Director of Accounting

TITLE: Director of Accounting

POSITION OVERVIEW: 

Reporting to the Senior Director of Finance, the Director of Accounting manages the accounting function of Portland Public schools including ensuring accuracy and reconciliation of all general ledger accounts, financial reports and compliance with all Generally Accepted Accounting Practices (GAAP) and Governmental Accounting Standards Boards (GASB) standards.   

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Monitors expenditures and revenues, and performs monthly budget analyses, budget to actual comparisons, and projections of revenue and expenditures, including salaries and benefits, for the balance of the year and quantifies all budget variances
• Establish and monitor procedures which ensure timely and accurate reconciliations and efficient month, quarter, and year end close processes
• Prepares the filing of all financial reports for review by the Senior Director of Finance
• Review and approve all journal entries and budget amendments
• Reviews transactions for compliance with policy
• Performs a variety of pre-audit tasks; cooperates with auditors and provides information to them as directed
• Provides information essential to the preparation, administration and control of the budget to the Senior Director of Finance
• Reviews and maintains the chart of accounts structure for all funds
• Acts as liaison between City Finance and School Department on account reconciliation issues
• Working with the accounts, ensures timely posting and proper accounting of payroll transactions and regular reconciliation of all payroll accounts
• Responds to questions or requests for information pertaining to the budget
• Reports to the Senior Director of Finance on the accounting affairs of Portland Public Schools and recommends changes and improvements as needed
• Supervision, coaching and development, and annual evaluation of two accountant positions

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Considerable knowledge of accounting and expenditure control systems and procedures
• Knowledge of GAAP and GASB accounting standards
• Ability to analyze, evaluate and interpret complex financial data and evaluate accounting problems
• Prioritize work and meet various deadlines as necessary
• Research, organize and present reports with appropriate recommendations
• Maintains confidentiality in all district matters
• Excellent customer service skills with the ability to proactively establish and maintain effective working relationships
• Ability to communicate well, both orally and in writing

EDUCATION, TRAINING, EXPERIENCE, CREDENTIALS:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Accounting or Finance.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in an accounting position, including the supervision of personnel.
• Experience in government accounting is preferred.
• Maine State CHRC authorization is required (cost is $70.00 - more info here)

EMPLOYMENT DETAILS

• Schedule: Full Year, Full Time (1.0 FTE)
• Assignment: Permanent
• Overtime: Not eligible for overtime
• Salary range: To be posted by end of May 29
• Contract: Non-bargaining
• Benefits: Eligible for a generous benefits package as outlined here

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Portland Public Schools is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws.