Accounting Specialist

Job Description:

Accounting Specialist

Description

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job .

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION

Under direction from higher level supervisory or management staff, performs complex technical accounting tasks within an assigned accounting area; establishes, monitors and maintains accurate and current records and reports on assigned activities; ensures compliance with various federal, state and district practices, policies, procedures and regulations; and coordinates and communicates various accounting activities with other district department personnel, private agencies, vendors and students.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is the journey level class in the Accounting Specialist series. Employees within this class are distinguished from the Senior Accounting Specialist in that the latter performs the most complex clerical accounting functions at the paraprofessional level requiring principles of accounting and bookkeeping as well as significant directly related and progressive experience. Employees at the Accounting Specialist level are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

Analyze and audit complex financial data, documents and reports to assure accuracy, completeness and compliance with applicable governmental and district regulations.

Interpret policies and procedures; provide recommendations and technical guidance to administrators, deans, staff and students regarding financial and accounting policies; make decisions and recommend new procedures to immediate supervisor regarding financial reporting documents.

Respond to requests for information from district/college operating units, governmental agencies, and the public regarding financial and accounting policies; investigate complaints and recommend corrective action for resolution.

Perform on-line computer terminal transactions to input, update and maintain financial records, reports and files; research, calculate and process accounting related documents.

Maintain student accounts receivable records; make adjustments, corrections, and reconciliations; collect and post student fees including payments for returned checks and fines.

Coordinate accounting activities with management, Information Resources and the Orange County Department of Education in the development, implementation and maintenance of accounting computer systems.

Compile, maintain and reconcile information required in processing “1099” tax forms; interpret information to assure compliance with federal, state and local policies, laws and regulations.

Collect, count, and reconcile monies; prepare bank deposits; maintain records of cash transactions and receipts; reconcile receipts and disbursements with appropriate accounting records.

Review, reconcile, prepare and maintain a variety of financial records, ledgers and reports; make adjustments, as necessary; audit accounts as necessary to ensure proper internal controls; assist auditors in the preparation of annual audit reports ensuring compliance with various state and District policies, rules and regulations.

Audit and process applications for payment from vendors, contractors, architects, engineers, students and instructors; ensure that disbursements are in accordance with district and governmental accounting practices and procedures; process and prepare warrants; maintain records of payments and receipts.

Perform clerical duties, such as typing and filing as required; operate a variety of office equipment including calculators, copiers, check-signing machines and computer equipment.

Perform related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties.

Knowledge of:

Principles and practices of general accounting and auditing.

Methods and techniques of financial recordkeeping and reporting.

Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.

Mathematical principles.

English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

Pertinent federal, state, and local rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and practices.

Ability to:

Perform technical accounting tasks requiring independent judgment and initiative.

Audit, review, analyze and reconcile assigned accounts, ledgers and reports.

Ensure compliance with applicable rules, regulations, policies and procedures.

Analyze, determine and recommend an effective and efficient course of action to address a given situation.

Operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.

Understand and follow oral and written communications.

Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Report to work on a regular and consistent basis, as scheduled, to assigned job.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE GUIDELINES

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Education/Training:

Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by specialized training in accounting, finance, business administration or a related field.

Experience:

Three years of responsible clerical accounting experience.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Environment: Work is performed primarily in a standard office setting. Duties are typically performed at a desk or computer terminal; subject to noise from office equipment operation; frequent interruptions and contact in person and on the telephone with students, academic and classified staff and others. At least minimal environmental controls are in place to ensure health and comfort.

Physical: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in an office setting; to stand or sit for prolonged periods of time; to occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist; to lift, carry, push, and/or pull light to moderate amounts of weight; to operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination including use of a computer keyboard; and to verbally communicate to exchange information. Vision: See in the normal visual range with or without correction. Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.

Range 127 of CSEA Salary Schedule

Work schedule: Monday - Friday (8:00 AM - 5:00 P M )

Schedule and shift are subject to change in accordance with the department's needs.

Required Documents: Resume and Cover Letter

Applications missing the required documents will not be considered.

Hours Per Week : 40

Months: 12

Closing Date/Time: Mon, 02 Mar 2026

Salary:

6031 - 8532 Monthly