absence of assigned personnel and during peak workload periods.


Performs related duties as assigned.


Distinguishing Characteristics

An Accounting Systems Analyst through continuous audit and user consultation identifies and defines transactional, business process, and accounting system issues; analyzes and translates departmental requirements into specifications based on an understanding of PeopleSoft and SAP accounting systems; performs testing, and maintenance tasks; and serves as a technical resource to accounting and business office staff at both the District Office and colleges.


An Assistant Accounting Systems Analyst applies a thorough knowledge of accounting principles and practices and basic understanding of PeopleSoft and SAP, accounting systems to moderately complex level assignments in business process analysis and system maintenance and development. Assignments are selected to enhance the employee's skills and professional development in the preparation for promotion to higher-level analyst positions.


Supervision

General supervision is received from the Director of Accounting. Functional supervision may be received from accounting department managers. Functional supervision may be exercised over lower-level professional, technical, and clerical accounting staff both at the colleges and central accounting department.


Class Qualifications

Knowledge of:


Business principles, practices, systems, and procedures of accounting including as general accounting, accounts receivable/payable, specially funded, student accounts, enterprise accounting


Tools and approaches used in business process analysis and management


Goals and objectives of the District and Division of Finance as they relate to accounting operations


Federal, State, and local laws, ordinances, codes, and regulations related to accounting and financial systems and reporting of the District, including GAAP


Board Rules as they related to accounting transactions of the District


Characteristics and capabilities of state-of-the-art technology related to accounting and financial management administration including PeopleSoft and SAP accounting systems/modules


Capabilities of computer applications, systems, and hardware used in accounting operations


Principles and methods of systems developing operational process specifications and documentation


Principles of work simplification and modification


Principles of training and coaching


Ability to:


Identify operational problems, assemble and analyze facts, draw sound conclusions, and recommend solutions to accounting and financial system problems


Articulate technical specifications for the development and improvement of business processes and related technology systems


Interpret and apply applicable rules, laws, and procedures to accounting operations


Document operational processes, functions, and procedures involving PeopleSoft and SAP accounting systems modules


Perform testing tasks related to PeopleSoft and SAP accounting systems modules


Effectively utilize computer equipment and software in the performance of duties


Express concepts clearly and concisely both orally and in writing


Write clear and comprehensive reports, documentation, instructions, and training materials


Interpret and apply applicable rules, laws, and procedures to accounting and financial management operations


Work effectively and independently on assigned projects


Plan and execute work to meet critical schedules and deadlines


Work effectively and cooperatively with a diverse pool of administrators, functional and technical team members, and users


Entrance Qualifications

Education and Experience:


A. A bachelor's degree from a recognized college or university, preferable with a major in accounting, finance, business administration, public administration, or a related field AND three years of recent, full-time, paid, professional-level experience in an accounting position which included responsibility for business process analysis, design, and modification in an ERP environment such as SAP and PeopleSoft.


OR


B. A master's degree from recognized college or university with a major in accounting, business process management, or a related field AND one year of recent, full-time, paid, professional-level experience in an accounting position which included responsibility for business process analysis, design, and modification in an ERP environment such as SAP and PeopleSoft.


Special:


A valid Class "C" California driver's license may be required for some positions.


Travel to locations throughout the District may be required for some positions.


Benefits

• Medical and dental insurance and vision care plans are provided for employees and their dependents.
• A $50,000 life insurance policy is provided free of charge for each employee.
• New employees receive 12 full-pay days and 88 half-pay days of illness leave.
• 19 paid holidays per year.
• Vacation days accrue annually beginning at 10 days and increasing incrementally to 24 days depending on years of service with the District. Vacation days for management and confidential positions begin at 15, 20, or 24 days.
• Other paid time off includes: bereavement leave, personal necessity leave, court subpoena, and jury duty.
• Employees become members of the Public Employees Retirement System. Employees are also covered by Social Security.
• Employee Assistance Program

Selection Process


The examination process may consist of one or more parts which may include a training and experience evaluation, written test, performance test and/or oral interview.


Reasonable Accommodations

Our class specification generally describes the duties, responsibilities, and requirements characteristic of the position(s) within this job class. The duties, responsibilities, and requirements of a particular position within this class may vary from the duties of other positions within the class.


In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Los Angeles Community College District provides reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with covered disabilities on a case-by-case basis throughout the application, examination, and hiring processes and throughout employment. If an individual is in doubt about their ability to perform the duties and responsibilities of a position or possession of any other requirement noted in a class specification or job announcement, they should always apply for a position and request reasonable accommodation at the appropriate time.