IN-HOUSE ONLY: Accounting Coordinator

Coast Community College District; Costa Mesa (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Coast Community College District is seeking an Accounting Coordinator to support Student Services with budget management, ledger entries, and fund accounting. This on-campus role reports to the Vice President of Student Services and involves close collaboration with district fiscal services.

The position emphasizes accuracy, regulatory compliance, and timely financial reporting to support programs like SEA, Basic Needs, and Veterans Services.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in accounting or finance or equivalent plus 5 years of relevant and progressively responsible experience in governmental or fund accounting.
• Experience with budget development and control for categorical and general funds.
• Familiarity with state and federal reporting requirements and audit processes.
• Strong recordkeeping skills and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Maintains accounting records for general, enterprise, and special fund accounts.
• Prepares and monitors budget reports; tracks expenditures and balances.
• Processes accounts payable and vendor invoices; reconciles payments.
• Reconciles accounts and prepares journal entries to the general ledger.
• Provides budget projections and supports audit documentation as needed.
• Coordinates with fiscal services and program managers to ensure compliance.

Skills

Budget management

General ledger

GAAP knowledge

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in accounting or finance

Tools

Automated accounting systems

Job description

(ON-CAMPUS - in-person position)

IN-HOUSE ONLY: This position is open to internal permanent and temporary Coast Community College District (CCCD) employees. External candidates are not eligible to apply. If you are not a current, active CCCD employee, please do not apply at this time.

Orange Coast College (OCC) is seeking equity-minded individuals for a classified employee role as an Accounting Coordinator under the Student Services Wing, reporting to the Vice President of Student Services.

THE COLLEGE - About Orange Coast College

Orange Coast College's 164-acre campus is located in Costa Mesa, just minutes from Southern California's beautiful beaches, with its main campus in Costa Mesa and a campus in Newport Beach (Waterfront Campus). Orange Coast College (OCC) was founded in 1947 with the mission to serve the educational needs of a diverse local and global community. The College empowers students to achieve their goals by providing high-quality, culturally responsive, and innovative programs and services through pathways leading to degrees, transfers, certificates, foundational skills, workforce development, and lifelong learning. The College promotes student development, learning, and equitable outcomes by fostering a respectful, inclusive, caring, and participatory campus climate of student engagement and academic inquiry. Ideal candidates for this position will share OCC’s dedication to transforming lives through education, with a strong commitment to serving a diverse and vibrant student population. We currently enroll 18,121 students, the majority of whom are from racially minoritized populations: 39% of OCC's students are Latinx, 2% are African-American, 23% are Asian, less than 1% are Native American, 28% are White, and 6% are multiracial. As a designated Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and an eligibility designation as an Asian American Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI), Orange Coast College reflects the dynamic diversity in the region.

Orange Coast College (OCC) engages in a wide range of collaborative efforts to foster a culture of educational excellence and inclusivity. With a commitment to providing high-quality academic programs and student-centered support services, OCC creates an environment where all students can thrive. As a diverse and globally-minded institution, the college takes pride in initiatives that empower student communities by promoting cultural synergy across departments, including the Office of Student Equity, the Global Engagement Center, and the Multicultural Center.

OCC is a recognized leader in preparing students for transfer to four-year institutions and holds the prestigious designations of both a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and an Asian American, Native American, and Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPISI). The college also boasts state-of-the-art facilities and is the first community college in Southern California to offer on-campus residential housing with over 300 apartment units, further enhancing the student experience.

THE DEPARTMENT:

