FT Accountant

Position Summary: The Accountant is responsible for performing professional level accounting functions, including year-end closing processes, preparing financial reports for the annual audit and compiling financial accounting data for submission of the comprehensive annual financial report ( ACFR ) according to governmental accounting standards board (GASB) requirements.

Essential Functions: As defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, skills, and other characteristics. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by incumbents of this class.

Note: This job posting is open until filled. Applications are reviewed upon receipt.

Cochise College requires a post-offer, pre-employment background screening of all employees.

Marketing Statement

Cochise College serves the residents of Cochise County from two campuses and four centers throughout Southern Arizona with panoramic views of five different mountain ranges. The college has been recognized nationally for its cost, return on investment, and high success rate; providing over 90 general and technical education programs leading to a variety of workforce certificates and associate degrees. The college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a designated Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI).

Duties and Responsibilities: Within the scope of college policies and procedures, this position:

Assists with year-end closing procedures; analyzes and reconciles accounts for accuracy and compliance with all procedures and regulations; ensures all year-end financial reports are compiled in accordance with GASB

Compiles accurate and complete information for the completion of the ACFR; works closely with the supervisors to ensure all areas of the ACFR are complete with all required information

Assists in the setup of the new fiscal year in the accounting system and of other third party software

Assist in the preparation of monthly and annual financial statement; prepares closing entries and schedules; facilitates the audit by providing the auditors transaction explanations and schedules

Audits, analyzes and reconciles accounts for accuracy and compliance; identifies weaknesses in internal controls and safeguards assets; coordinates the development and implementation of accounting policies and procedures in collaboration with the Controller; prepares external and internal reports, journal entries, spreadsheets and cash requests

Performs other related duties as assigned

General Expectations:  Employees are expected to accomplish assigned duties in an efficient, effective and competent manner and to strive for improvement and excellence in all work performed. Additionally, employees must understand the comprehensive role of the community college and cooperate and work harmoniously with students, faculty and staff, and the public. Employees will follow all college policies, rules, regulations and guidelines as they relate to this position.

Education and Experience Requirements: 

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance or related field from a regionally accredited institution of higher education recognized by the US Department of Education

Two years’ related full-time, professional work experience

Preference may be given to individuals with experience in higher education

An equivalent combination of education and/or experience from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved may be considered. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of and ability to follow college policies and procedures

Knowledge of accounting, finance, budgeting principles, practices and methods

Knowledge of Federal, State and local laws, regulations and guidelines related to assigned work

Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles

Knowledge of governmental accounting standards board requirements

Knowledge of accounting statements general ledger and related accounting practices

Knowledge of account reconciliation methods and techniques

Knowledge of financial analysis methods

Knowledge of computerized accounting systems

Skill utilizing personal computer software programs affecting assigned work

Skill analyzing data, identifying problems, and recommending solutions

Skill performing detailed numerical computation

Skill preparing detailed reports on a timely basis

Skill in effective supervisory principles and practices

Skill establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with other department staff, faculty, students and the public

Skill in presenting ideas and concepts orally and in writing

Ability to engage a diverse population and to maintain composure when faced with difficult situations

Ability to organize, prioritize, and follow multiple tasks through to completion with attention to detail

Ability to work independently while contributing to team environment

Ability to effectively identify and resolve problems and to maintain strict confidentiality related to sensitive information

Ability to analyze problems, identify solutions, and take appropriate actions to resolve problems using independent judgment and decision-making processes

Work Environment:  Work is primarily performed under general supervision in an office setting with appropriate climate controls. Travel, early morning, evening, and weekend work may be required.

Physical Requirements: Essential functions of this position require: lifting, manual dexterity, ability to communicate.

Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body; involves sitting majority of time; walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met

Mental Application: Utilizes memory for details, verbal instructions, emotional stability, critical thinking, adaptability and creative problem solving skills are important

Reports To: Accounting Services Manager