Accounting Specialist (2025)

MiraCosta College; California (MO); Hybrid; USD 57,000 - 70,000; Part time

Job summary

An established educational institution is seeking a detail-oriented Accounting Specialist to manage financial operations and ensure compliance with accounting standards. This role involves processing invoices, managing student financial aid, and utilizing advanced financial software to streamline operations. The successful candidate will thrive in a collaborative environment, contributing to the institution's mission of providing quality education while supporting a diverse community. Join a team that values equity, diversity, and inclusion, and take part in shaping the future of education in a supportive workplace.

Benefits

100% medical, dental, and vision insurance

Life insurance policy

Paid vacation and sick leave

Paid holidays

Retirement benefits

Employee assistance program

Wellness program

Professional development opportunities

Tuition fee reimbursement

Qualifications

• Experience in operations accounting or bookkeeping.
• Ability to use Workday for financial processes.

Responsibilities

• Process invoices and reimbursements using Workday.
• Assist in year-end close functions and audits.

Skills

Accounting Principles

Financial Analysis

Workday Software

Communication Skills

Problem-Solving

Education

High School Diploma or GED

4 years of accounting/bookkeeping experience

Tools

Workday

Oracle Software

Job description

Before applying, be sure to read the “Application Procedure” section below.

Posting Summary

Job Title

Job Title Accounting Specialist (2025)

Type of Assignment

Type of Assignment Classified/Staff

Assignment Category

Assignment Category Regular Position

One regular, part-time position, 30 hours per week, 12 months per year on the Oceanside Campus. The normal work schedule will be Monday through Thursday, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm. Following the probationary period, 3 days of remote work may be approved. The person selected for this position will be subject to assignment to any district facility during any hours of operation.

The first-level interviews with the screening and interview committee will be conducted via Zoom. The second-level interviews may be through Zoom or in person.

REMOTE WORK :
MiraCosta College believes that flexible work enables employees to achieve a more successful balance between work responsibilities and family life. The District offers the opportunity to telework (remote work) for certain positions, depending on the operational needs of the District and the provisions of the telework policy. Probationary and temporary employees are not eligible to telework unless approved by the appropriate vice president. No employee is guaranteed the right to telework. No employee shall be authorized to telework 100% of the time; regular, on-campus presence is expected for all District employees on a weekly basis.

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT :
MiraCosta College Board Policy 7800: Employee Residency requires all classified staff, administrators, and temporary/hourly short-term employees to maintain and permanently reside in a principal place of residence in the state of California that is within two-hundred (200) road miles from the employee’s regularly assigned district worksite. The purpose of the policy is to promote efficiency and continuity throughout all campus administrative functions, provide students with high quality assistance and accessibility to all academic and campus services, ensure that students receive an engaging education, and respond to emerging student needs.

The District may consider an individual request to temporarily reside outside of the State of California or outside the 200-mile limit on a case-by-case basis, not to exceed twelve consecutive months.

Location City

Location City Oceanside, Cardiff, and/or Carlsbad

Location State

Location State California

Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Accessibility (IDEA)

MiraCosta College is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing an educational environment that affirms and supports diversity in its faculty, staff, and administration, and promoting an environment of inclusion. The college’s commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility is expressed in the policy found at https://www.miracosta.edu/office-of-the-president/board-of-trustees/docs/3400BP-Inclusion-Diversity-Equity-Accessibility.pdf . Click on the following link to view the IDEA website: https://www.miracosta.edu/office-of-the-president/idea/index.html .

MiraCosta College is committed to creating a racially just campus climate. Individuals and their diverse cultures and identities are welcomed, nurtured, and validated. MiraCosta College takes institutional responsibility for closing the equity gap for disproportionately impacted populations including Latinx and Chicanx communities, Black and African American communities, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities, Native American communities, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer/questioning, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) communities, veteran communities, former foster youth, adult students, and students from low socioeconomic statuses. MiraCosta will continue to serve all constituents with values rooted in equity, diversity, inclusion, and community. MiraCosta College’s Mission, Vision, Commitment, and Institutional Values & Goals can be viewed at https://www.miracosta.edu/office-of-the-president/docs/mccmissionstatement.pdf .

The college was designated as a Hispanic Serving Institution ( HSI ) in 2013. This significant recognition acknowledges our institution’s continuous efforts to support the academic performance and unique needs of Latinx students, many of whom are attending college for the first time or are first-generation. We are a veteran and military supportive institution and an Achieving the Dream Leader College. The successful candidate will join a campus that exhibits its dedication to all students and faculty through offering robust, culturally-responsive events, including speaker series dedicated to heritage month events through the Social Justice and Equity Center.

