Accounting Specialist

Purpose Statement

The job of Accounting Specialist is done for the purpose/s of providing support for the District's financial operations with responsibility for processing, recording, monitoring, reconciling, and reporting financial information. The position performs a variety of accounting functions related to district funds, grants, accounts payable, accounts receivable, bank reconciliations, budget monitoring, and financial compliance while ensuring adherence to established accounting practices, district policies/procedures, and federal, state, and local regulations.
This job reports to Director of Business Services

Essential Functions

• Analyzes financial information and accounting records for the purpose of identifying budget variances, monitoring expenditures, compiling statistical information, developing procedures, and ensuring compliance with established accounting practices, grant requirements, and regulatory standards.
• Assists auditors for the purpose of providing requested supporting documentation, financial records, grant documentation, and other information required for audit and monitoring reviews.
• Compiles a wide variety of financial information related to work assignments for the purpose of providing required documentation, preparing reports, processing information, and supporting financial decision-making.
• Monitors variety of budgets (federal, state, local, etc.) and expenditures for the purpose of ensuring compliance with funding requirements, allowable cost principles, grant timelines, and district policies.
• Prepares and submits grant reimbursement requests, financial reports, grant completion reports, and related documentation for the purpose of ensuring timely reimbursement and compliance with grantor requirements.
• Maintains a wide variety of financial information, files and records (e.g. accounts payable, accounts receivable, contracts, grants, bank statements, reconciliations with banks and county, supporting documentation, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring the availability of documentation and compliance with established policies, auditory requirements and regulatory guidelines.
• Monitors account balances and related financial activity for the purpose of ensuring that allocations are accurate, related revenues are generated, expenses remain within budget limits and/or fiscal practices are followed.
• Participates in unit meetings, in-service training, workshops, professional development activities, etc. for the purpose of conveying and/or gathering information required to perform job functions and remain current on account and grant regulations.
• Prepares a wide variety of written materials and electronic financial information (including, but not limited to financial statements, deposits, budget reports, grant reports, reconciliations, etc.) for the purpose of documenting activities, providing reference, conveying information, updating and distributing information, authorizing for action and complying with established financial, accounting, legal, administrative, and grant requirements/practices.
• Provides orientation, guidance, and support to other departmental/district personnel regarding procedures and grant/program requirements and compliance for the purpose of ensuring efficient processing and adherence to district policy and established regulatory guidelines.
• Recommends policies, procedures and/or actions on issues relating to accounting functions for the purpose of improving operational efficiency, internal controls, compliance, and financial accountability.
• Reconciles a wide variety of financial data (including, but not limited to general ledger accounts, grant accounts, monthly bank statements, monthly county statements, etc/)for the purpose of maintaining accurate account balances, identifying discrepancies, and ensuring compliance with established accounting practices.
• Researches discrepancies in financial information and documentation (e.g. purchase orders, invoices, expenditures, reimbursements, account transactions, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring the accuracy and compliance with established procedures.
• Responds to inquiries from a wide variety of sources (e.g. district employees, vendors, auditors, grants, etc.) for the purpose of facilitating communication, providing guidance, resolving issues, and addressing inquiries.
• Assists with fiscal year-end closing and new year roll-over activities and the preparation of financial records, reports, schedules, and supporting documentation required for annual audits, grant closeouts, and state and federal reporting.

Other Functions

• Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.

Job Requirements:  Minimum Qualifications

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

SKILLS are required to perform single, technical tasks with a potential need to upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: applying district, state and federal policies and regulations; operating standard office equipment; performing standard bookkeeping/accounting procedures; preparing and maintaining accurate records; and utilizing pertinent software applications.

KNOWLEDGE is required to perform algebra and/or geometry; read a variety of manuals, write documents following prescribed formats, and/or present information to others; and solve practical problems. Specific knowledge based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: accounting/bookkeeping principles; office equipment and technology.

ABILITY is required to schedule activities and/or meetings; gather and/or collate data; and use job-related equipment. Flexibility is required to work with others in a wide variety of circumstances; analyze data utilizing defined but different processes; and operate equipment using standardized methods. Ability is also required to work with a wide diversity of individuals; work with a variety of data; and utilize job-related equipment. Problem solving is required to identify issues and create action plans. Problem solving with data frequently requires independent interpretation of guidelines; and problem solving with equipment is limited. Specific ability based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: maintaining confidentiality; meeting deadlines and schedules; setting priorities; working with detailed information; and working as part of a team.

Responsibility

Responsibilities include: working under limited supervision following standardized practices and/or methods; directing other persons within a small work unit; monitoring budget expenditures. utilization of some resources from other work units is often required to perform the job's functions. There is some opportunity to impact the organization’s services.

Working Environment

The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: some lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling,  some stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 70% sitting, 10% walking, and 20% standing.  This job is performed in a generally clean and healthy environment.

Experience      Job related experience is required.

Education        Targeted, job related education with study in job-related area. Bachelor’s Degree in related field preferred.

Equivalency     Four (4) or more years of job related experience within public school accounting may substitute for

                      education requirements.

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt                                                                                Support Staff Salary Schedule: Grade L

12M position

Salary : $21 - $24