Bookkeeper

Bookkeeper

Under general direction this position performs varied and responsible technical accounting duties and responsibilities involved in the preparation, review, and maintenance of specialized financial and statistical records, Head Start/Early Head Start and State funded programs, performs related duties as assigned.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Prepares a variety of financial and business operations related reports for federal, state and county governments.
• Prepares federal and State claim forms and schedules for expenditures and reimbursements for projects related to business operations.
• Performs routine calculating, posting, filing and verification to obtain financial data for use in transactions such as expense and disbursements vouchers, remittances, paid and due invoices, checks and claims.
• Processes and monitors all procurement forms: requisition orders, purchase orders, receiving reports for business operations.
• Assists with compiling and analyzing bid packages given managerial guidance.
• Verifies, assembles, sorts, and tabulates fiscal and statistical data.
• Verifies, posts, and maintains complete set of records for transactions.
• Prepares and reconciles subsidiary ledgers.
• Participates in the development and coordination of agency budget records.
• Checks and verifies invoices versus purchase orders for accuracy.
• Input and updates budget data as required.
• Compiles specialized accounting charges and reimbursement schedules used by specific vendors.
• May assist with specialized purchase transactions, and worksheet reconciliations.
• Record and reconcile cash receipts, disbursements, journal entries, and monthly bank statements.
• Monitor and verify expenditures to ensure compliance with budget and Head Start cost principles.
• Manage petty cash, reimbursements, and outstanding payables.
• Support annual audits, OHS reviews, and monitoring.
• Proficiency in accrual and fund accounting.
• Skilled in accounting software (MIP/Abila preferred) and Excel for reconciliations and schedule.
• Maintain high attention to detail and confidentiality.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements

Knowledge of general finance and accounting principles, including balancing and reconciling accounts monthly, and multiple software programs Head Start/Early Head Start financial requirements and regulations, MIP and Microix accounting software, Paylocity Payroll, Microsoft Office software and Grant Application Budget Instrument (GABI). 45 CFR Part 74 Uniform Administrative Requirements for Awards and Sub awards to Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, Other Nonprofit Organizations and commercial organizations, CFR Part 215 Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Agreements with Instructions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and Other Nonprofit Organizations (OMB Circular A-110), 2 CFR Part 210 and OMB Circular A-122 Cost Principles for Non-Profit Organizations A 133 Audits of States, Local Governments and Non-Profit Organizations.

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret procedures and government regulations relevant to the position, use basic math skills for computation and reconciliation, Head Start Performance Standards for facilities, solve practical problems in reconciling account balances and invoice variances, generate information for budget preparation and year-.end projections, work independently as well as in a team environment, demonstrate positive interpersonal skills, including interaction with employees and vendors, demonstrate respect for individuals and groups with varied cultural, racial, ethnic, religious, and linguistic identities and backgrounds.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Associate degree and specialized coursework or certification in the principles of accounting, including the proper classification of revenues and expenditures, and bookkeeping techniques, is required.

Experience: Five years of experience in clerical and technical accounting functions is required, involving the preparation and updating of subsidiary journals, purchasing, accounts payable, accounts receivables, State and federal grants reporting.

Health Requirements

Successful completion of an initial health examination, performed by or under the supervision of a physician, to determine, at a minimum, the prospective employee can perform requirements of the job description physical requirements.

Proof of the absence of Tuberculosis, from a physician to that the prospective employee is cleared to work with children and families.

Documentation of current immunizations against influenza, Measles (MMR) and Pertussis (TDAP).

Additional Requirements

Fingerprint clearances from the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Child Abuse Index prior to starting employment.

Completed and signed statement of any pending and/or prior criminal arrests/charges/convictions related to child sexual abuse, child abuse and neglect, and/or violent felonies.

Verification that determines eligibility for employment in the United States of America.

A valid California driver's license and the availability of private transportation or the ability to obtain transportation to perform position duties is required.

As a mandated reporter of child abuse, must immediately report any suspected child abuse and/or neglect to Child Protective Services.

Bilingual in a language reflective of the population served is preferred.

Physical Demands

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met, or are encountered, by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to sit and climb or balance. The employee may frequently lift and/or move up to twenty-five pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Maintain Professional and Ethical Standards

Maintains confidentiality in accordance with Agency policy and legal requirements.

Respects and maintains rights and privacy of all staff, parents, and children.

Attends mandated training and meetings, and seek out staff development opportunities.

Works as a team member with all staff and maintain a positive work ethic.

Acts conscientiously in performing routine duties.

Adheres to Plaza de la Raza's Standard of Conduct which indicates that staff members are required to adhere to the following codes of conduct:

1. Respect and promote the unique identity of each child and family and refrain from stereotyping on the basis of gender, race, ethnicity, culture, religion, or disability.

2. Follow program confidentiality policies concerning information about children, families and other staff members;

3. Maintain visual observation of children at all times and not leave any child alone or unsupervised while under their care.

4. Use positive methods of child guidance and will not engage in corporal punishment, emotional or physical abuse, or humiliation.

5. Not employ methods of discipline that involve isolation, the used of food as punishment or reward, or the denial of basic needs.

6. Not solicit or accept personal gratuities, favors or anything of significant monetary value form contractors or potential contractors.

7. Maintain respect and promote professional relationships with the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE), families, staff and children.

8. Refrain from the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of alcoholic beverage, controlled substance, and tobacco products in the workplace or at any activity funded by federal or state funds.

9. Maintain adherence to LACOE, state, or federal mandates, including but not limited to program eligibility determination regulations for Early Head Start, Head Start or state preschool services.

10. Enrolling pregnant women and children that are not eligible to receive Early Head Start or Head Start services.

Benefit Plans

Plaza offers eligible employees the opportunity to select plans and programs that meet individual and family needs through our comprehensive benefit plans listed below:

Health Care: Medical (Kaiser), Dental (Guardian), Vision (Guardian), Long Term Disability Insurance, Life Insurance, Accident and Hospital Coverages.

Financial: 401(k) Plan

Paid Time Off: Vacation, Holidays, Sick Leave, Bereavement Leave and Jury Duty

Work/Life Solutions: Employee Assistance Program (EAP) & Employee Assistance Service for Education (EASE)

Application Process

1. Complete an online employment application on and submit the required documentation: 1) Resume; and 2) Transcripts reflecting AA degree and major conferred, and 3) Transcripts reflecting specialized coursework or certification in principles of accounting, including the proper classification of revenues and expenditures and bookkeeping techniques. Only complete application packets will be considered for the screening and selection process.