Accounting Specialist (DS - Substitute)

Job 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

U nder direction from an appropriate level manager or administrator, 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 in 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 knowledge of accounting and bookkeeping principles as well as significant directly related and progressively responsible 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 ensure 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 online computer 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 ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.

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 and practices applicable to accounting.

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 use applicable word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.

Understand and follow oral and written instructions.

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; stand or sit for prolonged periods of time; occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist; lift, carry, push, and/or pull light to moderate amounts of weight; operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination, including use of a computer keyboard; and 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.

Work Schedule: TBD - Schedule and shift vary and are subject to change in accordance with the department's needs.

Hours per Week: Up to 25

Employment Conditions and Information:

This is a short-term, temporary, hourly Non-Bargaining Unit (NBU) assignment, not to exceed 160 days and 960 hours per fiscal year (July 1 st through June 30 th ). Short-term, temporary NBU positions may only be used on an intermittent, seasonal, or project basis. Education Code Section 88003 states "Short-term employee means any person who is employed to perform a service for the district, upon the completion of which, the service required or similar services will not be extended or needed on a continuing basis.”

After successful completion of the onboarding requirements, an individual may be employed by the South Orange County Community College District (SOCCCD) as a short-term, temporary NBU employee. Employment will be on an “if and as needed” basis, as determined by the SOCCCD. The assignment may be shortened or extended at any time, due to departmental needs, with little to no notice. NBU employment is at-will, and either party may terminate this working relationship at any time. Neither party shall be required to provide any reason for the separation. NBU employees shall not have reemployment rights or recourse to petition to be reinstated.

NBU employees are limited to working in a single position within one department and at one worksite. ASL Interpreters and Art Models are the only exceptions to the single-worksite requirement. NBU employees may not work remotely and must be supervised while performing their assigned duties.

NBU employees are paid on a monthly basis. The payroll reporting period is from the 1 st of the month to the last day of the month. NBU employees are paid on the 10th of the following month.

Example : For the following reporting period: January 1 st through January 31 st , the NBU employee will be paid on February 10 th .

NBU employees who work more than 1000 hours per fiscal year are required to contribute to the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS), through payroll deduction. The SOCCCD does not intend to employ NBU employees for more than 960 hours during any fiscal year.

Closing Date/Time: Mon, 05 Oct 2026