What are the responsibilities and job description for the Accountant position at Pawtucket Public Schools?
Accountant
FLSA Status: Non-union, Non-Exempt, 12-month position
FLSA Status: Non-union, Non-Exempt, 12-month position
ABOUT US:
The Pawtucket School Department is committed to providing every student with equitable access to high-quality education and supportive school environments. We serve a diverse student population and are focused on fiscal responsibility, operational efficiency, and student-centered success. We are seeking a mission driven Accountant to join our Finance Team and contribute to the financial integrity of the district.
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Accountant plays a critical role in supporting the daily operations of the Business Office. This role is responsible for general ledger maintenance, financial reporting, budget monitoring, grant compliance, and audit preparation in alignment with GAAP and public sector standards.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Prepare, review, and analyze monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements
- Maintain general ledger, including journal entries, reconciliations, and year-end closings
- Manage accounts payable/receivable processes and ensure timely disbursements and collections
- Assist in developing and monitoring the annual district budget
- Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local fiscal regulations and reporting requirements
- Oversee financial activity and reporting for federal, state, and local grants, including school food services
- Monitor compliance with RI Department of Education’s Uniform Chart of Accounts (UCOA)
- Support payroll, purchasing, and fixed asset management as needed
- Coordinate and support annual external audits, preparing schedules and responding to inquiries
- Analyze financial variances and trends; recommend improvements to fiscal controls
- Collaborate with departments and school leaders to ensure proper use and oversight of funds
- Train applicable staff on accounting processes and changes in procedures
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
- Professional financial position that requires a thorough knowledge of GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles), computerized accounting systems and the application of the general ledger as they apply to fund accounting in a non-profit environment
- Working knowledge of budget development, accounting and reporting expenditures of all federal, state and local awards
- Proven experience in maintaining confidentiality
- Proven experience in organizational and leaderships skills with an emphasis to detail, consistency, and accuracy
- Ability to develop policy documents and procedure manuals
- Skilled in working with complex data, utilizing formulas, functions and import tools.
- Proven experience communicating effectively, both orally and in writing with governmental, state and local agencies and vendors
- Proven experience in decision making using independent judgment and initiative to resolve problems in a timely manner
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration (with Accounting concentration)
- Minimum 3 years of experience in municipal, nonprofit, or fund accounting
- Strong knowledge of GAAP and fund accounting principles
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel
- Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills
- Ability to manage multiple priorities independently and meet deadlines
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- ECPA or Master’s in Accounting/Finance
- 5 years of accounting experience, including 2 years in a senior or supervisory role
- Experience with public sector, school district, or municipal finance
- Familiarity with MUNIS or similar financial software
- Experience with Rhode Island’s Uniform Chart of Accounts
- Exposure to database or systems administration
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:
- Primarily office-based with occasional visits to school buildings
- Frequent standing, sitting, and walking; occasional lifting (up to 25 lbs.)
- Prolonged screen time and verbal communication required
WHAT WE OFFER:
- Competitive salary and benefits package
- Enrollment in Rhode Island Employees’ Retirement System (ERSRI)
- Paid holidays, vacation, and sick time
- Ongoing professional development opportunities
- A collaborative, mission-driven team environment
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
- Full PSD compensation package.
- Year-round position
- Hours 8:00AM – 4:00PM
THIS JOB SPECIFICATION SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED TO IMPLY THAT THESE REQUIREMENTS ARE THE EXCLUSIVE STANDARDS OF THE POSITION. INCUMBENTS MAY BE REQUIRED TO FOLLOW ANY OTHER INSTRUCTIONS, AND TO PERFORM ANY OTHER RELATED DUTIES AS MAY BE REQUIRED BY THE SUPERVISOR.