Job Description

Accounting Specialist

Salary: $6,031.00 - $8,532.00 Monthly
Location: District Services - Mission Viejo, CA
Job Type: DS - Staff (Full-Time)
Job Number: 202400707
Office, Division, or School: DS - Fiscal Services
Department or Operating Unit: DS - Accounting
Opening Date: 02/17/2026

Supplemental Information
Range 127 of CSEA Salary Schedule
Work schedule: Monday – Friday (8:00 AM – 5:00 PM)
Schedule and shift are subject to change in accordance with the department's needs.
Required Documents: Resume and Cover Letter
Applications missing the required documents will not be considered.

Hours Per Week : 40
Months: 12

Application Instructions:
• Complete all sections and fields on the application and attach all required documents – incomplete applications may not be considered.
• Include all relevant education, training, and/or experience on the application.
• Do not include any personally identifiable, confidential, or otherwise unrequested information that does not pertain to job related factors (e.g., social security number, date of birth, pictures, etc.) on your application or attached documents.
• For job postings with a close date, all applications received by 11:59 PM (Pacific Time) on the job posting close date, will receive consideration.
• For job postings with an initial screening date, all applications received by 11:59 PM (Pacific Time) on the job posting initial screening date, will receive priority consideration; however, typically the job posting will remain open, and continue to accept applications, until the position is filled.

Description
Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION
Under direction from higher level supervisory or management staff, performs complex technical accounting tasks within an assigned accounting area; establishes, monitors and maintains accurate and current records and reports on assigned activities; ensures compliance with various federal, state and district practices, policies, procedures and regulations; and coordinates and communicates various accounting activities with other district department personnel, private agencies, vendors and students.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is the journey level class in the Accounting Specialist series. Employees within this class are distinguished from the Senior Accounting Specialist in that the latter performs the most complex clerical accounting functions at the paraprofessional level requiring principles of accounting and bookkeeping as well as significant directly related and progressive experience. Employees at the Accounting Specialist level are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES
The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.
• Analyze and audit complex financial data, documents and reports to assure accuracy, completeness and compliance with applicable governmental and district regulations.
• Interpret policies and procedures; provide recommendations and technical guidance to administrators, deans, staff and students regarding financial and accounting policies; make decisions and recommend new procedures to immediate supervisor regarding financial reporting documents.
• Respond to requests for information from district/college operating units, governmental agencies, and the public regarding financial and accounting policies; investigate complaints and recommend corrective action for resolution.
• Perform on-line computer terminal transactions to input, update and maintain financial records, reports and files; research, calculate and process accounting related documents.
• Maintain student accounts receivable records; make adjustments, corrections, and reconciliations; collect and post student fees including payments for returned checks and fines.
Coordinate accounting activities with management, Information Resources and the Orange County Department of Education in the development, implementation and maintenance of accounting computer systems.
• Compile, maintain and reconcile information required in processing “1099” tax forms; interpret information to assure compliance with federal, state and local policies, laws and regulations.
• Collect, count, and reconcile monies; prepare bank deposits; maintain records of cash transactions and receipts; reconcile receipts and disbursements with appropriate accounting records.
• Review, reconcile, prepare and maintain a variety of financial records, ledgers and reports; make adjustments, as necessary; audit accounts as necessary to ensure proper internal controls; assist auditors in the preparation of annual audit reports ensuring compliance with various state and District policies, rules and regulations.
• Audit and process applications for payment from vendors, contractors, architects, engineers, students and instructors; ensure that disbursements are in accordance with district and governmental accounting practices and procedures; process and prepare warrants; maintain records of payments and receipts.
• Perform clerical duties, such as typing and filing as required; operate a variety of office equipment including calculators, copiers, check-signing machines and computer equipment.
• Perform related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS
The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties.

Knowledge of:
• Principles and practices of general accounting and auditing.
• Methods and techniques of financial recordkeeping and reporting.
• Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.
• Mathematical principles.
• English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Pertinent federal, state, and local rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and practices.

Ability to:
• Perform technical accounting tasks requiring independent judgment and initiative.
• Audit, review, analyze and reconcile assigned accounts, ledgers and reports.
• Ensure compliance with applicable rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Analyze, determine and recommend an effective and efficient course of action to address a given situation.
• Operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.
• Understand and follow oral and written communications.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Report to work on a regular and consistent basis, as scheduled, to assigned job.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE GUIDELINES
Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Education/Training:
Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by specialized training in accounting, finance, business administration or a related field.

