Budget and Capital Accountant

General Definition of Work

The Budget and Capital Accountant is responsible for coordinating budget development, capital accounting, fixed asset management, financial reconciliations, audit preparation, and specialized financial reporting activities for the Finance Department. This position supports organizational financial operations through budget monitoring, capital project accounting, lease administration, grant and program budgeting, and compliance with applicable accounting standards, audit requirements, and district policies. The role works collaboratively with internal departments, auditors, vendors, and external agencies to ensure accurate financial reporting and effective fiscal management. Work is performed under the limited supervision of the Chief Finance Officer.

Qualification Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Salary

Pay Grade NC18.E

Reports to

Finance Operations Director

Essential Functions

• Support and assist the implementation and oversight of finance policies and procedures.

Budget Development and Financial Planning

• Coordinate and facilitate monthly budget review meetings with department leaders and
• Assist in the development, coordination, and planning of Local Fund 2 budgets.
• Monitor budget activity and prepare budget amendments as needed.
• Support budget development and financial monitoring for School Nutrition Program (SNP) funds.
• Conduct SNP 1740/541 budget reviews and provide recommendations regarding compliance and financial performance.
• Assist departments with budget-related questions, concerns, and financial analysis.
• Prepare and maintain the year-end closeout calendar and coordinate related deadlines.

Capital and Construction Accounting

• Assist in the development, coordination, and planning of Local Fund 4 budgets.
• Process and reconcile capital invoices through Accounts Payable.
• Maintain capital project accounting records and perform related reconciliations.
• Reconcile construction budgets, expenditures, and budget amendments.
• Prepare capital reporting schedules and financial summaries for management and auditors.
• Monitor capital expenditures to ensure compliance with approved budgets and accounting standards.

Audit and Financial Compliance

• Organize, maintain audit files and supporting documentation for annual financial audits.
• Review and post year-end accounts receivable, accounts payable, and deferred entries prior to audit fieldwork and process reversing entries as required.
• Prepare and submit CAFR award applications and related supporting documentation.
• Coordinate responses to auditor requests and assist with audit preparation activities.
• Ensure compliance with financial policies, procedures, and governmental accounting requirements.

Lease Administration

• Administer DPI bus lease accounting, including budgeting, general ledger expense recording, audit file maintenance, and preparation of required documentation.
• Coordinate technology lease agreements with technology staff and Chief Financial Officer.
• Prepare lease documentation and assist with Board of Education approval processes when required.
• Maintain lease records and supporting documentation for audit purposes.

Accounts Receivable and Operational Support

• Establish and maintain customer accounts in the accounts receivable system.
• Serve as the primary contact for the LINQ accounts receivable module and related email releases.
• Prepare sales tax refund preparation and filing.
• Reconcile purchasing card (P-Card) transactions and supporting documentation.
• Coordinate and organize finance-related committees and special projects as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of governmental and fund accounting principles and practices.
• Knowledge of budgeting, financial reporting, fixed assets, and capital project accounting.
• Ability to analyze financial data and prepare accurate reports and reconciliations.
• Strong organizational and project coordination skills.
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines and prioritize workload effectively.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with staff, auditors, vendors, and external agencies.
• Attention to detail and high degree of accuracy in financial recordkeeping.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel for complex data analysis and reporting.
• Familiarity with relevant payroll/finance software (e.g., LINQ and TimeKeeper preferred).
• Ability to perform numerical analysis with speed and accuracy.
• Exceptional organizational skills and ability to effectively multitask, prioritize, and meet strict deadlines.
• Proven ability to exercise independent judgment and initiative.
• Ability to work independently and maintain effective working relationships.
• Knowledge of standard office management practices.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field.
• Three to five years of progressively responsible accounting or budget experience, preferably in governmental or school district finance.
• Experience with budgeting, reconciliations, audits, and financial reporting.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience considered.

Special Requirements

• None

Physical Requirements

• This work requires occasional exertion of up to 10 pounds of force.
• Work regularly requires sitting, speaking, or hearing, using hands to fingers, handle or feel and repetitive motions.
• Work occasionally requires standing, walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling with hands and arms, pushing, or pulling and lifting.
• Work has standard vision requirements.
• Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken work; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels.
• Work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, operating machines and observing general surroundings and activities.
• Work is generally in a moderately noisy location (e.g., business office, light traffic).

Disclaimer

The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees for this job. Responsibilities may be modified or assigned as needed by the Finance Operations Director.