Staff Accountant

The Ankeny Community School District (CSD) is renowned for its excellence across academics, athletics, the arts, and various activities. Situated in central Iowa, just 6 miles from Des Moines, Ankeny CSD caters to over 12,800 students from preschool through 12th grade, making it the 7th largest district in the state. With a strong reputation for its commitment to student success and a competitive salary and benefits package, Ankeny CSD is a standout choice for both educators and families seeking a high-quality educational environment.

JDE: 3.42

Staff Accountant

Purpose Statement

This position supports the business office in providing accurate, timely, and objective business information and advice that inspires confidence from our community, improves the educational experience of our staff and students, and maximizes the district’s resources for the greatest public good.

Job Title:  Staff Accountant

Salary Grade: Grade 11

Benefits Summary: A

Reports To: Payroll & Financial Reporting Manager

Wage/Hour Status: Exempt 

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Three (3) years experience in Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) 
• K-12 Public School experience, preferred
• Knowledge of GAAP, school finance, accounting practices, and budget management, preferably in a K–12 setting.
• Strong analytical, mathematical, organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Proficiency with ERP systems, Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and related technology.
• Ability to maintain accurate and confidential records, interpret policies, prioritize work, adapt to changing demands, and collaborate effectively with diverse groups.
• Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Board may find appropriate and acceptable.

Education Qualifications

• Bachelors in Accounting or Finance or equivalent combination of education and experience

Certification

• Iowa School Business Official authorization, or willingness to obtain
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA),  preferred

Essential Functions 

• Maintain accounting records for all funds, reports, and district files in accordance with Board Policies, GAAP, Federal, State, and Local laws, regulations, codes and/or standards under supervision of the Director of Business Services.
• Reconcile bank statements for all funds and perform balance sheet reconciliations as needed
• Maintain district fixed asset inventory, including monthly entry of asset information, calculation of depreciation, and annual fixed asset reporting for audit.
• Maintain and report activity fund balances to district buildings.
• Review and reconcile daily deposits for each district building as well as review bank transactions throughout the month.
• Prepare and record monthly journal entries in preparation for month end close.
• Track and report on categorical balances for the appropriate department.
• Update Cash balances per fund throughout the month and calculate interest for each.
• Assist with the preparation of quarterly grant claims.
• Review nonpublic transportation eligibility, track and calculate disbursements.
• Assist with Open Enrollment and Special Education Billings.
• Complete and check for accuracy: financial reports for the district, Department of Education, federal and state offices and other educational agencies.
• Prepare workpapers and provide information necessary to complete the district's annual external audit.
• Assist with preparation and monitoring of annual line-item budgets.
• Identify and implement process improvements.
• Draft and revise standard operating procedures for key business processes.
• Perform cash visits of district buildings and departments to ensure proper cash handling procedures.
• Conduct staff training when needed at district buildings.
• Train end users of varied skill levels in use of software and business processes.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Other Functions 

• Fosters collaborative relationships across functional areas of the organization and within the Business Office
• Maintain professional growth through organizations, workshops, seminars and/or related professional reading.
• Demonstrate initiative and the ability to work without close supervision.
• Ability to prioritize multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.           
• Demonstrate integrity and maintain confidentiality.
• Respectfully and appropriately interact with staff, community members and visitors.
• Uphold and adhere to safety rules and policies for Ankeny Community School District. 
• Support the goals and objectives of the school district and follow all district policies.
• Demonstrate the ability to attend work on a regular and routine basis to avoid disruption to   District operations.
• Perform all duties in a safe manner to avoid injury to oneself and/or others. 
• Respond to emergency situations for the purpose of resolving immediate safety concerns and/or directing appropriate personnel for resolution. 
• Perform other related duties, as assigned, for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.

Working Environment

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors
The usual and customary methods of performing the position functions require the following physical demands: occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, reaching, and standing. Work is performed in a variety of environments, including event settings that may involve noise, crowds, and variable temperatures. This position requires the ability to manage multiple priorities and maintain effective decision-making under pressure.

Terms of Employment

Work year established by the District; salary according to schedule adopted annually.

Clearances

Background Clearance

Evaluation

Job performance will be evaluated annually in accordance with District policies and procedures.

The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.

The Ankeny Community School District is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer.