Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon Portland Community College

Accounting Technician II

  • Title: Accounting Technician II
  • Class: Classified
  • Exempt Status: Non-Exempt
  • Grade: 17

Nature and Scope of Work

Under the direction of Financial Services or other departmental management, performs a variety of bookkeeping and accounting functions in support of financial aid, registration processes, treasury and programs under separate contracts. Incumbents in this job classification apply accounting standards and methods to resolve complex issues, and use judgment in interpreting and adapting guidelines to specific situations. Interpersonal contacts may include college staff and students, contractors and other external agency representatives. Job requires well-developed verbal skills to present and exchange technical information. Incumbent is a key contributor with work results impacting the accuracy, reliability and acceptability of further results beyond the immediate work section. Responsible for producing journey-level work output on an independent basis subject to supervisory direction and review.

Intent: This is the second level of a technical accounting support series where work is more specialized and employees apply judgment in resolving discrepancies and interpreting and adapting guidelines.

Principal Accountabilities (includes some or all of the following)

  1. Performs regular accounting functions as assigned in such areas as contracts and grants, payroll operations, financial aid, treasury, receivable and payable and general accounting. Functions may include, but are not limited to, preparing financial schedules and/or reports, balancing banking accounts, establishing systems for tracking accounting codes/transactions and reconciling vendor accounts.
  2. Reviews and processes general accounting, accounts payable or receivable transactions, including travel or bond expenses that may be contested or complicated; reviews documentation to determine dollars owed to vendors and processes transactions.
  3. Designs, coordinates and maintains operations specific to the department’s financial functions. May serve as subject matter expert in development of new processes.  Prepares and submits billings and maintains records on payments related to particular area of responsibility.
  4. Enters and monitors data related to area of assignment such as scholarships and financial aid, accounts payable or receivable, contract payments, etc.
  5. Coordinates, monitors and reconciles accounting processes performed by subcontractors, department clerks and other college staff.
  6. Makes computations, verifications and journal entries. Follows college procedures related to assignment area. Researches discrepancies and problems; assists in the resolution process.
  7. Responds to requests for financial information from administrators, auditors, departmental clerks, other accounting staff, contractors, outside agencies and other entities.
  8. Uses both personal and mainframe computers to complete and monitor activities assigned. Works with spreadsheets and other software applications to accurately perform duties. May establish systems for tracking non-routine accounting transactions as it relates to area of responsibility.
  9. Develops and maintains positive working relationships with contractors and other outside entities as well as internal organizations related to assigned work.
  10. Attends informational seminars and reviews current policies and practices to ensure compliance with state and federal requirements.
  11. Performs general office duties including logging materials and data, filing and other record keeping functions.
  12. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Work Environment

Work is performed in a normal office environment. Exposure to video display terminals occurs with varied frequency.

Physical Requirements

Learned physical skill for performing keyboarding and ten-key functions.

Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent; one year of college-level bookkeeping or general accounting. Experience performing the duties described above for one year may substitute for the college-level coursework. Two years experience performing accounting or bookkeeping functions, which must include coding transactions, balancing and resolving discrepancies.

Proficient in various computer applications, including use of spreadsheet and word processing software, and database. Accurate keyboarding and ten-key skills. Ability to communicate complex/technical data effectively – orally and in writing. Provides effective customer service to department customers.

Reviewed: 12/18

  • Revised: 03/07
  • Replaces: Accounting Assistant II, 9/02