Experience:
Three years of responsible clerical accounting experience.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT
The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Environment: Work is performed primarily in a standard office setting. Duties are typically performed at a desk or computer terminal; subject to noise from office equipment operation; frequent interruptions and contact in person and on the telephone with students, academic and classified staff and others. At least minimal environmental controls are in place to ensure health and comfort.

Physical: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in an office setting; to stand or sit for prolonged periods of time; to occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist; to lift, carry, push, and/or pull light to moderate amounts of weight; to operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination including use of a computer keyboard; and to verbally communicate to exchange information. Vision: See in the normal visual range with or without correction. Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.

Notice to all Candidates for Employment:
The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, Public Law 99-603, requires that employers obtain documentation from every new employee which authorizes that individual to accept employment in this country. The South Orange County Community College District (SOCCCD) will not sponsor any visa applications.

Employees must reside in California while employed with the SOCCCD.

California Public Employees Retirement System and California State Teachers Retirement System:
A California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) retiree may not accept employment until after the first 180 days of retirement. Anyone retired from CalPERS accepting permanent employment with the SOCCCD will be required to reinstate as an active CalPERS member. Please contact CalPERS for additional information regarding your retirement status.

Any active vested member of California State Teachers Retirement System (CalSTRS), who accepts employment with the SOCCCD to perform service that requires membership in CalPERS, is eligible to elect to continue retirement system coverage under CalSTRS

Disability Accommodations:
If you require special accommodations in the application and/or evaluation process, please notify Human Resources at least two (2) business days prior to the job posting close or initial screening date, by either calling (949) 582-4850 or sending an e-mail to [email protected].

Attendance Requirement:
All SOCCCD employees are required to report to work on a regular and consistent basis, as scheduled, to assigned job.

Campus Crime and Safety Awareness:
Information regarding campus crime and safety awareness can be found at www.ivc.edu or www.saddleback.edu. Paper copies are available in the Human Resources office upon request.

Non-Discrimination Notice:
The SOCCCD provides access to its services, classes, and programs without regard to national origin, immigration status, religion, age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, race, ethnicity, color, medical condition, military and veteran status, genetic information, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, or because they are perceived to have one or more of the foregoing characteristics, or based on association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.

California Fair Chance Act:
The SOCCCD will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if the SOCCCD is concerned about a conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Equal Employment Opportunity:
The SOCCCD is looking for equity and inclusion-minded applicants who represent the full diversity of California and who demonstrate a sensitivity to the understanding of diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds present within our community.

The SOCCCD is committed to ensuring that all students have the opportunity to succeed in their classes and as such, to eliminating institutional barriers that disproportionately impact students of color. Irvine Valley College and Saddleback College are deeply committed to fostering an inclusive environment where students, staff, and faculty from diverse backgrounds can thrive academically and professionally.

Irvine Valley College (IVC) serves approximately 21,584 students, reflecting a rich diversity: 41% Asian, 2% Black/African-American, 21% Hispanic/Latino, 8% Southwest Asian and North African, 5% two or more races, and 21% White in Fall 2024.

Similarly, Saddleback College (SC) serves around 25,789 students, with demographics showing 12% Asian, 2% Black/African-American, 29% Hispanic/Latino, 5% two or more races, and 47% White in Fall 2024.

These numbers underscore the importance of our commitment to eliminating equity gaps across all student demographics through implementing dynamic, student-centered practices and policies. To support the academic and career success of our diverse student body, we seek a candidate who will actively contribute to our mission of inclusivity and support. The ideal candidate's values will align with SOCCCD’s goals for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO).

THE SOCCCD IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

At the South Orange County Community College District, our goal as an academic community is to sustain a working environment that fosters and celebrates diversity, promotes and rewards excellence, and is welcoming to all. An exemplary academic community promotes an inclusive environment that best prepares our faculty, staff, and students to live, work, and contribute in a global society. The Plan reflects the District's commitment to equal employment opportunity and outlines the active steps that ensure nondiscriminatory practices.