Whatcom Community College Job Opening for Principle Accountant

Whatcom Community College invites applications for the Principle Accountant position. The Principal Accountant is responsible for providing leadership and guidance in the areas of general ledger accounting, auditing, banking, and internal controls. The Principal Accountant works collaboratively with the Director for Business and Finance, and other staff in the Business Office. The Principal Accountant may supervise other staff in the Department.
This is a professional exempt staff position that reports directly to the Director for Business and Finance. The position serves on various college committees as required.

Job Responsibilities

Include but are not limited to:

Accounting, Auditing and Financial Statements:

• Perform work functions related to accounting, auditing, financial reporting and other fiscal review and analysis for the College;
• Assist Business and Finance Director in managing banking services and cash balances;
• Work with staff in cashiering, accounts payable, and accounts receivable to ensure entries into the financial reporting system are timely and accurate;
• Assist in the development and documentation of fiscal procedures;
• Review payroll reports to ensure accuracy of budget coding and appropriateness of charges;
• Print accounts payable and payroll checks as needed; in the absence of the director, review and approve all accounts payable checks under $10,000;
• Assist with preparation of annual GASB compliant financial statements, accompanying fiscal notes and management discussion and analysis (MD&A) in coordination with business office leadership and other staff;
• Participate in annual State audit, and provide requested information and documents to the State Auditors.

Grants and Contracts:

• Perform grant-related post-award functions;
• Provide progress reports on grant fiscal activity;
• Track indirect costs and monitor matching costs associated with grants;
• Prepare journal entries for grant and contract related adjustments;
• Assist with grant-specific audits by preparing materials for annual administrative and financial reviews;
• Perform grant closeout functions required by Grants and Contracts Administration and sponsors;
• Serve as business office liaison to college grant managers.

Fixed Assets:

• Input, maintain and reconcile fixed assets with State asset database, including land, buildings, equipment and infrastructures;
• Assure general ledger balances with fixed assets database;
• Oversee college-wide manual inventory count on a bi-annual basis.

Financial Reporting and Program-specific Support:

• Assist in a fiscal year-end closing of financial records;
• Provide customer service and support related to budget, expense tracking, and financial reporting that is specific to special programs, such as International Programs, WCC Foundation, Running Start, Campus Bookstore, and other as assigned;

• Assist the Director for Business and Finance in the preparation of annual Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) report;
• Assist the Senior Director for Facilities in monitoring all capital project funds;
• Provide support for users of the FMS Query reporting system (financial management system), which includes setting up new users and providing training as necessary;
• Access the agency financial reporting system to prepare and review fiscal documents; Assist with financial summary information and reporting and related analysis;
• Perform other duties as needed/assigned.

Qualifications, Salary and Appointment

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in accounting, finance, business or related field, and two [2] years of relevant professional experience; OR equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Extensive experience with Microsoft Excel.
• Demonstrated experience working with complex automated accounting systems.
• Thorough knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree from an accredited institution in accounting, finance, business or related field.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or CPA candidate.
• Experience and familiarity with Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) requirements.
• Professional experience with the Washington Community & Technical College system.
• Accounting experience in higher education.
• Experience in the preparation or audit of annual financial statements.
• Three (3) years of experience working in a diverse academic environment, inclusive of students, faculty and staff of varying social, economic, cultural, ideological, gender/sexuality and ethnic backgrounds and identities.
• Experience with grant management and compliance.
• Three (3) years of demonstrated experience in managing budgets, supervising and evaluating staff.
• Ability to use a personal computer, Microsoft Office products and database programs.
• Excellent verbal, listening, writing, problem-solving and interpersonal communication skills.

Salary and Appointment:

• This is a full-time administrative/exempt position, exempt from Washington State civil service law with an annual salary ranging $65,000-$70,000 depending on experience.

Benefit Package:

• The position comes with a full benefit package, including health, dental, life, long term disability insurance and a retirement plan. 

Start Date:

• As soon as can be arranged with successful candidate.

Application Due Date:

• For guaranteed consideration, application packets should be received by 4:30pm on Friday, October 5, 2018. Position open until filled.

To apply  please visit us at:
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/whatcomcc