FINANCIAL SPECIALIST 1
C1411
Pay Level 8
Purpose of Classification:
A Financial Specialist 1 is responsible, within established rules, regulations and policy guidelines, for the effective maintenance of institutional and student accounts by managing, reconciling, monitoring and resolving issues related to account transactions.
Financial Specialist 1 positions are distinguished from Accounting Specialist positions by the greater independence and responsibility for establishing procedures, ensuring compliance with procedures, establishing audit trails, scheduling work, reconciling accounts, negotiating payment plans and/or approving loans and credit line applications.
Work is performed in accordance with the College's mission, vision, and core values.
Essential Functions:
Maintain accounting records on revenues from all sources and special guidelines on funds. Monitor and prepare checks and check requests. Check and approve expenditures within established guidelines. Carry out billing, collection and reporting activities according to specific deadlines. Prepare necessary correspondence and communication for billing or payment purposes. Prepare and post journal entries to adjust accounts and reconcile balances; ensure that a clear audit trail for expenditures is maintained by the establishment and maintenance of files of financial source documents. Compile, analyze and prepare reports of income and expenditures; maintain high degree of confidentiality in the management of information and records.
Research and process requests from College departments, outside agencies and student billing service for account adjustments; notify departments regarding issues in class scheduling affecting tuition and fee assessments; make necessary adjustments.
Reconcile and balance account details and controls. Review account documents and financial transactions and resolve problems with administrative staff, Financial Specialist 2, Accountant or manager. Balance accounts and initiate required corrections by preparing and entering journal entries to move expenditures; audit reports and prepare necessary accounting adjustments.
Prepare reports of income and expenditures for specific program. Plan and coordinate special fund-raising events. Provide input into the creation and implementation of systems for processing pledges, premiums and in-kind contributions; ensure that a clear audit trail for expenditures is maintained; generate a variety of financial reports.
Prepare reports, billing and requests for funds for grants/contracts; review grant/contract expenditures for compliance with agency/vendor rules and regulations.
Facilitate and monitor the use of student charge services; establish individual student accounts in the amounts authorized by financial aid, student loan, dislocated worker program or other party sponsoring purchases; maintain student account records on all purchases, credits and current balance of accounts; verify and check receipts against cash and charge totals.
Check and submit all intercampus and purchase orders, cashier invoices, and other forms. Assist in preparing auditors' schedules; assist auditors by pulling desired documents; prepare requested financial reports for auditors.
Manage disbursement of financial aid, scholarships, sponsored accounts, and/or refunds. Review and enter scholarship requests for completeness and accuracy according to institutional requirements. Notify students and/or sponsors of missing or required information to complete process.
Manage and reconcile the College's daily revenue accounts, which include the cash on hand. Process credit card payments; extract, prepare, review and analyze daily credit card financial activity reports for the College. Monitor and balance financial information. Prepare and send bank deposits.
Ensure procedures are followed in all aspects of institutional and student account management.
Actively demonstrates Lane's core value of Diversity by modeling and ensuring diversity and cultural competency (respect, inclusiveness, reflecting, valuing and welcoming of cultural differences) in all position responsibilities regardless of age, color, disability, gender, gender identity or expression, social class, marital status, national origin, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, veterans status, nationality, age, origin, first language, geographic location, communication style or work style or status.
Work is performed within the applicable College and departmental policies, procedures, and priorities.
Does related work as required.
Minimum Qualifications:
Two years of post-secondary education with course work in accounting, finance, or related field is required. Two years of experience in fund accounting, accounts receivable, accounts payable, billing, payroll or related field is required. Some positions in this class require that the employee be bondable.
Equivalent combination of training and experience will be considered qualifying.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Knowledge of: generally accepted account management or bookkeeping principles and procedures in accounts payable/receivable, billing/collections or payroll; federal and state regulations; general office procedures and practices; and ability to use spreadsheet, database and word processing software and automated accounts systems.
Skill in: financial analysis and report preparation.
Ability to: analyze and make decisions on complex account problems; interpret and apply College fiscal policies and applicable State and federal regulations to the work; initiate and implement more efficient procedures; keep accurate financial records and provide an audit trail; work under pressure and meet deadlines; use spreadsheet, database and word processing software and automated accounting/billing systems; remain current with software applications; maintain confidentiality of records; pay attention to detail with a high degree of accuracy; work independently and make decisions; perform arithmetic computations; organize and prioritize work; work collaboratively as a member of a team with active and appropriate participation; establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, staff, administrators, vendors, other agency staff and the general public; communicate effectively orally and in writing; train, provide priorities, assign and monitor work to others as required by the position; handle conflict situations and keep focus on facts and problem resolution; attend meetings and trainings as required; and work safely in operating equipment and/or performing duties to prevent injury to self and others.
Physical Demands:
While performing the essential functions of these positions, employees in this classification may be required to sit, stand, keyboard, write, listen, and speak for extended periods of time Work involves concentrated mental and visual attention for sustained periods of time. Work may require transporting materials up to 25 pounds.
Working Conditions:
Positions in this classification work indoors. These positions are exposed to usual office working conditions such as office noises and interruptions, such as printers, telephones, and visitors. These positions may work with individuals who may be hostile or abusive.
Some positions in this classification require that the employee be bondable.
Tools and Equipment Used:
In performing the essential functions of the position, the following tools and equipment may be used: laptop and desktop computers, various computer hardware and software, cash counting tools, copiers, printers, fax machine, telephone and other related tools and equipment.
Supervision:
Reports to and works under the general supervision of a manager or other supervisor. Work is performed independently according to established fiscal policies and regulations. A higher level classified employee may assign work, provide work priorities and be available to answer questions or troubleshoot problems on a daily basis. Work is reviewed to assure conformance with policies and by results obtained.
Positions in this classification may have the responsibility to assign tasks, provide priorities, train and monitor the work of other staff. Some positions may also have substantial input into performance evaluations and hiring decisions.
4/94
Revised: 6/14