Accounting Specialist

Purpose Statement

The job of Staff Accountant is done for the purpose of providing support to department activities with specific responsibility for ensuring that overall fiscal policies, practices, payroll protocols, and/or regulations meet network and compliance requirements; maintaining accurate account balances; ensuring efficient use of financial resources; and providing financial information, guidance, and recommendations to the department administration, Chief Financial Officer, Board, and/or regulatory agencies.

This job reports to Chief Financial Officer.

Essential Functions

• Assists auditors for the purpose of providing requested supporting documentation, information on internal processes, and/or coordinating activities in support of the audit process.
• Coordinates a wide variety of accounting projects/processes (e.g. payroll, payments to vendors, accruals for revenues/expenses, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring accurate financial management and compliance.
• Coordinates various aspects of network payroll (e.g. general ledger coding, insurance, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring accuracy of all payroll records.
• Generates payments of invoices; invoicing for partner schools; inputting of general/fixed assets, inventories of equipment, etc. for the purpose of ensuring timely and accurate financial transactions, maintaining comprehensive records, and supporting efficient operations within the organization.
• Implements accounting procedures for the purpose of providing internal financial controls throughout the network and ensuring compliance with established accounting practices and all applicable regulatory requirements.
• Monitors school site purchase order process for the purpose of ensuring availability of funds; and compliance with established network financial guidelines and program policies, practices, and regulatory requirements.
• Oversees a variety of network online systems (e.g. donor payment, check printing, etc.) for the purpose of streamlining financial processes, enhancing data accuracy, and facilitating secure transactions in accordance with organizational policies and procedures.
• Participates in department meetings, workshops, committees, etc. for the purpose of conveying and/or gathering information required to perform job functions and/or supporting the activities of the network.
• Prepares a wide variety of reports (e.g. analyses for grants, input for budget creation, numbers of students in transition/homeless, etc.) for the purpose of documenting activities, providing written reference, and/or conveying information.
• Presents a wide variety of financial and reported information (e.g. budget overviews, accounting processes, payroll information, etc.) for the purpose of communicating information, gaining feedback, and ensuring adherence to established internal accounting controls.
• Responds to inquiries from a wide variety of internal and external sources (e.g. staff, outside vendors, etc.) for the purpose of providing information, direction, and/or appropriate referrals.
• Reviews all expense reports from staff and administration for the purpose of ensuring expenses fall within network policy, meet approval protocols, and submission of required documentation for payment.
• Updates network reimbursement policies for travel and professional development, disseminating current information to staff for the purpose of ensuring compliance with regulations, and supporting employee growth and development initiatives.

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 multiple, 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: • operating standard office equipment using pertinent software applications • performing accounting procedures • planning and managing projects • preparing and maintaining accurate records

• KNOWLEDGE is required to perform advanced math; read technical information, compose a variety of documents, and/or facilitate group discussions; and solve practical problems. Specific knowledge-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: • principles of accounting and auditing • general governmental accounting practices • standard office practices and procedures • pertinent codes, policies, regulations, and/or laws

• ABILITY is required to schedule activities, meetings, and/or events; gather, collate, and/or classify data; and use job-related equipment. Flexibility is required to work with others in a variety of circumstances; work with 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 data of varied types and/or purposes; 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 to moderate. Specific ability-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include:

• analyzing a variety of financial and statistical information • working under time constraints • communicating with diverse groups • meeting deadlines and schedules • setting priorities • working with detailed information

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 resources from other work units is often required to perform the jobs functions. There is a continual opportunity to impact the organizations services.

Work Environment

The usual and customary methods of performing the jobs 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 80% sitting, 10% walking, 10% standing. This job is performed in a generally clean and healthy environment.

Experience: Job Related Experience

Job-related experience with increasing levels of responsibility is required.

Education:

• Bachelors degree in job-related area with an emphasis in accounting.

Required Testing:

None specified.

Certificates and Licenses:

CPA is preferred.

Continuing Educ. / Training:

Maintains Certificates and/or Licenses.

Clearances:

Criminal Background Clearance.