What are the responsibilities and job description for the Accounting Technician position at COLLEGE OF THE MUSCOGEE NATION?
General Summary
Under the direction of the Director of Business Affairs, the Accounting Technician provides specialized administrative, accounting, and human resources support with primary responsibility for payroll processing and travel coordination/reconciliation. The position serves as the main point of contact for employee payroll matters, HR administrative coordination, and travel logistics for College personnel. The incumbent may assist in other Business Affairs functions (e.g., accounts payable/receivable, procurement, and general accounting) as needed. The role requires discretion, judgment, and initiative while maintaining strict confidentiality and supporting CMN’s mission in a multicultural, Native American higher education setting.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities
Payroll Processing (Primary)
• Process bi-weekly payroll accurately and on schedule in the College’s payroll system.
• Verify timesheets, attendance, and leave records; ensure approvals are documented and compliant with policy.
• Calculate wages, overtime, differentials, deductions, and benefits in accordance with federal, state, and tribal regulations.
• Set up and maintain employee payroll profiles (new hires, terminations, salary/wage changes, tax withholding, direct deposit).
• Prepare, reconcile, and submit payroll tax reports and filings; support year-end processes (W-2s, 1095-Cs as applicable).
• Reconcile payroll general ledger accounts; research and resolve discrepancies promptly.
• Generate routine and ad hoc payroll reports for management, grants, and auditors; maintain secure payroll records.
• Respond to employee inquiries regarding pay, deductions, and tax documents with professionalism and confidentiality.
Assisting with benefit enrollment and benefit enrollment setup in
Travel Coordination and Reconciliation (Primary)
• Coordinate travel arrangements for College personnel, including flights, lodging, ground transportation, and registrations, in alignment with CMN travel policies and budget constraints.
• Review and process travel authorizations and advances; ensure funding source and approval routing are correct.
• Track travel expenditures by department and funding source; maintain documentation for audit readiness.
• Reconcile travel expenses against receipts and itineraries; process reimbursements and closeouts in a timely manner.
• Serve as liaison with travel vendors; resolve booking issues, schedule changes, and billing discrepancies.
Human Resources Support (As Needed)
• Coordinate onboarding and offboarding: new hire packets, I-9/E-Verify, direct deposit, tax forms, keys/badges, and exit checklists.
• Maintain personnel files and HRIS records; ensure confidentiality, data integrity, and retention compliance.
• Process benefits enrollments/changes and deductions; liaise with benefits vendors as needed.
• Track and reconcile leave (PTO, sick, FMLA, LWOP) and ensure approvals are documented; support time and attendance corrections.
• Assist with job postings, applicant tracking coordination, interview scheduling, and background checks.
• Support payroll-related HR updates (rate changes, stipends, supplemental pay, retro adjustments) and position control updates.
• Prepare routine HR reports (headcount, turnover, leave balances) and compliance documentation.
• Coordinate required trainings (onboarding/orientation logistics) and track completions.
• Assist with policy dissemination, employee communications, and handbook updates.
• Support workers’ compensation, incident reporting, and return-to-work documentation.
• Assist with the Open Enrollment Benefits processing in Paycom.
General Accounting Support (As Needed)
• Assist with accounts payable/receivable processing, purchase orders, and invoice coding/entry.
• Support month-end and year-end close, including accruals, reconciliations, and audit schedules.
• Maintain internal controls, organized files, and data integrity across accounting systems.
• Prepare correspondence, summaries, and reports; provide coverage for Business Affairs functions during absences or peak periods.
• Operate personal computer to access accounting software, email, electronic calendar, and related support software.
• Assume additional duties and responsibilities as may be reasonably expected of a person in this position.
Standard for Merit Performance
Perform duties in an effective and efficient manner; be motivated, conscientious, thorough, accurate, and reliable with respect to attendance. Exhibit exemplary oral communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
Qualifications:Job Specifications
Minimum Requirements
• Associate degree in accounting, business administration, or related field OR two (2) years of payroll/accounting support experience.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word; experience with accounting, payroll, and HRIS software.
• Working knowledge of payroll regulations, tax withholding, and basic benefits administration.
• Strong attention to detail, accuracy, and time management.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive HR and payroll information with discretion.
Preferred Requirements
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, business, or HR-related field.
• Experience in a Tribal College, governmental, or grant-funded environment; familiarity with fund accounting.
• Prior experience coordinating travel, processing travel reimbursements, and supporting HR functions.
• Experience with systems such as QuickBooks, ADP, Paycom, or similar.
Special Considerations
• Ability to speak the Muscogee (Creek) language is preferable but not a requirement.
• Native American.
Licensure (if appropriate)
• Valid Driver’s License.
Physical Requirements:
- May be required to lift and carry up to 25 pounds.
- Ability to sit for extended periods while processing payroll and performing data entry.
- Manual dexterity for computer keyboard, calculator, and office equipment operation.
Work Environment:
- Cultural Context: Requires respect for Native American traditions, values, and protocols; fosters collaboration in a culturally rich environment.
- Work Setting: Primarily office-based with regular movement throughout campus buildings, classrooms, and administrative spaces.
- Stakeholder Interaction: Regular engagement with students, faculty, staff, and visitors.
- Physical Demands: Involves sitting, standing, lifting, and carrying; requires mobility in various campus environments.
- Safety Focus: Adheres to CMN safety protocols and proper handling of equipment.
- Collaborative Atmosphere: Works closely with the Student Affairs team in a cooperative, supportive environment.
- Environmental Conditions: Works in climate-controlled settings with occasional outdoor movement between buildings.
- Mission-Focused: Supports the tribal college's mission by maintaining effective technology systems that respect cultural values and traditions.
- Schedule: May occasionally require evening or weekend hours.
Disclaimer:
The College of the Muscogee Nation (CMN) provides this job description as a general overview of the duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required for the position. Employment with CMN is at-will, meaning that either the employee or the employer may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice, unless otherwise specified in an employment contract. This description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the position. CMN reserves the right to modify or amend this description as necessary.
CMN is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, CMN does not discriminate against any employee or applicant based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other category protected under applicable law. Reasonable accommodations will be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities to enable them to perform essential job functions.
As a tribal college, CMN operates under the sovereign authority of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. Employment is governed by tribal law, with federal and state laws applying where appropriate. All compensation, benefits, and job duties are subject to change at the discretion of CMN and in alignment with institutional needs and priorities. By applying for employment with CMN, applicants acknowledge and agree to the terms outlined in this disclaimer.
Public Relations:
Essential attributes of any employee of the CMN, along with the official performance of duties, are personal appearance and public relations. Each employee is expected to make every effort to be well-informed about the institution, pleasant, courteous, and cooperative. As an employee, you are expected to act in a manner that commands the respect of all personnel and students.