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Position Number: CLA21-392

College of the Canyons
Santa Clarita Community College District

announces an employment opportunity for

Accountant (Fiscal Services)(47.5%)

A Part-Time Classified Represented Position

Review Date: October 29, 2021

This position is a high priority for our District for the 2021-2022 year and is contingent upon continue available district, grant and state funding.

The Santa Clarita Community College District/College of the Canyons is seeking a part-time Accountant (Fiscal Services)(47.5%) in the Business Services division.   

Who We Are

The Santa Clarita Community District is committed to achieving educational equity for all students. As presented in our District Strategic Plan, which focuses on Access, Engagement, and Success, “Equity, inclusion, and diversity are not goals in themselves, but ideologies embedded in all actions and planning across all departments and functions of our college and its two campuses.” These areas of focus demonstrate a resolve to focus on student success and confirm that we are at the forefront of change with integrated planning efforts that both evolve and anticipate the needs of our students. We provide students with a rich and dynamic learning experience that embraces differences — fostering healthy inclusion through inquiry, shared dialogue and reflection to ensure that we promote a sense of community, collegiality and cooperation. When you join our team at the Santa Clarita Community College District, you can expect to be part of an inclusive, creative, flexible, innovative and equity-focused community that engages students, each other, and the community in scholarly inquiry, creative partnerships, and the application of knowledge and success. 

The College and the District

College of the Canyons is part of the Santa Clarita Community College District and is designated as a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI), enrolling approximately 32,000 students each academic year. College of the Canyons has a diverse student population that reflects our focus on enhancing the educational attainment and economic well-being of the community we proudly serve. Detailed information about our student population, including data related to student success, can be found on the College of Canyons Office of Institutional Research, Planning and Institutional Effectiveness (IRPIE) website. Additionally, College of the Canyons, was recently honored as a 2021 Bellwether College Consortium award winner, was honored in 2018 and 2019 with the Champion of Higher Education award, was ranked #1 in Los Angeles County during 2019 as the best two-year college for adult learners, and is rated #1 in Los Angeles County for completion rates by college-prepared students. It is distinguished as one of the top transfer institutions in Los Angeles County. 

Who We Want

We value the ability to serve students from a broad range of cultural heritages, socioeconomic backgrounds, genders, abilities, and orientations. Therefore, we prioritize applicants who demonstrate they understand the benefits diversity brings to a professional educational community. The successful candidate must be an equity-minded individual committed to collaborating with faculty, classified staff, administration, students and community partners who share our commitment to closing equity gaps. The Santa Clarita Community College District seeks leaders possessing a strong grounding in academic and student services programs and a thorough understanding of the primary mission of the community college. We seek employees that value mentorship and working in a collegial, collaborative environment, who are conscientious risk takers and transformational leaders guided by a commitment to helping all students achieve their educational goals.

 

"BIG PICTURE" RESPONSIBILITY:

Under the supervision of the Director, Fiscal Services performs highly technical and complex duties in support of finance/accounting functions, including accounts payable, construction accounting, accounts receivable, asset inventory, student financial aid, and complex reconciliations.  The Accountant prepares accounting information accurately, in a timely fashion and in accordance with generally accepted Federal, State, County and District accounting requirements, regulations, and practices.  The Accountant supports the Director by reviewing, maintaining, reconciling and preparing financial reports on a full range of general ledger accounts and funds for the district, including auxiliary organization funds and accounts and supports the year-end close and audit functions by preparing the necessary reports.  Performs other related duties as assigned.

Canyons Hall

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to this class.

  1. Performs a variety of complex accounting work involving the allocation and disbursement of funds as required by program and grant guidelines.
  2. Audits, monitors, posts, reconciles, and adjusts general ledger accounts and subsidiary ledgers. Establishes new accounts in computer systems. Compiles and analyzes accounting data and statements for managers and auxiliary operations.
  3. Utilizing the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) and District computer systems, and other software as needed, downloads financial information to prepare and analyze a variety of financial statements for all district funds, as well as auxiliary and related District organizations.
  4. Prepares materials for various audits for District and auxiliary organizations interim and final annual audits. Interfaces with auditors; answers questions, performs research and provides additional backup documentation, as needed.
  5. Communicates Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) processes and procedures to district staff. Assists Director with implementing LACOE processes and procedures, including year-end close. 
  6. Performs complex analysis and reconciliations such as the monthly cash reconciliation between the Datatel and LA County accounting systems and prepares complex reports.
  7. Responsible for retiree benefits accounting, including tracking retiree contributions and verifying payment to the various health and welfare vendors.
  8. Reconciles employee fringe benefit liability accounts. Verifies vendor statements, prepares complex schedules, applies general ledger codes, and coordinates vendor payments.
  9. Maintains and updates District’s asset inventory records including asset additions and deletions and GASB classifications. Coordinates the annual physical re-inventory performed by a third party vendor.  Performs physical inventory at on campus and off campus site locations for new programs or to verify assets for existing programs.
  10. Cross-trains in all departmental functions. Performs duties included in Fiscal Services Accounting Technician job descriptions, as needed. 
  11. Drafts desk procedures, interprets and communicates District Policies and Procedures.
  12. Composes Board Agenda Items and related back up using Board Docs software, Excel, and Word. Prepares correspondence and memos as required. Responds to inquiries from administrators on Board Agenda Items.  
  13. Receives, requests, posts, and balances cash receipt transactions. Responsible for following appropriate cash handling procedures and reconciling bank accounts.
  14. Processes financial aid disbursements and creates and maintains various spreadsheets for the purpose of monitoring and balancing financial aid accounts. Transfers funds to contracted vendor if applicable.  Monitors Federal Work Study expenditures.  Calculates all required financial aid District match.  Draws down funds as needed.
  15. Maintains comprehensive accounting records on construction projects and vendor contracts in order to comply with Los Angeles County Office of Education, State Chancellor’s Office, and other agencies in compliance with applicable laws and requirements with regard to capital outlay expenditures, tracking, and reporting. Audits capital outlay accounting records, project invoices, and other construction documents as required. Completes required reporting for various construction funding sources.
  16. Performs other related duties as assigned.

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience:

Equivalent to three (3) years of full-time equivalent accounting or finance experience. Position requires proficient use of Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.  

Education: 

Education equivalent to an Associate’s degree (60 semester units) from an accredited college or university is required. 

 

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Associate’s and/or Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, business administration, or related field.
  • Previous experience working in an educational institution.
  • Knowledge of an administrative computer information management system (preferably Datatel).
  • Experience preparing financial reports.
  • Experience with auditing, monitoring, posting and reconciling general ledger accounts.

DEMONSTRATED KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

Position requires knowledge of: 

  • Generally accepted accounting principles, practices, and procedures applicable to community college districts.
  • School accounting and fiscal practices and procedures.
  • Methods, practices and terminology used in accounting and computerized accounting systems.
  • Oral and written communication skills.
  • Applicable laws, codes, regulations, policies, and procedures.
  • Interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy.
  • Computer software applications including spreadsheet, database, and word processing programs. Proficiency with Microsoft Access, Power Point, Excel, and Word.

  

Position requires ability to: 

  • Perform responsible accounting work requiring the use of independent judgement, minimal oversight, complex problem-solving skills, initiative and the application of complex accounting procedures and systems.
  • Learn, interpret, explain, and apply legal mandates, policies, regulations, and guidelines and operational procedure.
  • Coordinate, organize, schedule, and perform responsible and complex accounting procedures within governmental compliance constraints and laws.
  • Work effectively and demonstrate currency of knowledge with computers and other forms of advanced technology utilized in providing high quality services.
  • Understand and carry out oral and written directions.
  • Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others.
  • Type with speed and accuracy using word-processing, spreadsheet and other business-related software, prepare correspondence and reports, and perform filing tasks.
  • Perform calculations on a ten-key calculator keypad by touch.
  • Show willingness to participate in cross-training activities. Ability to learn quickly and retain new information.
  • Plan and organize work in order to meet schedules and timelines.
  • Demonstrate clear evidence of sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability and ethnic backgrounds of community college students, staff and community.
  • Apply knowledge of modern office practices and equipment including automated word processing, record management and filing systems.
  • Establish and maintain comprehensive and accurate files and records, prepare concise and complete reports as required.
  • Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
  • Prepare correspondence and reports.

 

 

SALARY PLACEMENT

Salary placement will be on Range 36 of Classified Represented Salary Schedule B ($2,419.65 - $4,079.30 per month as pro-rated for a 47.5% position). 

Initial salary step placement for new employees is customarily at step 1, 2, or 3 ($2,419.65 / $2,570.70 / $2,711.775 per month as pro-rated for a 47.5% position) of this 20-step salary range. 

Probationary period for new Classified employees is one year. Work year is 12 calendar months. The normal workweek for this position is 19 hours. Paid holiday, discretionary, vacation, and sick time are provided and will be pro-rated based on hours worked. A regular work schedule will be assigned, with the ability to occasionally work a flexible schedule as needed with supervisor approval.

DISTRICT CLASSIFIED EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

This is a part-time position working 19 hours per week and is not eligible for District paid health and welfare benefits. Professional development opportunities are provided to all employees.  Educational incentives are available to eligible Classified Represented and Confidential employees.  

