Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon Portland Community College

Accounting Technician III

  • Title: Accounting Technician III
  • Class: Classified
  • Exempt Status: Non-Exempt
  • Grade: 20

Nature and Scope of Work

Under management direction incumbents provide oversight for district-wide finance functions. Primary accountabilities include supervision and reconciliation of finance processes, development and implementation of related policies and procedures, oversight and coordination of the work activities of a financial services unit to ensure the accuracy and reliability of financial transactions. Provide technical assistance and general support to unit personnel and serve as the lead worker or the subject matter expert for the most complex programs, projects and issues and regulations. Contacts include outside vendors, agencies and outside entities, department personnel within the college including managers, deans, directors, college administrators and staff. Incumbent functions with minimal guidance and direction.

Intent: This is the third level of a technical accounting support series where employees provide oversight for district-wide finance functions, technical assistance on complex issues and regulations, exercise judgment and discretion and typically coordinate the work activities of unit staff.

Principal Accountabilities (includes some or all of the following)

  1. Responsible for the administration of district-wide finance programs or functions in Financial Services or other areas of the College. Reconciles and balances accounts and provides complex problem resolution. Researches, analyzes and corrects financial transactions in Banner finance system and/or other applicable database systems.
  2. Provides day-to-day direction and assistance to unit staff. Trains, guides, prioritizes assignments and reviews the work of unit staff; provides input to manager on employee performance. Functions as technical resource regarding accounting principles and procedures and the application of federal and state rules and regulations.
  3. Compiles summary reports with analysis and recommendations. Performs production and maintenance of control reports. Prepares and utilizes exception reports to resolve issues and interpret data. Oversees reporting and transmittal of information to external agencies in area of responsibility.
  4. Consults with and provides assistance to management regarding policies and procedures related to area of responsibility. Assists in researching, developing and interpreting administrative policies and procedures for district-wide finance processes. Develops documentation as required. Applies knowledge of multiple federal and state rules and regulations to maintain compliance.
  5. Assists with year-end closing for area of responsibility. Monitors dates and ensures unit staff is aware and comply with closing timelines. Assists auditors with annual audit.
  6. Uses computer and various software programs to input, maintain, research, and retrieve information. Interprets programming scripts, and performs testing of systems to determine reliability of relational databases. Searches for anomalies in programs and coordinates edits/changes with appropriate personnel. Makes recommendations for improvements to systems and processes. Assists with the implementation of business processes. Communicates programming requirements to appropriate college technical staff and other pertinent parties, and ensures that changes are made according to specifications. Maintains integrity of data through frequent monitoring and adjusting of balances in various forms and tables.
  7. Communicates technical and confidential student and financial information to college staff, student employees, and vendors and outside entities. Responds to and resolves internal and external questions and concerns.
  8. Attends conferences and workshops to maintain updated knowledge of regulatory policies and procedures affecting area of responsibility.
  9. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Work Environment

Work is performed in a standard office environment. Exposure to video display terminals occurs on a regular basis. Job involves enforcing policies, procedures and regulations and interacting with angry customers/staff. Work pressures, disturbances of work flow and/or irregularities in work schedule are expected and occur on an intermittent basis. Changes in functional environment require occasional upgrading of skills.

Physical Requirements

Minimal physical exertion is generally required. May sit for extended periods of time at a desk or working at a computer. Learned physical skill is required to perform keyboarding and 10-key functions.

Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent. Associate’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration or related field is required. Relevant work experience may substitute for the degree requirement on a year-for-year basis. Two years of work experience in financial services which includes processing complex financial transactions, recordkeeping and preparation of monthly, quarterly and/or annual reporting.

Requires knowledge of basic accounting/bookkeeping principles and a working knowledge of federal and state rules/regulations related to area of responsibility. Ability to communicate complex information clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; detail oriented; and able to apply complex mathematical calculations in processing transactions. Ability to analyze and interpret data for accuracy. Excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to lead, train, and coordinate the work of others.  Provides effective customer service to department customers.

Proficiency in various computer applications, including comprehensive databases, spreadsheets and word processing software. Proficient in use of keyboarding and 10-key calculator is required.

Reviewed: 12/18

  • Revised: 11/10
  • Replaces: Accounting Technician III 03/07