BALTIMORE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

JOB TITLE : Director, Accounting & Finance (Controller)

REPORTS TO : Chief Financial Officer

DEFINITION : Serves as a principal advisor to the chief financial officer and management staff in all financial matters, providing financial information for decision making and presentations to the Board of Education, government agencies, school system staff, business leaders, parents, community members, and others, as necessary. Collaborates with other office/division heads in audit; curriculum and instruction; fiscal services, support services; schools; and information technology. Ensures that all initiatives support the goals identified in the system's strategic plan.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES :

• Advises the chief financial officer on matters relating to finance and accounting.
• Provides leadership in all accounting operations including activities related to capital, general, grant, payroll, and school activity fund accounting; banking and investments; and fixed assets.
• Maintains systemwide accounting policies and procedures for all accounting & financial reporting processes. Interprets and implements Governmental Accounting Standards Board pronouncements. Establishes guidelines and maintains system-wide chart of accounts in accordance with the Maryland State Department of Education reporting structure.
• Manages all accounting & financial reporting for operating funds, restricted grant funds, capital projects, payroll and fringe benefits, payroll withholdings, balance sheet accounts, banking and investments, and fixed assets.
• Ensures maintenance of financial records for all accounting transactions, systems, ledgers, reports, and related documentation.
• Develops and monitors internal control procedures to ensure the effective safeguarding of system assets. Maintains internal controls and accounting procedures for restricted grant funds to ensure funds are used appropriately in accordance with state and federal regulations and guidance.
• Provides leadership for the new Oracle Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system implementation project. Coordinates with information technology on the conversion of accounting data from the current system to the new ERP system, and on the development of key external interfaces and reports.
• Establishes processes for meeting all required financial reporting to funding authorities, oversight bodies, the Board of Education, and other required organizations in accordance with legal mandates, regulations, and audit requirements.
• Coordinates preparation of monthly and annual financial reporting requirements, including monthly State reports; MSDE monthly grant reports and annual financial reports; and the monthly financial report to the Board of Education.
• Develops processes to ensure collection of information necessary for completing the governmental funds and entity-wide GAAP financial statements, footnotes disclosures, management discussion & analysis, supplementary data, and statistical data for the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report.
• Oversees the annual financial statement audit, Single Audit, state aid audits, and other periodic audits conducted by independent auditors. Acts as liaison with auditors and coordinates scheduling and collection of required information. Coordinates response to, and resolution of, any audit findings.
• Supervises and evaluates professional and administrative support staff. Trains and counsels' employees on performance and other issues.
• Establishes annual and year-end fiscal calendars for schools and offices. Provides accounting services and training to all schools and offices.
• Implements and recommends changes to Board of Education policies and superintendent's rules as they pertain to financial reporting.
• Responds to Board of Education related inquiries.
• Performs other duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS :
Education, Certification, and Training :

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in accounting, business administration, economics, finance, or a related field.
• Master's degree preferred.
• Seven years of related professional experience.
• Four years supervisory experience.

License/Certification :

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Public Finance Officer (CPFO) preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities :

• Thorough knowledge in the areas of general accounting, government accounting, and finance.
• Comprehensive knowledge in financial statement reporting, payroll, benefits, budgeting, federal and state grant regulations, and compliance. In-depth knowledge of internal control systems and processes.
• Knowledge of all applicable pronouncements of the Governmental Accounting Standards Board.
• Strong technical, process improvement, team building, human relations, organization, computer, database, data analysis, and spreadsheet skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to provide leadership, guidance, and coordination for major systemwide initiatives, including implementation of a new ERP system.

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS :
The work of this class is performed in an office environment and is generally sedentary.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT :
Employees may be required to work beyond their normally scheduled hours with little or no advanced notice. Work schedules may include nights, weekends, and travel.
FLSA : Exempt
Eligible for the Baltimore County Employees' Retirement System.

This document describes the duties and responsibilities of a position. It shall not be held to exclude duties not referenced nor limit the right of management to assign work to employees.

Citizenship, residency or work VISA in United States required

Application Instructions
Please read and carefully follow the instructions provided below.

• Applicants are required to have a completed application on file for employment with Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS). Each time an applicant applies to a job with BCPS, the application must be resubmitted. If an applicant started an application with BCPS in the past and at a later date decides to apply for additional positions, it is the applicant's responsibility to review the entire application and ensure that all data is up to date (for example, the applicant may need to add additional schooling or certifications, an additional work experience, or provide updated references). The applicant must remember to review the entire application each time for accuracy and submit each time for a new or different vacancy.
• Professional references must be submitted to complete your application. Examples of professional references include current and former principals, supervisors, managers, mentor teachers and university/college supervisors. Personal references from colleagues, friends, community members, etc. will not be accepted. Applicants should notify their reference proactively to inform them they will receive a form via email through a MAILBOT email address from Baltimore County Public Schools. Applicants should also inform their reference(s) of the job they are applying to.
• Be sure to account for all periods of employment and unemployment, including student teaching and internship experience, and include names, addresses, and telephone numbers of employers.
• Be sure to answer all criminal background questions. If you answer "yes" to any of the criminal background questions you must provide a written explanation. A criminal offense does not necessarily exclude an applicant from employment with BCPS. Factors such as passage of time since the offense, the nature of the violation, and the extent of rehabilitation will be taken into consideration.

Pre-Employment Requirements:

• All persons employed by the Baltimore County Public Schools, regular and temporary, are required to be fingerprinted and have a criminal background investigation (per COMAR) completed. The fee charged for fingerprinting is $109. An identification card will be issued which must be shown prior to employment.
• Anyone offered employment is required to provide proper identification and documentation of eligibility for employment in the US.
• If you have military experience you will be asked to provide a copy of DD214.
• Official transcripts for all higher education must be received prior to contract signing.
• Some positions will require employees to undergo a physical examination and/or drug testing.
• All newly hired personnel must attend a Badges and Benefits session.
• Additional job verification will be required for salary credit.

Non-Discrimination Statement

The Board of Education of Baltimore County does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability, or veteran status in matters affecting employment or in providing access to educational programs or activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. Inquiries regarding the Board's nondiscrimination policies should be directed to: EEO Officer, Office of Equal Employment Opportunity, Baltimore County Public Schools, 6901 Charles Street, Building B, Towson, Maryland 21204 (443-809-8937). There is a compliance officer responsible for identifying, preventing, and remedying prohibited harassment concerning students. Complaints of harassment should be directed to the executive director, Department of School Safety and Security, 9600 Pulaski Park Drive, Suite 118, Baltimore, MD 21220 (443-809-4360).
Contact Information

Susan B. Stansbury
Director, Staffing
6901 Charles Street, E Building
Towson, Maryland 21204
Phone: 443-809-7874
Fax: 410-296-0568
Email: sstansbury@bcps.org