Principal Accountant

General Summary

The principal Accountant is responsible for providing leadership and guidance in the areas of general ledger accounting, auditing, banking and internal controls. The Principal Accountant works collaboratively and closely with the Accounting Services staff and all other staff within Financial Services. The Principal Accountant may supervise other staff in the Accounting Department. The Principal Accountant may supervise other staff in the Accounting Department. The Principal Accountant reports to the finance director. This is an exempt position.

Essential Tasks

Accounting

• Manage the audit and review of the college’s general ledger. Oversee and prepare timely and accurate reconciliations of general ledger accounts. Prepare closing entries, adjusting entries and trial balances. Identify errors and make necessary corrections.
• Review and analyze data presented in the college’s financial management systems, reconcile to state reports, determine areas of concern and recommended corrective action when necessary.
• Interpret college, state and federal fiscal policies, provide leadership, guidance and direction to campus on financial procedures and accounting transactions; Identify need and direct the development of improved transactions processing procedures
• Prepare and submit the annual IPEDS report
• Facilitate the preparation of the quarterly budget to actual reports for the Board of Trustees
• Manage special projects assigned or as identified during the account review and reconciliation process.

Audit & Internal Controls

• In accordance with the OFM guidelines, conduct annual risk assessments of all college departments;
• Perform internal audit and cash counts, review reports, determine need for further review and generate annual report;
• Assist in the review of the annual GASB 34 compliant enterprise level financial statements and accompanying notes
• Assist in the collection and compilation of college and statewide financial information
• Work on resolution of annual audit issues

Banking

• Manage college banking transactions including positive pat data administration, dormant checks and monthly bank statement reconciliation
• Process Local Government Investment Fund (LGIP) transactions and transfers of funds
• Process transfers of other Investment funds
  
  

Other

• Oversee accounting services provided to the Highline College Foundations
• Supervise staff, conduct training, assign work, perform evaluations and recommend personal actions
• Work under the direction of the Accounting Manager on year-end closing transactions and tasks
• Participate as a productive team member in the implementation ctcLink project
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Federal and state regulations governing accounting, reporting, grants and budgets within higher education
• Proficiency in MS office, including in MS Excel
• Experience in computerized financial management systems

Ability to:

• Work collaboratively with diverse groups of staff
• Communicate effectively both orally and written
• Interpret, apply, and effectively communicate regulations, laws, policies and procedures
• Complete and organize tasks and meet deadlines
• Resolve problems and perform complex financial tasks
• Maintain the highest standards of professional and ethical conduct

MINIUM QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, finance or related field
OR
Certified Public Accountant License

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Master's Degree in Accounting, finance or related field

Supplemental Information

ABOUT HIGHLINE COLLEGE
Founded in 1961, Highline College is situated in a diverse community just 15 minutes south of Seattle. The college annually serves more than 16,500 students –– a student population of over 70% students of color, representing 35 nations and more than 100 languages. The college embraces equity, inclusion and social justice, with core goals of student attainment, diversity, community Engagement and sustainability. The student body at Highline College is made up of Transfer students, Running Start students, Professional-Technical students, International students, Comprehensive Transition Program for students with intellectual disabilities, Adult Basic Education and English Language Learners. In addition, we offer six bachelor of applied science, four-year degrees.

MISSION AND VISION
As an essential part of our mission and vision , diversity, equity and inclusion are promoted and fostered in all aspects of college life.

APPLICATIONS MUST BE FILED ONLINE AT:
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/highline
Your online application must include the following three attachments to be considered complete:
1. A detailed RESUME.
2. A cover letter (two-page maximum) that addresses the REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS, and to the extent applicable, the DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS of the position.
3. A one page response to the DIVERSITY STATEMENT found in the Supplemental Questions Tab.

Need Help?
Should you have any difficulties uploading your documents or navigating the application process, please contact NEOGOV Technical Support at 1-855-524-5627, Mon- Fri 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM Pacific Time.

Benefits
Highline College offers an outstanding benefits package with a full range of benefits that include multiple medical, dental, life and disability coverage options for employees and eligible family members; choice of retirement and deferred compensation plans to save for the future; paid holidays, sick time, and vacation, reduced tuition, employee discounts, memberships, Employee Assistance Program and more.

Highline College is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Highline College is an equal opportunity employer. The College is committed to enhancing the diversity of our faculty and staff, as well as our student population. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientations, and gender identity diversity. We strongly encourage applicants to apply without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legal protected status.

Reasonable Accommodations:
The College complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Applicants needing accommodations in the application process in an alternative format may contact the Human Resources office at (206) 592-3812. Persons who are deaf or hard of hearing may dial 711 to place a call through Washington Relay, the state's free telecommunication access service.

Title IX Policy
Highline College complies with Title IX regulations. For details on our policies, see our website https://humanresources.highline.edu/faculty-and-staff/policies/title-ix/

The College appointing authorities reserve the right and may exercise the option to make an employment decision prior to the conclusion of the recruitment process.