Senior Accountant - Accounts Payable

Performs a variety of semi-complex and complex fiscal and administrative support functions in support of fiscal control operations that requires a thorough understanding/regular use of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and decision making based upon a formal body of knowledge concerning accounting concepts, methods and procedures.

• Provides broad-based support in the maintenance of accounting records, reconciliations, and financial reporting. Includes working with vendors to reconcile accounts.
• Prepares journal entries and monthly internal financial reports; assists in preparing the College’s external audited financial statements; develops new financial reports and prepares ad hoc reports as needed.
• Oversees and performs monthly reconciliation of the College’s general ledger and sub-ledger accounts, including accounts payable, accrued liabilities, and disbursement-related accounts; ensures unreconciled items are cleared in a timely manner.
• Leads and supports accounts payable functions including:
• Review and approval of vendor invoices for accuracy, appropriate documentation, coding, and compliance with College policies and procedures.
• Ensuring timely and accurate processing of payments (checks, ACH, wires, and other disbursement methods).
• Monitoring aging reports and resolving outstanding vendor issues.
• Ensuring proper internal controls are maintained within the accounts payable process.
• Performs efficient and accurate maintenance of the general ledger for cash receipts and disbursements, ensuring proper classification of assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenditures in accordance with GAAP.
• Assists in coordinating activities involving outside auditors; provides requested documentation related to accounts payable, and general ledger activity; and prepares year-end closing entries, accruals, and supporting worksheets.
• May serve as work lead for accounts payable or accounting staff, including reviewing work for accuracy, assisting with training, supporting performance feedback, and promoting adherence to internal controls and established procedures.
• Participates in committee assignments and supports the recruitment and retention of students in alignment with the College’s mission.
• Performs other duties commensurate with the functions and level of the position or as assigned.

EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree.

EXPERIENCE: Three (3) years of accounting experience.

OR:

A combination of 6 years of accounting experience and education

SPECIAL POSITION CONDITIONS: None.

Background Verification: As a condition of employment, all candidates accepting an offer of employment for a full-time, part- time, temporary, student worker, or volunteer position, will be required to undergo a Background Verification. Employment with Central Arizona College is contingent upon the successful completion of the background verification. The level the background verification for this position is: Executive level.

All applicants must be at least 18 years of age or older to be considered for this position.

• Knowledge of computerized accounting systems, report writing and/or database applications development as well as word processing and spreadsheet applications.
• Knowledge of segregation of duties and internal controls related to financial accounting and reporting.
• Skill in gathering, compiling, and presenting information in oral and/or written form.
• Skill in communicating, both verbally and in writing.
• Skill in preparing accounting reports from computerized accounting systems.
• Skill in interacting with a culturally diverse population, College administrators, faculty, staff, students, and the public.
• Ability to maintain regular work attendance.
• Ability to apply a variety of management and leadership techniques to ensure effective and efficient operations.
• Ability to work both independently and as a member of a team in accomplishing tasks.
• Ability to analyze situations, develop solutions, and make independent decisions based on established guidelines.
• Ability to research industry best practices to develop and test new processes, including processes within accounting and computerized systems and applications.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The work is light work. The employee is frequently required to apply 10 pounds of force to move objects and occasionally required to exert up to 20 pounds of force to move objects. Additionally, the following physical abilities are required: pointing, grasping, handling, distinguishing among sounds, mental acuity, repetitive motion, speaking, talking, and visual acuity in data. Duties performed may cause light fatigue of eyes, fingers, or other faculties as a result of repetitive motion.

INTERPERSONAL SKILLS:

Important Level - Position engages in or requires some or all of the following: uses alternative or combined human relations skills in understanding other people and influencing their behavior in order to achieve job objectives; applies skills of persuasiveness or assertiveness, as well as sensitivity to other person's point of view in order to influence their behavior, change an opinion, or turn a situation around; provides direction, consultation, and/or training; deals with confidential information; and/or has moderate level of contact with students, program participants, and/or the public.