RETIREMENT: This position is not eligible for PERS retirement plan unless hours exceed 1,000 in a fiscal year.

 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Position requires sitting and viewing a computer monitor for extended periods of time plus frequent periods of standing and walking, which may include climbing staircases; dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard and related equipment; stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, twisting/turning, bending at the waist, and reaching in awkward positions; frequently exerting 10 to 20 pounds of force to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects; hearing and speaking to communicate and provide information to others; vision to read printed material and computer monitor; handling and working with various materials and objects; and travel from site-to-site.

 

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

  • Successful completion of background fingerprint clearance, pre-employment physical examination (disabilities not related to the physical job will not affect the application process) and TB screening. 
  • Proof of eligibility to work in the United States and signing of loyalty oath per government codes 3100-3109.
  • Meeting applicable eligibility requirements under CalPERS or CalSTRS if you are a current or former member.
  • Board of Trustees approval.
  • Official, sealed transcripts are required upon offer of employment.
  • Position is contingent upon funding and is subject to change.

OTHER POSITION-SPECIFIC CONDITIONS

Due to the nature of the workload cycle in the department, use of vacation and discretionary days will be limited each year from July 1 through August 31 due to fiscal year end close activities.  Use of vacation and discretionary days will also be limited during fiscal audit periods.  Prior approval of vacation and discretionary days is required.  

The normal hours of work for this 12- month Classified Represented position will be 8:00am to 5:00pm, Monday through Friday, and overtime may be required during peak periods. Due to the integrated nature of this job, a modified work schedule with one day off per week will not be allowed. 

 

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

 

Santa Clarita Community College District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The Santa Clarita Community College District is committed to employing qualified employees who are dedicated to student learning and success. The Board recognizes that diversity in the academic environment fosters awareness, promotes mutual understanding and respect, and provides suitable role models for all students.  The Board is committed to hiring and staff development processes that support the goals of equal opportunity and diversity, and provide consideration for all qualified candidates. The District does not unlawfully discriminate in providing educational or employment opportunities to any person on the basis of race, color, religion, religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), national origin, ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition (including cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, marital status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, age (40 years and over), sexual orientation, veteran and/or military status, protected medical leaves (requesting or approved for leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act or the California Family Rights Act), domestic violence victim status, political affiliation, and any other status protected by state or federal law  or on the basis of these perceived characteristics, or based on association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics. 

Applicants who have disabilities may request that accommodations be made in order to complete the selection process by contacting the Human Resources office directly at (661) 362-3427.

Students

ABOUT THE DISTRICT

 

 

 

Innovative. Collaborative. Entrepreneurial. These characteristics not only define College of the Canyons, they are embodied by the faculty, staff and administrators who make this college unique among the 116 California Community Colleges. 

Established in 1969, College of the Canyons is among the most dynamic colleges in California and the nation. It is widely recognized as a model community college for enhancing student access, success and equity. Its completion rates rank among the highest in the state. The college has established a well-deserved reputation for bolstering economic development and offering innovative career technical education responsive to industry needs. 

Guided by visionary leadership, the college serves a 367-square-mile area of northern Los Angeles County that includes the dynamic, growing Santa Clarita Valley. A steady influx of new residents and businesses creates a spirit of possibilities that inspires the college to be flexible, creative and attuned to the community’s evolving needs. The growing diversity of the community is mirrored by the college, which qualifies as a Latino-serving institution. 

The college’s influence in the community is best illustrated by the dozens of collaborative partnerships it has forged with local school districts, government entities and service organizations. Examples include the Performing Arts Center’s K-12 Arts Education Outreach initiative, which allows thousands of children to experience the arts each year, and Academy of the Canyons, an early/middle college high school at the Valencia campus that is ranked among the top 10 percent of high schools in the nation. 

With campuses in Valencia and Canyon Country, the college offers 96 associate degree programs, including 31 associate degree for transfer (AD-T) options, as well as 148 certificate programs. Classes are offered during traditional fall and spring semesters, as well as shorter, intensive summer and winter sessions. Additional educational opportunities exist at the University Center, whose four-year colleges and universities offer approximately 30 bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs, as well certificate and credential programs. 

Because of the college’s commitment to meeting the needs of the community, local voters have approved two bond measures valued at more than $470 million since 2001. The college also secures substantial funds from the state and millions of dollars in grants each year that allow new, cutting-edge programs to be developed and facilities built to accommodate them. 

Given its commitment to growth and innovation, College of the Canyons sets a new standard for what a college can achieve. It is a vital cultural, educational and economic force in the region. Join us to discover unexpected possibilities, the freedom to innovate and an opportunity to shape the future.

APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS:

Applicants are encouraged to complete their applications online at https://www.canyons.edu/administration/humanresources/. If you require assistance, please call the Human Resources office at (661)362-3427 or for the hearing impaired TTY/TDD Line at (661)362-5178.  Applicants may check the status of their application online and may expect to be notified within approximately 4 - 5 weeks following the Review Date as to the status of their application.

All application materials must be uploaded online or received in the Human Resources office by the end of the day on the Review Date in order to assure consideration for this position. Postmark is not acceptable for this purpose. Separate application materials must be submitted for each position applied for. Materials submitted become property of the District and will not be returned, copied, or considered for other openings.  The Human Resources office is located in the University Center, Suite #360 at 26455 Rockwell Canyon Road, Santa Clarita, CA, 91355.

Your application is not complete until the following required materials have been uploaded online or received by the Human Resources office:

  • Online District CLASSIFIED Application.
  • Detailed resume, which includes month/year dates of employment and descriptions of responsibilities at each employer.
  • Letter of interest (cover letter). In your letter, please address your qualifications and experience as they pertain to the job duties and the abilities section of this announcement.
  • Copies of complete and legible college transcripts clearly indicating all college units earned and any degree awarded. You can submit unofficial copies of transcripts for application purposes. Copies of diplomas are not acceptable in lieu of college transcripts. Official, sealed transcripts are required upon offer of employment. Please see our website for the requirements for evaluation of transcripts from foreign colleges or universities.
  • Confidential Recruitment Source Information (voluntary survey). This is voluntary and is a part of the online applicant profile, separate from the application.
  • Supplemental Questionnaire. Please answer the following questions as part of your application packet. 
  1. Do you possess education equivalent to an Associate’s degree (60 semester units) or higher from an accredited college or university? (yes/no) If yes, please provide a legible copy of your college/university transcript in your application packet. Copies of diplomas are not acceptable in lieu of college transcripts. If no, you do not meet this position’s minimum qualifications.
  2. Please describe your accounting and/or finance experience. Include employer name(s), position title(s), dates of employment, full-time or part-time status (hours per week), your roles and responsibilities. Please provide your total years of full-time equivalent experience in this field.
  3. Please describe your experience working with an administrative software program (such as Banner, Colleague, Datatel, or PeopleSoft) or a proprietary system.
  4. Please describe the types of financial reconciliations you have prepared in the past, and provide details on how you approach completing a complex reconciliation.
  5. Do you have experience supporting an accounting fiscal year-end close? Describe your knowledge in this area, including what accruals you have prepared.
  6. Describe your experience in construction accounting including construction accounts payable, construction contract/change order monitoring, preparation of reports for management and oversight boards, and construction reconciliations.
  7. Do you have any educational institution experience? If yes, describe the positions you held and what your main responsibilities were.
  8. Describe your experience preparing for and working with external auditors.
  9. Why do you want to work in this staff position at College of the Canyons? 
  • Letters of reference are optional.

 

Please note:

  • Skills evaluation of candidates for interview may be required.
  • Travel and relocation expenses are the responsibility of the applicant.
  • Hiring committees review all complete, qualified application packets. Possession of the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an interview.
  • “Experience” generally refers to relevant paid experience. In some instances, unpaid experience may be counted as experience towards meeting the minimum qualifications or requirements for the position only if it entailed responsibilities substantially similar to those of relevant paid positions in the field.  It is the applicant’s responsibility to provide sufficient information and details to the Human Resources office at the time of submission of their application packet.  Details should include the organization, contact name and contact information, start and end dates, hours per week, and a list of relevant unpaid/volunteer duties or responsibilities performed.  Not all unpaid experience may qualify.  Upon offer of employment, an applicant will be required to obtain written verification(s) of any relevant unpaid/volunteer experience.
  • Current COC employees who are applying for this position: Please be aware that materials from your personnel file are not included as part of the application file; therefore, please provide the same requested application materials as any other applicant.
  • Applicants are encouraged to apply online. If you need assistance with the application process, contact:

Human Resources Office

(661) 362-3427

TTY/TDD (661) 362-5178 or visit our website at

https://www.canyons.edu/administration/humanresources/

 

It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that all application materials are fully and correctly submitted. All materials submitted are for this position only and become the property of the District.  Materials will not be returned, copied or considered for other openings. Resumes may not be submitted in lieu of the official application form.

The College is expecting to conduct initial interviews between the weeks of November 22, 2021 and November 29, 2021 and conduct final interviews between the November 29, 2021 and December 6, 2021. This is an estimated timeline, and is subject to change.

Position is offered contingent on funding. We reserve the right to withdraw, extend the filing date, reopen, or delay filling this position. Recruitment may continue until the position is filled. This recruitment may be used for future vacancies.

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