People Strategy, Equity, and Culture

Accountant II

  • Title: Accountant II
  • Class: Academic Professional
  • Exempt Status: Exempt
  • Level: 3

Nature and Scope of Work

The Accountant II performs complex accounting activities requiring the selection and broad use of generally accepted accounting principles and standards, financial analysis and procedures relating to major program areas. Coordinates accounting matters with other departments, divisions and campuses. Develops and/or recommends accounting methods and procedures as needed and as a result of conducting special studies and/or projects.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This classification is distinguished from the Accountant III in that incumbents in the Accountant II classification do not take a lead role in coordinating the daily activities on a college-wide basis. They can act as lead worker over assigned staff in major program areas.

Principal Accountabilities (includes some or all of the following)

  1. Maintains comprehensive and complex accounts and funds requiring the analysis of accounting transactions and the establishment or maintenance of internal controls. Develops, installs and modifies accounting systems, records, methods, and procedures. Recommends and evaluates changes or enhancements to financial management systems and policies. Assists in assuring that the college financial records are in compliance with generally accepted accounting principles.
  2. Processes the month end and year end closings. Prepares monthly financial statements and operating reports for distribution to management and other college personnel and federal and state entities as required.
  3. Prepares monthly reconciliations and balance sheets.
  4. Prepares a variety of comprehensive narrative reports, financial analysis, and forecasting.
  5. Reviews and verifies the accuracy of journal entries and accounting classifications.
  6. Assists college administrators and staff in solving complex problems regarding tracking and evaluation of revenues, expenditures and encumbrances.
  7. Assures compliance with federal, state and/or local regulations, inclusive of the Oregon Budget Law, the Single Audit Act and OMB Circular 133 and OMB Circular A-21. Prepares and presents information to auditors and federal and state officials. Responds to inquiries and defends accounting practices when appropriate.
  8. May lead projects or oversee lower level accounting staff; reviewing work of adequacy, methods, and conformance and giving performance input to the supervisor.
  9. Designs and produces ad-hoc reports and financial models as requested by administrators and supervisor. Translates complex financial information and technical language into clear and concise documents from which administrators can make decisions.
  10. Acts as a technical resource to other Financial Services personnel.
  11. Participates in special projects as requested by management.
  12. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Work Environment

Work is typically performed in an office environment or at various college locations. Occasional evening or weekend hours may be required depending on project requirements.

Physical Requirements

Occasional lifting, guiding and/or carrying of files and other work materials when working at various college locations. May sit for extended periods of time at a desk or working at a computer.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration or related field. Experience performing the duties described may substitute for the degree requirement on a year-for-year basis. Two years of experience working in governmental, municipal, fund accounting, or the area of accounting that is related to the assignment is required.

Demonstrated experience working with PC and mainframe computer systems, hardware and supporting software applications. Experience working with computerized accounting systems and how they aid in compiling, maintaining, and using accounting information.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:
  • Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles.
  • Knowledge of governmental or fund accounting including source of funds, segregation and display of expenditures and revenues, budgetary accounting.
  • Knowledge of statistical analysis and financial forecasting.
  • Knowledge of federal and state regulations pertaining to area of assignment.
Skills in:
  • Skill in operating a computer and various supporting software packages, including advanced skills in spreadsheet applications.
  • Skill in providing guidance and technical expertise to lower-level professional and technical accounting staff.
Ability to:
  • Ability to work independently and be self-directed.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects.
  • Ability to effectively communicate in oral and written form.
  • Ability to operate a variety of office equipment.

Revised: 01/2003, 2/2022

  • Replaces: 06/27/2002
  • Reviewed: 12/2018