Salary Range

Salary Range 24

Compensation

Starting at $57,759 per year (range 24, step 1 × .75 FTE ; prorated), with annual salary step increases up to step 5. In addition, after five years of district service, employees earn a longevity stipend that increases over time.

Employees must make arrangements for the direct deposit of paychecks into the financial institution of their choice, via electronic fund transfer.

MiraCosta College offers an array of benefits to eligible employees.

• The district pays 100% of the cost of medical, dental and vision insurance for eligible employees and dependents
• $100,000 life insurance policy
• Up to $250 of benefit credits per month to help pay for a variety of voluntary benefit options, such as supplemental life insurance, disability coverage, dependent care flexible spending account ( FSA ), and Health Reimbursement Arrangement ( HRA )
• Vacation, sick leave, and up to 18 paid holidays
• State pension system retirement benefits (CalPERS)
• Free and confidential employee assistance program
• Wellness Program
• Participation in the District’s Early Retirement Program
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Tuition fee reimbursement

Position Term in Months

Position Term in Months 12

Application Procedure

In order to be considered for this position, you must submit the following documents directly in the online system and finish applying and receive a confirmation number by 11:59 PM on the closing date:

1. Application on which you list all relevant experience.

2. A current resume or curriculum vitae summarizing your educational background and experience.

3. A cover letter addressed to the “Screening and Interview Committee” specifically describing how your experience aligns with the Essential Duties, Other Duties, and Desirable Qualifications.

4. Transcripts of college coursework which provide evidence of meeting the minimum qualifications as stated in this job posting. Unofficial or legible photocopies are acceptable. If a degree(s) was earned, the transcripts must state that the degree was awarded. Any degree/coursework used to satisfy the minimum qualifications must be from a postsecondary institution accredited by an accreditation agency recognized by either the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Postsecondary Accreditation.

If your degree(s) is from a college or university outside of the United States, you must submit a detailed evaluation from a professional evaluation agency. To view a list of agencies approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing, go to https://www.ctc.ca.gov/credentials/leaflets/foreign-transcript-evaluation-(cl-635) . Transcripts or translations in English still require the evaluation to show the U.S. equivalence of your degree.

The screening and interview committee will review application materials for up to three to four weeks following the closing/first screening date. Applicants selected for interview will be contacted by phone; those not selected for interview will be notified by e-mail once interview candidates have been scheduled.

Offer of employment to the person selected for this position is contingent upon 1) successful completion of a pre-placement physical exam at district expense; 2) submission of a current tuberculosis test clearance; 3) proof of eligibility to work in the United States; 4) fingerprint clearance; and 5) approval by the Board of Trustees.

Retired STRS members are not eligible for this position.

Basic Function

Under general supervision, perform highly responsible and difficult paraprofessional and technical duties in accounting operations; reconcile, process and disburse district funds for invoice payments, employee reimbursements, student financial aid and other liability payments utilizing applicable functionalities in the district enterprise resources planning system (Workday) software; research and troubleshoot issues by follow up to College end users, external suppliers and payment recipients; and perform related duties as assigned.

Distinguishing Characteristics

Accounting Specialist is distinguished from Accountant in that the latter class performs professional assignments involving general ledger, subledger, reconciliation and complex financial reports/statements, requiring the use of accounting theory and principles gained through professional education/experience.

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. Exhibit an equity-minded focus, responsiveness, and sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students, and employees, including those with physical or learning disabilities, and successfully foster and support an inclusive educational and employment environment.

2. Process invoices, reimbursements, student financial aid and other liabilities utilizing applicable modules of the Workday financial software; determine appropriate method of payment, according to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ( GAAP ) and in compliance with district policies/procedures and other guidelines; ensure proper departmental authorization and appropriateness of requested items and/or services; ensure timely and accurate preparation and distribution of approved payments, reimbursements and refunds; troubleshoot any issues with district departments, external suppliers and payment recipients.

3. Analyze and advise budget managers of increases to purchase orders; verify account numbers for validity of expenditures for reimbursement; prepare documentation needed to correct discrepancies in the general ledger.

4. Test, analyze and troubleshoot software updates and new releases as they impact Workday functionalities for the payables process; monitor Workday helpdesk tickets involving POs, receipts and payables and assist end users to resolve problems.

5. Update and maintain supplier files with confidential information including 1099 tax reporting and ACH payment processing data.

6. Determine, calculate and apply appropriate sales taxes for purchases based on multiple factors and regional variances.

7. Coordinate and process check payment transactions and ACH payments utilizing the San Diego County Treasury fiscal portal; troubleshoot issues with County Treasury staff.