Student Services

The Accounting Coordinator, reporting to the Vice President of Student Services, serves an essential role within the Student Services Wing by providing comprehensive budget and fiscal support for a variety of programs and departments, particularly those supported by categorical and restricted funding. The position coordinates and processes a broad range of budget-related activities for various programs including Student Equity and Achievement (SEA), Basic Needs Center, Promise, LGBTQIA+ Programs, UndocuScholars, Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Programs, and Veterans Services, among others. Key responsibilities include managing and monitoring budgets, processing budget transfers, issuing purchase orders, tracking invoices and processing payments, reconciling expenditures, and handling other related fiscal transactions. Accurate and detailed recordkeeping is a critical component of this position. The Accounting Coordinator prepares and maintains budget reports, monitors expenditures and available balances, assists with budget projections, and helps ensure that funds are appropriately tracked and utilized in accordance with applicable requirements and established timelines. The Accounting Coordinator supports submission of state-wide budget reports and will be able to readily provide budgetary information for meetings and other purposes. The position works closely with Student Services administrators, program managers, and staff as well as campus and district Fiscal Services to support effective fiscal planning and day-to-day budget operations. As needed, the Accounting Coordinator may also provide budget and fiscal support to other areas within Student Services. This position is well suited for an individual who is highly organized, understands the compliance with respect to categorical budgets, is detail-oriented, and skilled in managing multiple budgets, transactions, and deadlines while providing responsive and collaborative support to a diverse range of student-serving programs.

ABOUT THE DISTRICT

The Coast Community College District is a multi-college district that includes Coastline Community College, Golden West College, and Orange Coast College. The three colleges offer programs in transfer, general education, occupational/technical education, community services, and student support services. Coastline, Golden West, and Orange Coast colleges enroll more than 60,000 students each year in more than 300 degree and certificate programs. Since its founding in 1947, the Coast Community College District has enjoyed a reputation as one of the leading community college districts in the United States. The Coast Community College District values diversity, equity, inclusion, access, and anti-racism by creating a culture of inclusive excellence that uplifts employees and students through an environment that is equitable, diverse, inclusive, and accessible.

COMMITMENT TO EQUITY & IMPACT

The Coast Community College District (Orange Coast College, Golden West College, and Coastline) continues to strengthen our efforts around diversity, equity, inclusion, access, and anti-racism. Orange Coast College is focused on creating a culture of inclusive excellence by uplifting employees and students through an environment that is equitable, diverse, inclusive, and accessible. We have a strong focus and importance on building an inclusive culture and atmosphere of belonging.

• Orange Coast College - Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Page
• Vision, Mission, Values, and Governance
• Educational Master Plan (2021-2027)

Ideal candidates for this position will share OCC's commitment to transforming lives through education, with a strong commitment to serving a diverse and vibrant student and employee population.

Summary

Performs reviews, accounting entries, and reconciliations for general, enterprise, and special fund accounts. Provides technical general ledger accounting services assuring accurate and timely budget and financial information that can be used for current and future financial and program decisions.

