Job Details

Accounting Specialist (2 Vacancies + Eligibility List)

Position Number: 9848278
Location: Palm Desert, United States
Position Type: Business and Financial Management

Accounting Specialist (2 Vacancies + Eligibility List)

Salary: $76,175.52 - $107,178.96 Annually
Location: Palm Desert, CA
Job Type: FULL TIME
Job Number: 2600290
Division: Administrative Services
Department: Fiscal Services
Opening Date: 09/22/2026
Closing Date: 10/13/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Bargaining Unit: CSEA-California School Employees Association

Description

About College of the Desert
The College of the Desert, Desert Community College District enrolls approximately 20,000 students each academic year with steady enrollment growth each year. College of the Desert embraces diversity in all forms and the right of all people to have access to quality higher education in a safe learning environment. Designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), College of the Desert administers an array of student programs specifically focused on student support and helping students achieve their educational and career goals. As a two-year college, we offer Associates Degree for Transfer, both in Art and Sciences, Associates Degrees, and Certificates across a wide range of disciplines.

College of the Desert is a district that consists of leadership, staff, and faculty who are committed to enhancing our community through supporting the academic success of all of our students including racially and ethnically diverse students, students with disabilities, students who are first generation to college, veterans, students of all ages, students with diverse socio-economic backgrounds, "dreamers", and students of diverse sexual orientation and gender expression.

When you join College of the Desert you can expect to be part of a diverse, inclusive, and collaborative community. We provide students with a rich and dynamic learning experience that embraces differences, emphasizes collaboration, and engages students in and out of the classroom. We are committed to ensuring that College of the Desert is a welcoming place for the success of all students.

Interested in learning more about College of the Desert and the Coachella Valley? Visit the links below.

Who We Want:
College of the Desert is seeking individuals from a broad range of cultural heritages, socioeconomic backgrounds, genders, abilities, and orientations. As such, we prioritize individuals who fully demonstrate their understanding of the community we serve, the benefits of diversity in a professional and educational setting, and values creating a culture that brings people together. A successful candidate will value working in a collegial, collaborative environment that is guided by a commitment to inclusion, student education, and equity. An equity-minded individual is a person who already does or has demonstrated the desire to:

Understand the importance of holding ourselves accountable as faculty, staff and leadership for closing equity gaps and engaging in equitable practices;
Reframe inequities as a problem of practice and view the elimination of inequities as an individual and collective responsibility;
Encourage positive race-consciousness and embrace human difference;
Reflect on institutional and teaching practices and aim to make them more culturally responsive; and
Strategically build buy-in and participation among colleagues for equity-related initiatives.

BASIC FUNCTION

BASIC FUNCTION
Under the direction of the Director, Fiscal Services, perform varied and complex accounting work specializing in the maintenance of a set of accounts and financial and statistical records; audit financial records District-wide.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
The Accounting Specialist performs more advanced work with responsibility for a set of accounts requiring more technical expertise and internal audit responsibilities. Positions allocated to the Accounting Technician class perform accounting work specializing in the maintenance of a set of accounts and financial and statistical records.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES
The following duties are representative of the essential functions of the position.

