Accounting Technician

Accounting Technician

To perform a variety of accounting duties within the office of Finance and Budget, with primary emphasis on the Financial Aid Fund and Procurement. Reconciles all financial aid funds and perform procedures in accordance with the Federal Title IV Programs. Reconcile bank accounts.

This position is currently open until 11:59 pm on September 20th, 2026. This position is only open to internal applicants (currently employed Classified employees). Internal candidates are interviewed and considered prior to any external candidates in accordance with the current Classified Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Description of Essential Functions

Financial Aid Accounting (approx. 20% of Time)

1. Sole responsibility for all accounting and cash flow requirements for the Financial Aid fund.
2. Monitor and determine cash flow needs for the Financial Aid bank account. Reconcile revenues and expenses of all funds transmitted to the financial aid students' accounts. Prepare and electronically draw down federal funds using the Department of Education GAPS program.
3. Manage Title IV return calculations in accordance with federal guidelines.
4. Works cooperatively with outside agencies, Registrar, Financial aid, and other functional department leadership and establish consistent processes.
5. Reconcile all Financial Aid transactions and prepare all general journal entries as required for the monthly closing of the following:

• The Financial Aid bank account
• Financial aid funds: All grants, loans, and scholarships
• Federal Work Study: Reconcile payroll distribution to the Financial Aid Office records.

Procurement (approx. 40% of Time)

1. Reviews procurement transactions for compliance with District policies, public procurement laws, bid requirements, contract terms, grant requirements, and applicable regulations prior to approval.
2. Verifies that appropriate procurement methods are utilized based on purchase thresholds, funding source requirements, and District purchasing policies, ensuring required competition and approvals are obtained.
3. Reviews contracts, agreements, purchase orders, and related procurement documents for completeness, accuracy, required approvals, and adherence to District standards before processing.
4. Answers inquiries from college staff on matters such as purchasing procedures, clarification of information concerning items to be purchased, approval for substitutions and changes, and items delivered.
5. Evaluates the validity of purchase requisitions and attached documentation; reviews requisitions for clarity, thoroughness, and compliance with applicable laws and regulations; assists departments with required changes.
6. Maintains a broad working knowledge of public procurement rules, laws, and best practices through internal and external continuing education and professional certification activities.
7. Provides guidance and training to District employees regarding procurement regulations, contract administration requirements, ethical purchasing practices, and proper documentation standards.
8. Assists Accounts Payable Technician in preparing and processing invoices, contracts, and travel for payment. Acts as back up during peak times and absence of accounts payable technician.
9. Maintains asset records through ongoing review, documentation, and reconciliation.

General Accounting (approx. 40% of Time)

1. Responsible for reconciling and preparing all related general journal entries for the College checking and savings accounts. Monitor all bank accounts for deposits, returns, positive pay transactions and any transfers between accounts as needed.
2. Ensure checks are cashed within an appropriate time for the funds.
3. Document due diligence for any unclaimed payments. Any unclaimed property (checks) belonging to students, staff, or vendors is delivered in accordance with fund rules or processed as unclaimed property for the State of Oregon.
4. Reconcile Foundation gift batches.
5. Record and reconcile all county tax payments.
6. Reviews and monitors AR subsidiary accounts and deposits to the general ledger. Process any needed journal entries.
7. Backup for daily balancing and bank deposit preparation.
8. Prepare and process transaction imports.

Performs Other Duties and Special Projects as Required/Assigned

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Associate's degree in accounting, business, finance, or a related field OR five (5) years of direct experience in accounting in lieu of degree.

Three (3) years or more of experience in a professional accounting environment.

Successful applicants for this position must possess the following knowledge, skills and abilities, or be able to explain and demonstrate that they can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation:

• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, using the English language with or without the use of an interpreter.
• Ability to work effectively and sensitively with individuals of diverse cultural backgrounds and perspectives, and abilities.
• Ability to consistently convey a pleasant and helpful attitude by using excellent interpersonal and communication skills to control sometimes stressful and emotional situations. Requires sufficient communication and human relations skills to resolve complaints/issues, defuse anger, and convey messages.
• Ability to perform data entry in the college-wide Student Information System, word processing, and spreadsheet applications. Exhibit a high level of computer literacy, sufficient to use software such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases to produce correspondence, documents, and reports. Sufficient manual dexterity to be able to operate office computer, calculator, other office equipment.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize and work on multiple tasks simultaneously under constant pressure and deadlines, working effectively despite frequent interruptions.
• Ability to draw on a broad range of knowledge and experience in accrual and fund accounting, including experience in Department of Education requirements, Stafford loans, Federal Title IV programs, accounts receivable and collections.
• Ability to read, review, understand and apply concepts presented in training programs, conferences, federal and state regulations, professional literature and other related materials pertaining to housing and residence life administration.
• Ability to understand the accounting system modules, including Sponsor Billing, Accounts Receivable, Cash Receipts, General Ledger, Financial Aid, Registration and Scheduling.
• Ability to work independently on assigned projects with a high degree of dependability, accuracy, and minimal supervision.
• Ability to maintain professionalism, confidentiality, and objectivity under constant pressure and crisis situations. Compliance and complete understanding of FERPA is essential. Ability to maintain confidentiality and adhere to all federal, state, and college policies regarding student information.
• Ability to work and cooperate with staff, at all levels, and assist other department employees in maintaining a free-flowing student-oriented atmosphere

PREFERRED (not required) QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting.
• Public accounting experience preferred.
• Knowledge of community college accounting procedures and fiscal procedures; principles of data processing.
• Working knowledge of Federal financial aid regulations for the disbursement and return of funds, FERPA, Red Flag Rules and other regulations relating to student accounts.
• Knowledge and understanding of the policies and regulations required by the Department of Education.
• Jenzabar experience or other similar integrated financial system
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to resolve technical accounting issues.

Additional Job Information

JOB TITLE: Accounting Technician - LOCATION: Coos, Curry, and Western Douglas Counties

FTE: 32-40 hours/week (.8 - 1 FTE) - ORGANIZATION: Southwestern Oregon Community College

PAY LEVEL: I (steps 1-5 for initial hire) - EXEMPTION STATUS: Non-exempt

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Attached - REPORTS TO: Executive Director of Finance and Budget

CLASSIFICATION: Classified - REVISION DATE: July 2026

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Southwestern Oregon Community College only accepts applications through this online application system. We want you to be successful in applying with us. We highly encourage you to complete and submit your application in advance of the deadline.

For assistance with this, please email For technical assistance with your application, please call (