About the Department

Position Summary: The Foundation Senior Accountant is responsible for performing professional-level accounting functions that provide accurate and timely financial information to the Foundation Board of Directors, including processing of charitable contributions, facilitating on-going communications with the Cochise College Controller and external entities, as required, coordinating foundation board meetings, and assisting with foundation functions.

Essential Functions: As defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, skills, and other characteristics. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by incumbents of this class.

Marketing Statement

Cochise College serves the residents of Cochise County from two campuses and four centers throughout Southern Arizona with panoramic views of five different mountain ranges. The college has been recognized nationally for its cost, return on investment, and high success rate; providing over 90 general and technical education programs leading to a variety of workforce certificates and associate degrees.  The college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a designated Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI).

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Position Duties

Duties and Responsibilities: Within the scope of college policies and procedures, this position:

Processes all donations using electronic database, acknowledges donors, and generates reports; prepares and submits timely and accurate bank deposits and maintains associated support documentation

Processes transactions into electronic accounting system and maintains associated support documention, providing financial information to the Cochise College Controller for review on a minimum of a monthly basis

Analyzes and reconciles accounting data for accuracy and appropriateness; researches and resolves discrepancies as required; prepares journal entries, prepares detail financial reports and schedules necessary to comply with  Foundation policies, assists in responding to questions about financial transactions as neededIdentifies weaknesses in internal controls and safeguards assets and confidential financial data

Assists in the development and implementation of accounting policies and procedures that support transparent financial management practices

Assists in the preparation annual financial statements; prepares closing entries and schedules; facilitates the annual audit by providing the auditors transaction explanations and schedules; facilitates the Form 990 to completion

Prepares materials for Cochise College Foundation board of directors and committee meetings, in coordination with the Executive Director, using a board portal; serves as a point of contact for board members; records meetings and prepares minutes for board approval; coordinates meeting logistics as needed

Fosters relationships with donors and prospective donors through quality, timely interactions at all levels; opeates in an environment that requires a high degree of trust and confidentiality

 Assists with an array of activities related to foundation events, such as space reservations, registration, seating arrangements, meal selection, and follow-up; collaborates with supervisor on volunteer recruitment and training

Provides general support to college departments and board members engaged in fundraising activities

Performs other related duties as assigned

General Expectations: Employees are expected to accomplish assigned duties in an efficient, effective and competent manner and to strive for improvement and excellence in all work performed. Additionally, employees must understand the comprehensive role of the community college and cooperate and work harmoniously with students, faculty and staff, and the public. Employees will follow all college policies, rules, regulations and guidelines as they relate to this position.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree in accounting from an institution accredited by an institutional accrediting body of higher learning recognized by the US Department of Education

Three years related professional work experience

Preference may be given to individuals with experience in higher education or in the non-profit sector

An equivalent combination of education and/or experience from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved may be considered. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

High level of professionalism and integrity

Knowledge of and ability to follow college policies and procedures

Knowledge of current technologies, to include Microsoft Office word processing and spreadsheet software, customer relationship management software, and computerized accounting systems, QuickBooks knowledge to review prior year’s financial transactions is preferred

Knowledge of federal, state and local laws, regulations and guidelines related to assigned work

Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles and accounting statements general ledger and related accounting practices

Knowledge of and ability to complete Form 990 tax return

Knowledge of basic investment terms and practices.

Skill in interpersonal communication and relationship building

Skill in accounting and financial report preparation

Skill in using complex functions in Microsoft Excel.

Skill analyzing data, identifying problems and recommending solutions

Skill performing detailed numerical computation and preparing detailed reports on a timely basis

Ability to learn new technologies

Ability to use personal computers and standard office equipment

Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing, and to relate to others in a professional, helpful manner

Ability to relate to a diverse population and to maintain composure when faced with difficult situations

Ability to organize, prioritize, and follow multiple tasks through to completion with an attention to detail

Ability to work independently while contributing to team environment

Ability to analyze problems, identify solutions and take appropriate action, resolve problems using independent judgment and decision-making processes

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, other department staff, students and the public

Ability to work accurately, efficiently, and effectively with all types of data

Ability to maintain accurate office procedures

Ability to work under pressure with frequent interruptions

Other Qualifications

Work Environment: Work is primarily performed under general supervision. Incumbent generally performs work in a typical office setting with appropriate climate controls.  

Physical Requirements: Essential functions of this position require: lifting, manual dexterity, ability to communicate.

Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body; involves sitting majority of time; walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met

Mental Application: Utilizes memory for details, verbal instructions, emotional stability, critical thinking, adaptability and creative problem-solving skills are important

Reports To: Executive Director of College Foundation