Accounting Manager

Accounting Manager

Priority Application Deadline: January 15, 2026. Position will remain open until filled.

The Position:

Taft College has an immediate opening for a motivated, detail-oriented professional to lead our accounting team. Under the guidance of the Executive Director of Fiscal Services, you will play a vital role in the the leadership of our financial operations while overseeing a talented staff.  In this pivotal position, you'll be responsible for ensuring sound administrative oversight, actively monitoring and reconciling budgets, and providing essential technical support for categorical funds, grants, and special projects. Your expertise will drive data collection, analysis, research, and timely reporting to maintain fiscal integrity and efficiency. If you are ready to make a significant impact in an engaging educational environment, we want to hear from you!

The Duties:

• Supervise and mentor dedicated staff overseeing accounts payable, accounts receivable, and cashiering operations.
• Coordinate the development and facilitation of the annual preliminary general fund budget, identifying key decision points for the Executive Director of Fiscal Services and the Vice President of Administrative Services.
• Guide budget development processes across divisions, providing training and technical support to both administrative and non-administrative staff.
• Execute full supervisory responsibilities, including performance appraisals, personnel management, and hiring recommendations.
• Plan and manage specially funded projects, maintaining communication with district, county, state, and federal agencies.
• Develop and manage categorical, restricted, grant, and special fund budgets; research grants to approve budgets for submission to funding agencies.
• Ensure accurate accounting and reporting for state and federal grants, conducting internal audits, and facilitating timely collection of accounts receivable.
• Supervise the disbursement processes for loans, scholarships, and grants, ensuring compliance with regulations.
• Prepare and analyze solicitations for complex business service procurement methods (RFP, RFQ, RFB), assisting with the District bidding process.
• Monitor expenditures and fiscal activities to ensure appropriate fund usage and provide reports to budget managers.
• Interpret district accounting and financial policies while aiding in the implementation of budget policies and procedures.
• Assist in the preparation of financial and statistical reports for audits, administrative support, and state/federal reporting.
• Collaborate with school personnel and outside agencies to prepare and deliver required reports.
• Research, analyze, and recommend solutions to complex budgetary and accounting challenges.
• Verify fund availability for journal transfers and purchase orders, ensuring compliance with established requirements.
• Prepare, review, and input budgets, journal entries, and year-round accruals; validate fund availability for departmental needs.
• Prepare time-sensitive compliance and performance reports for budget advisory committees and external oversight agencies.
• Authorize budget transfers for income and expenses, tracking accounts receivable, purchase orders, contracts, and expenses.
• Participate in year-end closing procedures, collaborating with departments to reconcile accounts and manage fund balances.
• Provide support to external auditors, preparing checklists and information requests, and implementing corrective measures as needed.
• Assist in workshop preparation and presentation on relevant financial matters, attending training programs as assigned.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the Executive Director of Fiscal Services.

Minimum Qualifications:

• An earned Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or the equivalent AND three (3) years experience in a responsible accounting or fiscal capacity related to assignment OR
• An earned Associate degree AND seven (7) years of experience in a responsible accounting or fiscal capacity related to assignment.
• Demonstrated sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, ethnic, and disability backgrounds of community college students and employees.
• Intermediate Excel experience.

Desirable Qualifications:

• 7 years prior experience in accounting. Experience in higher education or a public service environment.
• Experience in governmental accounting, purchasing, or contract management.
• Experience with Banner Finance ERP.
• Advanced Excel experience.
• Intermediate Microsoft Office and PowerPoint experience.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand and circulate for extended periods of time.
• Ability to work at a desk, a conference table or in meetings of various configurations.
• Ability to see for purposes of reading laws, codes, rules, policies, other printed material and observing students.
• Ability to hear and understand speech at normal levels.
• Ability to communicate so others will be able to clearly understand a normal conversation.
• Ability to reach in all directions.
• Ability to lift and carry 25 lbs.

Hours, Compensation and Benefits

This is a full-time, 12-month per year position with fantastic benefits! At the West Kern Community College District, you’ll enjoy a comprehensive fringe benefits package, including District-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents. We also offer a generous vacation plan to help you recharge. In addition, you’ll be eligible to participate in the CalPERS or CalSTRS retirement systems, with the option to enhance your retirement savings through 457b and 403b optional retirement plans. This is an incredible opportunity to secure both your present and future while working with a dynamic team!

This position is a grade 17 on the management salary schedule, with a range of $113,301-$129,911 annually.

Ready to jump in? Follow these simple steps to submit your application: 

• Completed your online application and submit through https://www.taftcollege.edu/human-resources/job_opportunities/ 
• Attach the following documents
• Resume and Cover Letter
• Transcripts for all degrees listed, Unofficial are acceptable at this time.
• Provide contact information for three professional references, including your most recent supervisor. Unfortunately, we are not able to accept letters of reference. 

Next Steps

Thank you for your interest in joining our team! After the closing date, all applications will be carefully reviewed and evaluated based on minimum qualifications and relevant experience. Qualified candidates will be contacted directly for an interview. We look forward to learning more about how you can contribute to our mission and make an impact at Taft College!

Equal Employment Opportunity

The West Kern Community College District is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity . The District is dedicated to a policy of nondiscrimination and, as such, is an equal opportunity employer. Veterans, women, minorities and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. This employer participates in E-Verify.

Reasonable accommodations will be made for candidates with physical disabilities.