Internal Control Accountant Job Listing at Bellevue College in Bellevue, WA (Job ID 14462)

Description

Position Summary  

The Internal Control Accountant is an exempt position that reports to the Executive Director of Finance. The position works closely with the Executive Director to guide, develop, and implement fiscal and accounting processes and procedures in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) . The Internal Control Accountant reviews program expenditures to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations and college policies and procedures. The Internal Control Accountant conducts an annual review of internal controls including separation of duties for fiscal transactions.

The Internal Control Accountant also reviews and recommends processes for receipting, posting receivables and payments, procurement card compliance, grant and contract compliance, and college asset tracking. The Internal Control Accountant advises and develops controls and processes to reduce fraud and other risks to the college's assets and business. The internal control accountant reviews plans for business continuity ensuring consistency of financial operations in emergencies. The Internal Control Accountant is a key role in the College's Risk Management Committee and contributes to reducing the college's enterprise risk by recommending risk abatement procedures.

Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule  

Position Salary Range: $70,037/year - $98,052/year

The salary information shown above is a general guideline only. The salary will be determined based on candidate's qualifications and related experience, as well as market and business considerations. Typically, new hires start no higher than $77,041/year based on Bellevue College Exempt salary schedule.

We offer comprehensive compensation package with salary and benefits as the main components. Generous benefits package is offered through Washington State plans that includes multiple medical, dental, life and disability coverage choices for employees and dependents; choices of retirement and deferred compensation plans; paid holidays, sick, and vacation plans; transit program, reduced tuition, employee discounts and memberships, etc.

The employee is scheduled to work 40 hours per workweek. This position may be eligible for the overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act; salaries below the WA State Salary Threshold is eligible for overtime pay.

About The College  

Bellevue College is a diverse student-centered, comprehensive and innovative college, committed to teaching excellence that advances the life-long educational development of its students while strengthening the economic, social and cultural life of its diverse community. Bellevue College is located just 10 miles east of Seattle where we serve a student population of over 54% students of color and over 1,300 international students. The college promotes student success by providing high-quality, flexible, accessible educational programs and services; advancing pluralism, inclusion and global awareness; and acting as a catalyst and collaborator for a vibrant region.

We strive to create a vibrant and inclusive campus community that supports a diverse student body, faculty and staff. As an essential part of our mission and goals, diversity, equity and pluralism are promoted and fostered in all aspects of college life. By enriching student life through leadership opportunities, personal learning and cultural experiences, we are committed to building an inclusive and diverse campus community that fosters creativity, innovation and student success.

For more information, visit BC Facts at a Glance @ Bellevue College.

About the Department  

The Administrative Services division includes the departments of Campus Operations, Purchasing & Contracts, the Early Learning Center, Food Services & Events, Finance, Payroll, Public Safety, and Public Records. Together the division supports the daily operations of the campus and ensures the college has the resources and environment to support student success. The Finance department includes Budget, Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, Accounting, Grants and Contracts Compliance, Asset Management, Banking, Reporting, Student Financial Services, Travel, Risk Management, and Internal Controls. Finance is responsible for the fiscal functions of the college consistent with Washington State Law, Washington Administrative Code (WAC), college policies and procedures and generally accepted governmental accounting principles. The departments within Finance help support continuity of operations for the college.

Essential Functions  

Internal Control and Compliance

• Advises and works with college administrators and staff to develop, implement, and enforce financial procedures which ensure compliance with college and state regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Implements and directs review and assessment of business processes and accounting and institutional policy and procedures to assure best practices.
• Assesses and maintains internal controls to ensure compliance with laws, regulations, and policy.
• Conducts the annual internal risk assessments of business processes and prepares an annual risk assessment report.
• Reviews and recommends actions to mitigate potential fraud in college transactions, including banking fraud.
• Stays informed on best practices in asset safe-guarding and internal control procedures from the Washington State college system.

Internal Audit for College Processes and Procedures

• Audits class set-ups and tuition configurations to ensure compliance with established rates.
• Reviews legal compliance for grants and contracts and reviews expenses to assure proper use of funds.
• Performs revenue audits to compare collections to enrollments and attendance and verifies appropriate level of tuition and class fee collections.
• Audits student programs enterprise activities to ensure proper controls and business processes are in place.
• Analyzes and develops testing processes to perform internal audits of complex financial data.
• Provides staff training on internal control procedures.
• Maintains files and supporting documentation for all areas of responsibility in compliance with audit requirements.
• Reviews Purchase card (P-card) logs and supporting documents to make sure the appropriate use of P-cards.
• Reviews travel card usage and supporting documents to make sure the appropriate use of travel cards.
• Audits PeopleSoft and other systems' permissions to ensure separation of duties and proper use of information in accounting processes, systems, reconciliations, and reporting.
• Reviews collections activity to assure that all college receivables are advanced to collections and ensure compliance with college procedure.
• Audits tracked and other equipment, reviewing purchase and receiving documents and assuring processes are maintained to protect the college's assets.
• Audits Small assets and Fixed assets ¿ Reviews the logs of small assets for all departments and identify the control weaknesses in the Inventory and Surplus processes to safeguard the state assets.
• Performs cash counting for all departments and divisions holding cash. Advises on cash handling best practices.
• Insurance review: checks the coverage's of Property insurance, Foreign Liability insurance, and international travel insurance etc. to make sure they are necessary and appropriate and works with the Executive Director of Finance to call out the potential overlaps and gaps among different insurances.
• Monitors PCI compliance for college's credit card transactions.
• Completes regular PCI compliance surveys and reporting requirements.

External Audit Readiness

• Works with Executive Director of Finance, Finance and Accounting Managers to review the financial statements, notes to financial statements and supplementary information to ensure it complies with GAAP and is free of material misstatements.
• Maintains files and supporting documentation for all areas of responsibility in compliance with audit requirements.
• Serves as the Liaison for SBCTC monitoring visits, and coordinates response to recommendations if necessary.

Policies and Procedures Consulting

• Plans data processing changes to support implementation of recommended and required changes in processes and procedures.
• Advises on International and domestic travel Insurance coverage's to comply with WA state laws and regulations.
• Advises student program offices and faculty about the application of S&A fees based on Killian Guideline.
• Advises on college fund raising activities and works with the Bellevue College Foundation to ensure finance procedures and cash/check handling procedures are adequate and appropriate.

Purchase and Reimbursements Review

• Audits purchasing documents to ensure they are appropriately completed in accordance with college procedures.

Committee duties

• Serves as an active member on the Risk Management Committee to identify areas of risk on campus and to review and recommend appropriate risk abatement. 
  Sets up committee to mitigate the risks associated with students traveling overseas.

Other

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications  

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or related field; Relevant years of experience can be substituted on a year-for-year basis.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience working in an accounting position.
• Knowledge of governmental accounting.
• Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Familiarity with State of Washington accounting, rules, and regulations.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Ability to deal tactfully and effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Effective written, oral, and interpersonal communications skills.
• Ability to analyze data and reduce complex accounting transactions to understand trends and balances.
• Demonstrated experience working with diverse colleagues and/or students in a collaborative and inclusive environment.
   

Preferred Qualifications  

• Master's degree in Accounting, Business, or related field.
• Two (2) years of experience in auditing internal controls.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license.

Conditions of Employment  

Bellevue College intends to provide a drug-free, healthy, safe, and secure work and educational environment. Each employee is expected to report to work in an appropriate mental and physical condition to perform her/his/their assigned duties.

Bellevue College employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. 

Sexual Misconduct and Background Check:

Prior to start of employment, finalists(s) for this position will be subject to a pre-employment background check as a condition of employment. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment, but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington State Law.

Check frequently in your inbox, spam, junk, clutter email folders for any communication regarding the next steps from Bellevue College and our background check partners.

Reference Check:

Reference checks may include, but are not limited to, contacting references and verification of work experience, and/or past job duties. 

Other Information  

• This position is NOT eligible for relocation allowance.
• This position is NOT eligible for sponsorship for employment-based visa.

How To Apply  

Applications received by 01/07/2025 will be given full consideration. Applications received after that date may be considered until the position is filled. 

All individuals interested in this position are encouraged to apply. Your application must include a complete online application and all of the required documents below to be considered complete. Any application that does not provide all requested information will not be considered for the position (only submit required documents with the application, additional documents will not be reviewed.) Please review Application Tips before applying. Current Bellevue College employees should apply the position through Employee Self Service.

Required application materials:   

• Attach a Cover Letter (min 1 pg., max 2 pgs.)
• Attach a Resume
• Attach a Diversity Statement (min 1 pg., max 2 pgs.) that addresses the following: Describe and provide specific examples of how your educational and/or professional experiences, background or philosophy demonstrate your commitment to diversity and equity, and how these prepare you to contribute to Bellevue College
• Complete Job Questionnaires if applicable

Contact: 

If you have questions with regards to the application or the hiring process, please contact Office of Human Resources at 425-564-2274 or email to jobs@bellevuecollege.edu.

EEO Statement  

Bellevue College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, language, ethnicity, religion, veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, including gender identity or expression, disability, or age in its programs and activities. Please see policy 4150 at www.bellevuecollege.edu/policies/. The following people have been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Title IX Coordinator, 425-564-2641, Office C227, and EEOC/504 Compliance Officer, 425-564-2178, Office B126. 

Applicants with disabilities who require assistance with the recruitment process may contact hraccommodations@bellevuecollege.edu .

 Apply on company website