Senior Accountant

Senior Accountant

At Hopkins Public Schools, we believe that our strength lies in the diversity of our students, staff, and community. We are a proudly inclusive E-12 district serving approximately 7,200 students across the City of Hopkins and surrounding communities. Our district represents a rich mosaic of cultures, backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences; we value and celebrate that diversity in everything we do. As an academically rigorous and human-centered district, we are committed to fostering a welcoming environment where every student and staff member feels seen, heard, and valued. There is no "typical" Hopkins student, and we embrace this truth as a catalyst for innovation, growth, and equity in learning. We seek educators and staff who are equity-minded, culturally responsive, and deeply committed to creating inclusive spaces where all learners can thrive. We welcome candidates who are passionate about dismantling systemic barriers, advancing justice, and preparing students to become bold, collaborative, and compassionate global citizens. When you join Hopkins Public Schools, you are not just joining a district, you are becoming part of a community that honors difference, nurtures potential, and inspires remarkable achievement in every learner, from birth through graduation. You are welcome at Hopkins. You belong at Hopkins.

The Senior Accountant serves as a high-level technical lead, assuming primary responsibility for the district's most complex financial functions, such as audit preparation and intricate financial modeling. This position is responsible for the day-to-day financial tracking and bond-related accounting for capital projects. This role provides the precise data, comprehensive reporting, and financial analysis required to serve as a true financial partner to district leadership, directly aiding in executive decision-making and long-term fiscal planning.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Capital Projects and Bond Accounting (40%) - Performs and coordinates day-to-day financial tracking and specialized public debt management functions for all district capital projects.
• Manages intricate bond-related accounting processes to ensure strict statutory compliance and appropriate allocation of bond proceeds.
• Reviews, verifies, and analyzes capital expenditure transactions in alignment with district policies and quality standards.
• Directs the maintenance of accurate fiscal records, project files, and asset tracking related to capital improvement funds.
• Oversees and conducts technical studies regarding long-term construction project funds, funding limits, and cash flow needs.
• Complex Financial Modeling, Auditing and Controls (35%) - Assumes primary responsibility for complex school finance functions, including comprehensive year-end external audit preparation and intricate financial modeling.
• Summarizes data and develops transparent, integrated reports regarding financial projections, revenue source development, and various data analytics.
• Evaluates and monitors district-wide finance functions including payroll, accounts payable, and asset management to ensure strong internal controls and prudent financial policies.
• Incorporates Government Accounting Standards Board (GASB) standards, recommend practices, rules, and regulatory reporting requirements into financial statements.
• Follows state and federal rules, regulations, Uniform Guidance, and district policies to guarantee total system and accounting integrity.
• Executive Decision Support & Leadership (25%) - Generates the precise financial data and analysis needed for the controller to serve as financial partner to district leadership.
• Presents clear financial information, findings, and alternatives to assist managers and executives in long-term fiscal planning and strategic decision making.
• Provides financial analysis, advice, and training to departments regarding revenues, expenditures, and baseline budget management.
• Serves as a key member of the Business Services team to develop, review, and implement improved accounting procedures.
• Promotes and supports the overall mission of the district by demonstrating courteous, cooperative behavior to foster a harmonious workplace environment.

Education, Experience and Essential Skills Requirements

Education: Bachelor's degree in accounting required (Finance or closely related field acceptable); Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or a governmental/education finance certification is highly preferred.

Experience: Minimum five (5) years of professional accounting experience in school finance or a closely related financial operations field.

Essential skills required to perform the work:

• Advanced technical knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and Auditing Principles for Public Sector financial management.
• Strong familiarity with Government Accounting Standards Board (GASB) regulations and state agency compliance software (e.g., State of Minnesota Uniform Financial Accounting and Reporting Standards UFARS)
• Proven ability to build and manipulate intricate financial models and projections using intermediate to advanced Microsoft Excel techniques.
• Expertise in managing public debt, capital project accounting tracking, and bond compliance criteria.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret technical procedures, professional journals, and dense governmental regulations.
• Ability to prepare clear, concise financial reports, executive correspondence, and procedural manuals.
• Ability to perform effective oral presentations of data findings to small and large groups, including district leadership.
• High level of initiative, independent judgement, and organizational skills to meet tight accounting deadlines and turnaround demands.

Physical Job Requirements

The physical job requirements described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the primary functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary functions.

Standards of Conduct and Job Performance

Employees must faithfully perform, at a professional level of competence, the services and duties prescribed by the District, regardless of whether such duties are specifically described in this policy, in a job description, in a notice of assignment, or in another document. Prompt and regular attendance are essential functions of each employee's job. Employees must also comply with all lawful directives issued by the Superintendent or by another individual with supervisory authority. In addition, employees must comply with all applicable federal and state laws and with all rules, regulations, and policies established by the District. Employees may not, directly or indirectly, engage or participate in any action or conduct that conflicts in any respect with the interests of the District. Toward that end, employees may not engage or participate in any action or conduct that is inconsistent with their job duties, the basic educational mission of the District, or the desired image of the District.

Compensation: 1.0 - FTE - 261 Days Group50 Contract Range: $87,772 - $105,857 DOE