SUMMARY DESCRIPTION:
Under direction, performs a variety of accounting tasks required to analyze, verify and reconcile accounting records in order to ensure effective, efficient and accurate financial operations for a large school organization. The work involves controlling the processing of invoices, purchase orders, receiving, expenses and fiscal reports for daily accounting operations. The unit processes large volumes of invoices, sensitive documents on a daily basis, answers inquiries received from a variety of communication vehicles such as phone, email, etc. requiring considerable work organization. Payables processing occurs within a paperless environment, requiring the mastery of the MCPS document management system and the Oracle ERP based Financial Management System ((Hub) and the ability to function and manage workload conceptually and independently, without reference to standard paper-based processes. Communicates with school staff to resolve delivery and payment issues to effect timely and accurate supplier payments. Reviews processed transactions, ensuring presence of all required supporting documentation and determining need for additional information in order to meet regulatory requirements. Analyze transactions to ensure compliance with General Accounting Principles and audit regulations. Direction and supervision received varies and is commensurate with the current grade of the incumbent (grade 14, 15 or 16).
CERTIFICATE LICENSE:
None

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES:
Considerable knowledge of the organization, functions and operations of Montgomery County Public Schools. Strong skills in bookkeeping and accounting procedures, purchasing & procurement procedures and financial accountability. Strong skills in operating advanced business and ERP/Hub systems. Must demonstrate knowledge of document management systems, specifically, the ability to update, correct and research indexed databases. Must demonstrate ability to operate ERP accounting systems, including data management, problem resolution, and information research. Strong communication skills both written and oral. Strong organizational skills to monitor, plan and implement quality controls to ensure accurate and timely completion of assigned tasks which is crucial to the operation of the school system. Ability to explain complex rules and procedures in terms understandable to non-technical customers, school staff, suppliers and the general public is required. Preference for prior experience working with Oracle ERP based accounting systems. Must demonstrate analytical and problem solving skills, attention to detail and high level of accuracy and ability to maintain confidentiality concerning financial records. Ability to exercise independent initiative to perform both original and recurring assignments. Must be able to make decisions in accordance with established procedures and practices, and exercise judgment in the absence of clear directives. Work requires the skilled use of computers and other standard office equipment. Requires excellent oral, written, and human relations skills. Employees new to this role will be assigned to a grade 14. Incumbents are expected to progressively increase their level of knowledge, skill and abilities and must work successfully in one grade before moving to a higher grade. Specific guidelines for grade advancement may be obtained through the supervisor of this position.
EDUCATION, TRAINING, and EXPERIENCE:
High School or GED diploma required. Associates degree preferred. College level course work in business and commercial subjects preferred. Two years or more experience in performing accounts maintenance and related accounting work. Two or more years of experience in finance, accounting and procurement. Experience applying generally accepted accounting practices and principles and working with a `procure to pay` process. Other combinations of applicable education, training, and experience, which provide the knowledge, abilities, and skills necessary to perform in the position, may be considered.