Accountant

SAU 16 Accountant

Primary Purpose: Under the direct supervision of the Director of Finance and Operations, to administer the school district's accounting and bookkeeping activities, ensuring the accuracy of financial records and invoices, and the timely processing, submission, and payment of invoices and expenses in accordance with school district policies and practices as well as applicable laws and regulations.

Essential Functions:

• Administers school district accounting and bookkeeping activities.
• Maintains accounting records for accurate and up-to-date filing and recordkeeping.
• Reconciles cash accounts and general ledger expense accounts.
• Researches discrepancies regarding the accuracy of invoice amounts for the purpose of ensuring accuracy and implementing corrective measures, communicating with vendors or others as needed to reconcile and issue.
• Assists in the preparation of the budget.
• Recommends policies, procedures and/or actions for the purpose of improving efficiency and providing direction for meeting the school district's accounting objectives.
• Composes correspondence as needed for the purpose of documenting activities, providing written reference and/or conveying information regarding accounts payable issues, balances, etc.
• Assists in banking and other financial transaction activities as required.
• Assists in ensuring the reliability of key operating data through period audits and corrective action.

Additional Duties:

• Performs other related duties, as assigned, for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the accounting system.

Note: The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task or responsibility.

Equipment:

• Uses standard office equipment such as personal computer, copy machine, fax machine, telephone.
• Uses calculating devices.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of accounting and bookkeeping principles.
• Organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to report work orally or in writing to supervisor as required.
• Ability to carry out instructions furnished in written or oral form.
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide, perform complex arithmetic operations and use calculators.
• Ability to understand, apply and use personal computers and software applications (e.g., Word, Excel).
• Ability to problem-solve job-related issues.
• Ability to process paperwork accurately according to standardized procedures.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of information regarding school district financial and other information.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work.
• Ability to train and mentor other accounting employees.

Qualification Profile:

Any combination of education and experience providing the required skill and knowledge for successful performance would be qualifying. Typical qualifications would be equivalent to: Bachelor's Degree in Accounting or related field. A minimum of two (2) years of accounting experience in public, nonprofit organizations is expected and experience with public educational systems is preferred. FLSA status: Non-exempt.