Distinguishing Career Features

The Accounting Coordinator is an advanced level classification in a multi-tiered career ladder for clerical and technical accounting. Accounting Coordinators require demonstrated competency in processing a full range of transactions for several closely related accounting areas such as cash, accounts payable, and receivable. Accounting Coordinators and higher positions will demonstrate knowledge of generally accepted accounting practices and will have competency in allocating transactions to proper account codes (strings), process approved journal adjustments to general ledger, and accounting for enterprise or categorical funds. Accounting Coordinators will have competency in budget line item transfers that comply with fund requirements and journal entries to general ledger. They will also have competency in revenue stream accounting, budget administration, and support to preparation audit documentation supporting financial statements. Accounting Coordinators participate and coordinate in the design, testing, implementation, and evaluation of automated and manual accounting systems. Advancement to Accounting Analyst is possible based on need, compliance with the job qualifications, and the ability to perform special studies, process full general ledger accounting adjustments, and be responsible for portions of the District’s accounting systems.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Maintains accounting records of assigned functions such as in financial aid, categorical programs, enterprises, auxiliary, student activities, special programs, or in treasury, revenue, and/or clearing accounts.
• Reconciles cash accounts, fund balances, vendor, and specific balance sheet asset accounts. Reviews revenue and expense accounts. Reclassifies accounting transactions into proper account classifications.
• Works with accounting/fiscal staff to determine detailed business needs and best practices when applied.
• Identifies areas within Fiscal Services where increased automation and reliance on system controls will lead to efficiencies.
• Reviews and analyzes transactions including those processed by others for accuracy, proper account coding or classification and allocation. Follows up with vendors, suppliers, and agencies to reconcile transactions.
• Assists and may facilitate certain aspects of the budget development process for categorical, special, and general funds. Participates in certain aspects of its preparation, such as data collection and prior-year performance analysis.
• Maintains up-to-date knowledge of the regulations and reporting requirements and procedures connected with categorical, special and general fund programs. Provides technical assistance to staff on financial matters relating to programs. Trains and updates staff on program changes and requirements as needed.
• Provides ongoing support in developing budget, accounting documents, reports and resource manuals related to assigned areas of responsibility.
• Reviews and evaluates proposals for new departmental systems involving financial accounting methods, policies, and procedures. Monitors the procurement, development, and implementation of those systems to ensure proper integration with other financial accounting systems.
• Prepares and processes accounts payable information to comply with various payment timetables. Verifies and reconciles documentation of merchandise and services received against claims, invoices, purchase orders, and packing slips. Prepares agreements and contracts for services used by and/or provided by the division. Prepares and submits contract documents to get approvals, and distributes executed instruments.
• Identifies, verifies and corrects standardized account codes, budget authorization, and available and qualifying budgets.
• Assists others with resolving problems with accounting transactions and adjustments such as credit memoranda, undocumented purchases and invoices, goods and services not received, returned or refund checks.
• Facilitates and prepares line item transfers. Reviews expense and other requisitions for compliance with applicable standards, rules and regulations, and approved budgets, analyzing variances and resolves variances with appropriate managers. Monitors expenditures of funds carried over from prior fiscal periods.
• Receives cash and cash equivalent from a variety of sources. Verifies amounts and balances to supporting documentation. Enters information into appropriate accounts as required. Prepares deposits and other transmittals.
• Reconciles and compiles periodic reports to show statistics such as cash receipts, accounts payable, and accounts receivable. Traces transactions through previous accounting actions to identify and correct discrepancies.
• Prepares documents such as invoices and account statements. Follows up with customers on account balances that are outstanding or involve multiple fiscal years. May recommend remedial action, write-off of account balances, or settlements negotiated to resolve account disputes and delinquencies.
• Provides technical support to departments accessing computerized accounting systems and databases that contain financial and statistical information.
• Assists auditors with the review of financial records and transactions.
• Participates in the preparation of periodic financial statements and categorical reports, including variance analysis, for advisory/regulatory groups and administrators. Assists with opening and closing of financial records based on fiscal year.
• May exercise partial leadership over and provide assistance to other accounting staff on an as-needed basis to balance fluctuations in workflow.
• May participate with input of budget data. Complies with established procedures for specialized budgets. Analyzes budget reports to ensure expenditures do not exceed appropriations. Enters pre-encumbered funds to the automated accounting system.
• May maintain a job control system, as it relates to specific funds. Monitors allocation of jobs to ensure compliance with special fund requirements.
• Performs other related duties as assigned that support the objective of the position.
• Required to abide by all District policies and procedures including Board Policy 3050 – Code of Professional Ethics.

Knowledge and Skills

• The position requires considerable knowledge of the principles and procedures of accounting, auditing, and finance with additional expertise in budget preparation and control.
• Requires in-depth knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles, regulations and controls applying to assigned financial operations.
• Requires a working knowledge of audit documentation requirements.
• Requires in-depth knowledge of automated accounting systems and relational databases used for storing and linking accounting data.
• Requires a basic knowledge of the practices and techniques in accumulating cost accounting information, including allocation of accounting data to determine standard costs or rates.
• Requires a working knowledge of the financial management, control, and reporting processes associated with restricted funds.
• Requires well-developed math skills to perform complex accounting and statistical computations.
• Requires sufficient language skills to prepare reports suitable for external publishing.
• Requires well-developed human relation skills to explain detailed information in small group settings and work with staff in advisory capacity.

Abilities

• Requires the ability to perform the essential responsibilities and functions of the position.
• Requires the ability to apply accounting controls, rules, and procedures, and perform accounting tests.
• Requires the ability to research, compile, analyze, and interpret accounting data.
• Requires the ability to maintain accurate and retrievable files, records, audit trails and trace transactions to original entries.
• Requires the ability to perform accounting and general math computations quickly and accurately.
• Requires the ability to set up complete fund accounts and prepare financial statements.
• Requires the ability to organize and prioritize work to meet deadlines and timetables.
• Requires the ability to work cooperatively with individuals and work teams within and outside the department, including vendors.
• Requires the ability to access and use a computer, common office productivity software, and specialized accounting software to access databases.

