26/27 SY Senior Accounting Specialist

                                           PENDERGAST SCHOOL DISTRICT

                                                        Job Description

JOB TITLE: Senior Accounting Specialist 

EXEMPT: Yes                                                           

SALARY LEVEL: Exempt Support Salary Schedule      

DEPARTMENT: Finance

LOCATION:  Financial Services                                    

TERM OF EMPLOYMENT: 12-Month

REPORTS TO: Chief Financial Officer                         

DATE APPROVED:  April 21, 2026

POSITION LEVEL: 5                      

SUMMARY:   The Senior Accounting Specialist serves as a key contributor within the District’s financial services enterprise, supporting the Chief Financial Officer in ensuring the integrity, transparency, and strategic alignment of the District’s financial systems. This role is responsible for advancing accurate financial reporting, regulatory compliance, and coherent budget management practices that enable school and district leaders to make informed decisions in service of student success.

Working across departments, the Senior Accounting Specialist supports the development, monitoring, and continuous improvement of financial processes, ensuring alignment with federal and state requirements as well as district priorities. The position plays a critical role in building organizational capacity through training, clear communication, and the coordination of financial operations, contributing to a responsive, efficient, and student-centered financial infrastructure.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• 3 years of job-related experience in a public school setting with increasing levels of responsibility or a post-secondary degree
• Knowledge of accounting rules, regulations, policies and procedures that is reflective of the financial services industry.
• Proven, solid Excel skills and exposure to automated accounting systems

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• BA degree, in job-related area
• 5 years of experience in accounting functions in a public school setting
• School Business Office experience with targeted job-related education that meets organizations requirements
• Experience assisting in departmental budget process

Such alternatives to the above required & preferred qualifications as the Superintendent/Designee may find appropriate and acceptable

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Assist the CFO in maintaining the District’s accounting software system and perform regular internal audits for the purpose of ensuring compliance with the Uniform System of Financial Records and federal and state regulations
2. Attends various District meetings and committees relating to the District’s Finance, compiles data for negotiations with employee groups for the purpose of conveying and/or gathering information required to perform functions
3. Conducts training for parents, community, departments, grant coordinators and other employee groups on matters related to the District’s Finance procedures and federal and state guidelines for the purpose of meeting District goals.
4. Under the direction of the Chief Financial Officer, assists in the maintenance of the accounting of the School Facilities Board accounts for the purpose of ensuring the accuracy of accounting records and conveying information to appropriate regulatory agencies
5. Prepares financial statements for assigned accounts for the purpose of documenting activities and conveying information used in management decisions
6. Prepares Quarterly and Annual Financial submissions for the Medicaid Cost Reporting and Claims System
7. Oversees preparation and submission of the Annual Tax Credit report to the Arizona Department of Revenue
8. Verifies reconciliation of District checking accounts for the purpose of validating accounting records
9. Verifies reconciliation of the automated accounts payable system and vendor bank account
10. Provides support and reconciles the software for receipting revenues
11. Prepares and posts journal entries, account transfers and encumbrance entries for the purpose of ensuring the accuracy of accounting records and the availability of funds
12. Assists the Chief Financial Officer in maintaining the Chart of Accounts and Budget Management for the District
13. Supports in posting and reconciling all sources of revenue for the purpose of ensuring compliance with established regulations and the Uniform System of Financial Records
14. Performs the monthly cash reconciliation with the County Treasurer
15. Oversee the preparation of District Accounts Payable and Payroll warrants for the purpose of paying the District’s liabilities

1. Perform such other duties and assumes such other responsibilities as may be assigned by the Superintendent/Designee

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:  

Skills are required to perform multiple, technical tasks with a need to periodically upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions.  Specific skills required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: using pertinent software applications.  Three (3) years of school accounting or related experience required.

Knowledge is required to perform advanced math, review and interpret highly technical information, write technical materials, and/or speak persuasively to implement desired actions; and understand complex, multi-step oral and written instructions.  Specific knowledge required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job includes:  pertinent codes, policies, regulations and/or laws; accounting procedures.  Two to four-year degree in accounting or related field preferred. 

Ability is required to schedule activities, and/or meetings; often gather, collate, and/or classify data; and consider a variety of factors when using equipment.  Flexibility is required to work with others; work with data utilizing defined, but different processes; and operate equipment using standardized methods.  Ability is also required to work with a significant diversity of individuals and/or groups; work with data of widely varied types and/or purposes; and utilize a wide variety of types of job-related equipment.  In working with others, problem solving is required to analyze issues and create action plans.  Problem solving with data requires analysis based on organizational objectives; and problem solving with equipment is moderate.  Specific abilities required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: none specified.