General Description of Work

Position Title: Senior Accountant

Classification: Non-Represented

FTE: 1.0

Schedule: This is a full-time, salaried position customarily requiring approximately 40 hours per week. As an exempt professional role under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), the position requires flexibility in work hours, and additional time beyond a standard workweek may be necessary to meet business needs and fulfill job responsibilities.

FLSA Status: Overtime Exempt

Grant Funded: No

Job Summary

The Senior Accountant is a key member of the Business Office and is responsible for accurately reporting the financial position and activities of the college and its departments to a variety of internal and external constituencies. The position coordinates and directs financial transactions recorded in the College's accounting system and ensures the accuracy, integrity, and appropriate classification of those transactions.

The Senior Accountant provides responsive, service-oriented financial support to College departments while ensuring that financial activities comply with College policies and procedures, generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), and applicable laws, regulations, and standards established by authoritative governing bodies. The position provides leadership within the Business Office, collaborates with departments across the College, and serves on College committees and workgroups as assigned.

Reporting Structure/Supervisory Relationship

• This position reports to the Director of Fiscal Operations/Controller.

Responsibilities

Essential Functions

• Performs accounting, auditing, financial reporting, fiscal review, and financial analysis for the College.
• Prepares and reviews journal entries, account adjustments, and other accounting transactions to ensure accuracy and compliance with applicable standards, laws, regulations, and College policies.
• Reconciles general ledger accounts, subsidiary ledgers, bank accounts, and other financial records and resolves discrepancies.
• Performs month-end and year-end closing activities and ensures financial records are complete and accurate.
• Works with cashiering, accounts payable, and accounts receivable staff to ensure timely and accurate financial system entries.
• Prepares annual financial statements in accordance with Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) requirements, including required disclosures and Management's Discussion and Analysis (MD&A), in coordination with Business Office leadership and staff.
• Coordinates annual administrative and financial audits by preparing requested materials, supporting documentation, and responses to audit inquiries.
• Conducts internal audits and financial reviews and recommends corrective action as needed.
• Monitors accounting activity and maintains internal controls to ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, accounting standards, and College policies and procedures.
• Maintains and reconciles College assets with the State asset database, including land, buildings, equipment, inventories, and infrastructure.
• Reconciles general ledger balances to the fixed asset database and coordinates the College-wide biennial manual inventory count.
• Assists the Director of Business and Finance in managing banking services and monitoring cash balances.
• Provides financial information, analysis, and support to College departments and leadership regarding budgets, expenses, fiscal reporting, and accounting practices.
• Provides technical accounting guidance and support to Business Office staff and College departments.
• Researches and interprets accounting standards, state requirements, and College policies and recommends appropriate accounting treatment and procedures.
• Assists with the development and implementation of accounting procedures, internal controls, and financial processes.
• Assists the Director of Business and Finance with the preparation of the annual Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) report.
• Performs other related work of a similar nature and level.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), governmental accounting principles, and Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) standards.
• Knowledge of accounting practices, financial reporting requirements, internal controls, and audit principles applicable to public higher education.
• Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws, regulations, policies, and reporting requirements governing public higher education finances.
• Skill in analyzing, reconciling, and interpreting complex financial data and accounting records.
• Skill in using computerized accounting systems, spreadsheets, databases, and other financial reporting tools to maintain and analyze financial information.
• Ability to prepare accurate financial statements, reports, reconciliations, and supporting schedules and to identify and resolve discrepancies.
• Ability to communicate complex financial and accounting information clearly and provide effective customer service and technical assistance to individuals with varying levels of financial expertise.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, establish priorities, meet deadlines, and work effectively both independently and collaboratively.
• The ability to actively contribute to a work and learning environment that treats everyone with respect and dignity, while engaging diverse perspectives, backgrounds and experiences to enhance the College's mission, vision, and promise.

Lead Work/Supervisory Responsibilities

• Provides leadership and oversight for assigned staff, including supervision and evaluation, staff development, performance management, workload coordination, and corrective action as appropriate.

Working Conditions/Environment

• Work is performed in a standard indoor office environment with frequent interruptions, shifting priorities, and multiple deadlines. The position requires extended periods of sitting and computer use, along with frequent phone, email, and in-person interactions. Ability to lift and carry items weighing up to 25 pounds is required.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business administration, public administration, economics, or a closely related field.
• Three years of professional-level experience in accounting, auditing, budgeting, finance, or a closely related fiscal field.
• Experience leading, training, or supervising staff in a professional work environment.

OR

• Equivalent combination education and experience sufficient for the person to perform the duties.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree from an accredited institution in accounting, finance, business, or a related field.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or CPA candidate.
• Professional accounting experience in higher education, governmental, or other public-sector organizations.
• The ability to take action to learn and grow.
• The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.

Licensure, Certification & Other Necessary Requirements

• Employment contingent upon passing a criminal background check and sexual misconduct review .
• Occasional travel to meetings, conferences and training sessions may be required.

Salary

Salary:

• This is a 12-month, full-time, non-represented position with an annual salary of $93,000.00.

Benefits:

• Benefits include comprehensive health, dental, life, and long-term disability insurance;
• Participation in a Washington State retirement plan;
• Paid sick leave and vacation leave;
• Eleven paid holidays annually.

Additionally, as a Washington State, public higher education institution, WCC offers the following:

• Whatcom Community College is a qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program (PSLF) . If you work for the College full time, have had Direct Loans and are on an eligible repayment plan, you are eligible to apply.
• Full-time employees are eligible to apply and participate in the Whatcom Community College Employee Tuition Program, which provides a tuition waiver for available and eligible WCC courses.
• Full-time employees may qualify for Washington State Paid Family Medical Leave (PFML) benefit.

Start Date:

• As soon as can be arranged with the successful candidate.

Application Due Date:

• For guaranteed consideration, applications should be received by Friday, September 18th, 2026 at 5:00pm. Position open until filled.

How To Apply

A completed application consists of an online application and:

• Cover letter detailing relevant experience and how the applicant is prepared to meet the duties of the position.
• Current resume.
• Values statement that responds to the following prompt:

Short Reflection (1 page max): One of the core values of this institution is building an inclusive and supportive campus. This core value is reflected in our strategic plan, goals and in the work that we do every day. Please describe your experience in building an inclusive environment that supports a sense of belonging.

• Official transcripts of any degrees listed as part of the minimum requirements will be required upon hire, but not as part of the application process.