Perform specialized accounting work involved in one or more assigned set of complex District-wide accounts such as accounts payable, accounts receivable, general fund and special categorical projects.
Verify and code data according to prescribed procedures; review financial information to assure accuracy of information.
Gather, assemble, tabulate, proof, extend, verify, balance, summarize and post fiscal data or assigned accounts.
Review items for assigned set of accounts to assure accuracy and completeness of financial records; provide proper internal controls; audit and adjust source documents and other input data.
Prepare supporting schedules, worksheets and reports for assigned accounts; prepare statements and reports for funds as assigned for management and Board review.
Communicate with administrators, faculty, vendors, staff and others regarding assigned accounts; review budgets for assigned accounts and provide statements of forecasts and balances as requested; provide cash flows and other financial, statistical and analytical reports as requested for assigned accounts. Prepare and present training sessions as required.
Process a variety of financial information; adjust accounts; input statistical data regarding budgets and assigned accounts.
Reconcile accounts as assigned; prepare various accounting and budget control documents.
Perform internal control procedures for receipt, deposit and expenditure of District funds; audit postings made by all District positions; perform random compliance tests to determine adequacy of internal controls; analyze reports to ensure compliance with internal audit controls.
Train personnel in use of computerized on-line financial accounting and reporting system and appropriate cash controls, cash handling, and cash management.
Monitor cash management system daily; reconcile and resolve positive pay exception notifications.
Oversee the credit card balancing system for student accounts receivable registration; process and post credit card payments; review and analyze credit card transactions; monitor telephone credit card payments with collection of sales drafts; evaluate total fees collected and assign fees to appropriate budget account codes; act as liaison between bank officials and the District.
Assist and reconcile third party collection firms with outstanding accounts receivable and debt collection including retiree health insurance benefits.
Develop and assist in the formulation and implementation of improved accounting, budget and financial record-keeping procedures. Assist departments with annual budget development and formulation.
Prepare and assist external actuary with information required for GASB 43 and 45 reporting. Maintain post retirement employee records.
Audit monthly insurance invoices and process benefit payments for employees.
Communicate in person, online and on the telephone with students, faculty, and the public regarding the collection of monies. Assist cashiers on front line counters with payments, deposits, or refunds. Open safe on a daily basis and maintain custody of District cash fund.
Assist the Director of Fiscal Services to develop policies and procedures for the Bursar Office. Coordinate with District offices to identify and recommend resolutions to centralize all collection of money in the Bursar Office in accordance with District policy.
Serve as contact person with banking institutions in completing daily banking transactions excluding federal grant drawdowns; authorize bank wires as necessary; issue stop payment orders on checks; transfer funds between District accounts as needed; coordinate action with banks regarding forgeries, disputed bankcard charges; monitor bankcard and credit card machine transactions and verify bank charge for these services.
Audit, monitor and balance Federal and State reports and prepare periodic reports. Submit validated Federal drawdown requests for reimbursement to the Financial Analyst.
Attend a variety of meetings, trainings, and conferences.
Perform related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Any combination equivalent to: an Associate degree in Accounting or related field and four (4) years of accounts receivable experience including two (2) years of experience receiving and accounting for cash and credit card payments.

LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Valid California driver's license. Must have an acceptable driving record and current vehicle insurance meeting State of California requirements. Occasional travel required.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of: Procedures, methods, practices and terminology used in bookkeeping and financial record- keeping; modern office practices, procedures and equipment; modern accounting office machines; correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary; operation of computers and a variety of software such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Financial Aid, District, and County administrative systems; preparation, maintenance, verification and processing of payroll records, technical aspects of field of specialty; banking regulation and laws regarding credit card banking and foreign currency banking; applicable laws, rules and regulations related to assigned activities including Payment Card Industry Security Compliance; diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students; interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.
Ability to: Post and make arithmetic computations rapidly and accurately; use a variety of office equipment; operate office machines including a computer and applicable software; understand and follow oral and written instructions; interpret and explain policies, procedures, rules and regulations; analyze and recommend improvements to systems and procedures; align programs and services to department objectives and goals; prepare correspondence and informational materials for handout; work cooperatively with others; exhibit sensitivity and understanding of the varied racial, ethnic, cultural, sexual orientation, academic, socio-economic, and disabled populations of community college students; work confidentially with discretion; understand and work within scope of authority; work independently with little direction; communicate effectively both orally and in writing to exchange information; analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action; plan and organize work; set schedules and time lines; sit for extended periods of time, bend at the waist, kneel, or crouch; lift 15 pounds.

EMPLOYMENT STATUS

EMPLOYMENT STATUS:

Classified Bargaining Unit Position
Classified Staff Salary Range 15
These positions are partially grant-funded.
Retirement System: CalPERS (upon meeting eligibility criteria)
Salary placement is contingent on education, experience, and department budget.
This posting is for 2 current vacancies and to establish a 6-month eligibility list for current and future Accounting Specialist openings.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Environment: Office environment. Constant interruptions.

SCHEDULE & LOCATION:

This position is scheduled 40 hours per week, 12 months per year.
The schedule is Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
The primary location is Palm Desert Campus.
The schedule and location are subject to change based on District need.

REQUIRED APPLICATION AND REQUIRED UPLOADED DOCUMENTS:

To be considered a candidate for this position, the following materials must be electronically uploaded:

Online Application: All sections of the College of the Desert District online application must be completed including education and experience.
Resume: Must include length of employment (month/year start and end dates) for each employer.
Cover Letter: Please address how you meet the minimum requirements for this position and any special qualifications you possess.
College Transcripts: Academic transcripts of all college level coursework showing date degree awarded from an accredited institution. For consideration, degree(s) must be awarded at the time of application. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable at time of application. Successful candidate must provide official transcripts upon hire. Non-U.S. transcripts must include a certified U.S. evaluation (i.e., NACES agency: www.naces.org) at the time of application. Diplomas will not be accepted in lieu of the required transcripts.

REQUIRED IN YOUR APPLICATION:

List of References: References should include at least two supervisors and one colleague. Please include name, title, email and current phone numbers. Letters of reference will not be accepted in lieu of the required List of References.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS:

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.
College of the Desert does not offer sponsorship nor take over sponsorship for an employment VISA.
Employment is contingent on residence in California.