8. Perform year-end close functions and assist with the annual district audit.

Other Duties

1. Assist in the analysis of various accounts in governmental, proprietary and fiduciary funds; perform calculations, maintain records and prepare reports within scheduled timelines; disburse information and reports as assigned.

2. Communicate with all levels of district personnel, students and outside vendors, directing and assisting them regarding policies, procedures, receipt of goods and services, invoices, change orders, required supporting documentation and account balances.

3. Provide technical assistance and budget support to all levels of district personnel and assist in preparing reports and analyzing expense records; process accounting adjustment entries.

4. Perform related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of

1. Generally accepted accounting principles and practices, as well as Governmental Account- ing Standards Board ( GASB ) practices.

2. Methods and techniques used for financial analysis as applicable to assigned responsibilities.

3. Workday software functionalities applicable to accounts payable business processes.

4. San Diego County Treasurer Oracle software and WARP system for wire transfers; ACH banking requirements.

5. Sales tax laws and regulations applicable to the work.

6. Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary.

7. Basic math, statistical math and financial recordkeeping techniques.

8. Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.

9. Written and oral communication skills including correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary.

10. College organization, functions, rules, policies and procedures applicable to assigned areas of responsibility.

Ability to

1. Learn and apply methods and procedures of community college accounting and associated financial software functionalities and processes particularly as they apply to assigned areas of responsibility.

2. Understand community college budget and fiscal procedures and policies.

3. Interpret and apply applicable sections of the state education code and other applicable laws.

4. Learn and apply district organization, operations, policies and objectives.

5. Interpret and apply applicable sections of sales and use tax reporting.

6. Understand applicable sections of IRS reporting.

7. Independently plan and organize work.

8. Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

9. Maintain records and prepare reports.

10. Understand and follow written and oral instructions.

11. Operate a computer and standard business software.

12. Demonstrate sensitivity to and understanding of diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, ethnic and disability issues.

13. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with all those encountered in the course of work.

Education & Experience

To be eligible for this position, you must meet and provide evidence of the following minimum qualifications:

Graduation from high school or GED equivalent and four years of operations accounting or bookkeeping experience; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

NOTE : For work experience, one “year” is defined as equivalent to 40 hours per week for 12 months, or at least 2,080 hours.

Desirable Qualifications

Experience with Workday (cloud-based software system) or other ERP systems (accounting software systems).

Licenses & Other Requirements

Physical Effort

The physical efforts described here are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Primarily sedentary with intermittent standing, walking, bending and stooping; occasional light lifting and carrying of objects weighing up to 25 pounds; ability to work at a computer, including repetitive use of a computer keyboard, mouse or other control devices; ability to travel to a variety of locations on and off campus as needed to conduct district business.

Emotional Effort

Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships involving interactions and com- munications in person, by phone and in writing with a variety of individuals and/or groups from diverse backgrounds on a regular, ongoing basis; ability to concentrate on detailed tasks for extended periods of time and/or intermittently while attending to other responsibilities; ability to work effectively under pressure on multiple tasks concurrently while meeting established dead- lines and changing priorities.

Working Conditions

Primarily works in an office environment. Subject to frequent interruptions by individuals in person or by telephone; intermittent exposure to individuals acting in a disagreeable fashion. May work at any district location or authorized facility during day and/or evening hours with occasional evenings and/or weekends on an as-needed basis. Occasional local travel may be requested.

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Are you legally authorized to work in the United States?
  • No
  • Yes
• * MiraCosta College is an Equal Opportunity Employer with a commitment to diversity. We strive to be a model for equity and inclusion, effectively supporting students and employees from diverse socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds who possess a range of abilities, academic preparation, and life experiences. Describe your qualifications and experiences that have prepared you to effectively interact with people who may have a different background than yours (e.g., racial, ethnic, cultural, religious, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic, disability, etc.).

  (Open Ended Question)

• * MiraCosta College Board Policy 7800: Employee Residency requires all classified staff, administrators, and temporary/hourly short-term employees to maintain and permanently reside in a principal place of residence in the state of California that is within two-hundred (200) road miles from the employee’s regularly assigned district worksite. The purpose of the policy is to promote efficiency and continuity throughout all campus administrative functions, provide students with high quality assistance and accessibility to all academic and campus services, ensure that students receive an engaging education, and respond to emerging student needs.The District may consider an individual request to temporarily reside outside of the State of California or outside the 200-mile limit on a case-by-case basis, not to exceed twelve consecutive months.
  • I understand the district’s residency requirement as stated above.

Documents Needed to Apply

Required Documents

• Cover Letter
• Resume/Curriculum Vitae
• Transcript 1
Optional Documents
• Transcript 2
• Transcript 3
• Formal Agency Evaluation - Non-U.S. Transcripts