Physical Abilities

• The general physical demands, working conditions, and essential job functions associated with this classification will be kept on file with the Office of Human Resources.
• Essential functions will vary by position.
• As defined by Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) and California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (“FEHA”), the District shall engage in a timely, good‑faith interactive process with employees or employment applicants who are requesting or are in need of reasonable accommodations and, provide reasonable accommodations for employees or employment applicants who, because of their disability, are limited in or unable to perform one or more of the essential functions of their job in accordance with applicable state and federal law.

Education and Experience

• The position typically requires a Bachelor’s Degree in accounting or finance or equivalent plus 5 years of relevant and progressively responsible experience in governmental accounting, fund accounting, or closely related field that includes participation in the design of financial accounting systems.
• Additional relevant experience may substitute for some higher education.
• Or, any combination of education and experience which would provide the required equivalent qualifications for the position.

AND

• Evidence of demonstrated sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, geographic, gender, gender identity, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students. (California Code of Regulations Title 5 53022; Education Code Section 87360; Coast Community College District EEO Plan)

Preferred Qualifications

• Requires general understanding of categorical budgets, including state guidelines for expenditures, reporting, and compliance.

Licenses and Certificates

• May require a valid driver’s license.

Working Conditions

• Work is performed in an office environment with minimal exposure to health and safety considerations.

(ON-CAMPUS - in-person position) This is a temporary, special-funded, full-time classified staff, 40-hour-per-week, 12-month-per-year position. The District reserves the right to extend, modify, or eliminate this position based upon available funds. The normal hours of work will be Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, with the flexibility to occasionally work evening hours and/or weekends, when necessary, to meet the needs of the department. The effective date of employment will be arranged with the supervisor. (Salary Schedule: EE-119)

• To be eligible for employment, you must possess authorization to work in the United States. The District does not sponsor visas or take over any established visa sponsorship.
• Job offers are conditional and are contingent upon the successful completion of a satisfactory comprehensive background check (including Live Scan fingerprinting), satisfactory references, and approval or ratification by the District's Board of Trustees or the Chancellor.
• Regular attendance is considered an essential job function; the inability to meet attendance requirements may preclude the employee from retaining employment.
• The person holding this position is considered a mandated reporter under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in Coast Community College District policies, procedures, and Title IX. (Reference: BP/AP 5910)
• The Coast Community College District celebrates all forms of diversity and is deeply committed to fostering an inclusive environment within which students, staff, administrators, and faculty thrive. Individuals interested in advancing the District's strategic diversity goals are strongly encouraged to apply.

Pay Philosophy:

Through policies, practices, and other benefit programs, Coast Community College District delivers a fair and equitable total compensation program that promotes equal employment opportunity, inclusion, and workforce vitality. In general, it is the policy of the District to place new employees at the first step of the salary grade. All movement on the salary schedule will occur on July 1 of each year for employees.

SELECTED CANDIDATE

• Provide a Certificate of Tuberculosis Exam for initial appointment (Note: The certificate must be renewed every 4 years as a condition of continuing employment).
• Have fingerprints taken by a Live Scan computer at the candidate’s expense. (Clearance must be received before the first day of employment)
• Present original documents for proof of eligibility to work in the United States.
• Participate in a new hire onboarding appointment with an Employment Services Representative.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The Coast Community College District is committed to employing qualified administrators/managers, faculty, and staff members 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. We are committed to hiring and staff development processes that support the goals of equal opportunity and diversity, and equal consideration for all qualified candidates. The District does not discriminate unlawfully in providing educational or employment opportunities to any person on the basis of race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, medical condition, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, or genetic information.

TITLE IX NOTICE TO APPLICANTS

The 2026 Coast Community College District Annual Security and Fire Safety Report provides the crime statistics for calendar years 2023, 2024, and 2025, which were submitted to the U.S. Department of Education as required under the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act. A hard copy can be obtained from one of the Campus Safety Offices. Please contact any of the Campus Safety Offices for any questions.

Title IX & Sex Discrimination