Incomplete application packages will not be considered.
All submitted materials become the property of College of the Desert Community College District and will not be returned or copied and will be considered for this position only.

Salary placement will be contingent on all materials submitted for this position.

Applicant bears the sole responsibility for ensuring that the application package is complete when submitted.
All travel arrangements will be at applicant's expense.
Application materials must be received by the deadline. Application materials received after the closing deadline will not be accepted.
For online application, information, and instructions, visit the College of the Desert job opportunities website at https:// www.collegeofthedesert.edu/faculty-staff/human-resources/career-opportunities.php or call (760) 773-2529.

FAQs: For additional information, click here: Recruitment - Frequently Asked Questions.

TIMELINES:

For consideration, please apply by Tuesday, October 13, 2026. Late submissions will not be accepted.
Interviews are tentatively scheduled in-person on Tuesday, December 15, 2026.
Tentative schedule is subject to change based on District need.

Notice to all Candidates for Employment:

DISTRICT RIGHTS: College of the Desert reserves the right to re-open, re-advertise, delay, or cancel filling this position.

The SELECTED CANDIDATE is required to complete the following prior to employment:

Provide a Certificate of Tuberculosis Exam for initial appointment (Note: The certificate must be renewed every 4 years as a condition of continuing employment).
Have fingerprints taken by a Live Scan computer at the candidate's expense (Clearance must be received prior to the first day of employment).
Present original documents for proof of eligibility to work in the United States(Note: We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.) A Social Security Card will be required for payroll processing.
Participate in a new hire onboarding, completing all required tasks and forms.
May be required to complete a fitness for duty physical exam based on the job description, as applicable.

Salary Placement: Contingent on education, experience, and department budget. All materials must be provided at the time of application for consideration.

The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, Public Law 99-603, requires that employers obtain documentation from every new employee which authorizes that individual to accept employment in this country. The Desert Community College District (DCCD) will not sponsor any VISA applications nor take over any VISA.

Employees must reside in California while employed with the Desert Community College District (DCCD).

California Public Employees Retirement System and California State Teachers Retirement System:

A California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) retiree may not accept employment until after the first 180 days of retirement. Anyone retired from CalPERS accepting permanent employment with the DCCD will be required to reinstate as an active CalPERS member. Please contact CalPERS for additional information regarding your retirement status.

Any active vested member of California State Teachers Retirement System (CalSTRS), who accepts employment with the DCCD to perform service that requires membership in CalPERS, is eligible to elect to continue retirement system coverage under CalSTRS

Disability Accommodations:

If you require special accommodations in the application and/or evaluation process, please notify Human Resources at least two (2) business days prior to the job posting close or initial screening date, by either calling (760) 773 -2529 or sending an e-mail to ffrausto@collegeofthedesert.edu.

Attendance Requirement:

All DCCD employees are required to report to work on a regular and consistent basis, as scheduled, to assigned job.

Campus Crime and Safety Awareness:

Information regarding campus crime and safety awareness can be found at https://www.collegeofthedesert.edu/students/public-safety/.

Non-Discrimination Notice:

The DCCD provides access to its services, classes, and programs without regard to national origin, immigration status, religion, age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, race, ethnicity, color, medical condition, military and veteran status, genetic information, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, or because they are perceived to have one or more of the foregoing characteristics, or based on association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.

California Fair Chance Act:

The DCCD will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if the DCCD is concerned about a conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Equal Employment Opportunity:

The DCCD is committed to creating an academic and work environment that fosters diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and equal employment opportunity (EEO) for all, and ensures that students, faculty, staff, and managers of all backgrounds feel welcome, included, supported, and safe. Our culture of belonging, openness, and inclusion, makes the DCCD a unique and special place for individuals of all backgrounds.

The DCCD is looking for equity and inclusion-minded applicants who represent the full diversity of California and who demonstrate a sensitivity to the understanding of diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds present within our community. When you join the DCCD, you can expect to be part of an exciting, thriving, equity-focused, and inclusive community that approaches higher education with the lens of social justice and collaboration among students, faculty, staff, managers, and community partners. In deciding whether to apply for a position at the DCCD, you are strongly encouraged to consider whether your values align with the DCCD's mission and goals for DEIA and EEO.

Additional Resources

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (FEHA)
- Discrimination Laws Regarding People With Disabilities
- Reasonable Accommodation
Job Accommodation Network (JAN)
AP 7100 - Commitment to Diversity (Download PDF reader)
COD - Equal Opportunity Plan (Download PDF reader)
Department of Labor's Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP)

THE DCCD IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

To apply, visit: https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/collegeofthedesertca/jobs/5472696/accounting-specialist-2-vacancies-eligibility-list