Accounting Manager

Job Summary Auburn City Schools Accounting Manager – 238 Contract Days Qualifications Minimum of bachelor's degree in accounting from an accredited educational institution; or graduate degree in business-related field. Minimum of three (3) years' work experience in accounting or related field, preferably governmental accounting or auditing. Must meet background clearance requirements as specified by Alabama Statutes and State Board of Education regulations. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Considerable knowledge of school laws (preferably Alabama), State Board of Education regulations (preferably Alabama), and School Board policies and procedures as they apply to finance, accounting and payroll services. Ability to direct work of subordinates in a manner conducive to efficiency and high morale. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with superiors, associates and subordinates contacted within the course of work. Ability to use technology and related software. Reports To Chief School Financial Officer Job Goal To coordinate the general accounting function, including the accurate completion of ledger accounts and financial statements in compliance with established rules and procedures. Supervises N/A Performance Responsibilities Assist the Chief School Financial Officer in planning, administering, and controlling financial activities of schools and departments by monitoring and providing oversight. Provide oversight for Finance, Accounting, Payroll, and Benefits personnel and coordinate activities between the banking institutions, and financial institutions. Manages the day-to-day financial operations of the school system in compliance with generally accepted governmental accounting principles. Maintains the integrity and accuracy of the School District's general ledger and subsidiary ledgers and supporting documentation, with the assistance of the Finance staff. Monitors all current transactions, including purchase orders, manual checks, contracts, journal entries, interest and investments to ensure they have been posted before period closing. Manages month-end closing and issuance of monthly financial reports to departments. Evaluates and makes appropriate improvements to internal accounting processes, ensuring compliance with overall organizational goals. Leads the preparation of monthly financial reports. Manages month end and year-end closing of the accounting records and prepares comprehensive financial statements for all funds and departments. Audits the computer-generated general journal entries to maintain the integrity of individual funds and interfund balances. Prepares period end journal entries and ensures all accounts are accurate and correct. Prepares non-routine journal entries for posting to the general ledger for all funds. Prepare or oversee the preparation of all required reports and maintain all appropriate records. Assist in the preparation of the School District's proposed budget and budget revisions, including preparation of forms and instructions. Directs the budget monitoring function, notifying departments of significant budget variances and the causes thereof. Reviews Finance Department's budget request and proposed budget revisions; maintains a monthly review process of the Finance Department's budget status. Understand and provide insight related to Alabama Statutes, Department of Education rules, System policies and procedures as they relate to School System matters. Serve as liaison for auditors and federal, state and local agencies regarding operations of the department. Leads the preparation of monthly, quarterly and annual Federal and State payroll withholdings, tax reports, unemployment compensation trust fund, and retirement reports and reconciles to the general ledger. Audits payroll and employee benefits, including Social Security and Medicare, medical and life insurance, supplemental insurances, retirement and deferred compensation plan contributions, calculates payments and request payments to be made. Reconciles all payroll withholding taxes and payroll tax returns to the general ledger. Leads the preparation, reconciliation, and submission of forms W-2 and 1099. Monitors State SAFE Program (collateral pool) reports for compliance by depositories. Maintains the cash integrity of individual funds. Transfers cash from pooled and/or interest-bearing accounts into individual fund accounts via online banking services as needed to cover obligations, initiates ACH (automated clearinghouse) bank transactions; initiates repetitive and non-routine funds wires. Leads the preparation of monthly bank reconciliations. Keeps accurate cash balance of all funds/accounts and monitors cash receipt and disbursement levels for determining funds available for investment. Audits bank reconciliations and meets with bank representatives to correct any discrepancies, as necessary. Notifies depositories of banking changes affecting the coverage of the School District's deposits by the State collateral pool. Maintains accounting files on all School District contracts to avoid duplication of payments, contract over payments and ensures that all required retainage is being withheld in the correct amount. Maintains grant files, recording and documenting the expenditure of grant funds as necessary for State and Federal audits. Provide leadership and direction for assigned areas of responsibility. Exercise proactive leadership in promoting the vision and mission of the system. Utilize appropriate strategies and problem-solving tools to make decisions regarding planning, utilization of funds, delivering services, and evaluation of services provided. Demonstrate initiative in identifying potential problems or opportunities for improvement and take appropriate action. Assists the Chief School Financial Officer in the implementation of new accounting principles. Monitors financial system reports and records for errors/omissions and ensures that all necessary corrections are made. Develops training materials and presents training to School District staff and appropriate personnel on Finance Department policies and procedures. Coordinates training of School District staff on the use of financial management software. Prepares and updates Finance procedures documentation. Coach and/or mentor subordinates and implement cross-training programs. Maintain effective community relations and interpret finance matters to the community. Maintain expertise in assigned areas. Attend training sessions, conferences and workshops as assigned or appropriate to keep abreast of current practices, programs and legal issues. Represent the system in a positive and professional manner. Keep supervisor informed of potential problems or unusual events. Assists the Chief School Financial Officer with non-routine financial analysis. Perform other tasks consistent with the goals and objectives of this position, as assigned. Physical Requirements Light work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds of force as frequently as needed to move objects. Terms of Employment Salary and benefits shall be paid consistent with the system's approved compensation plan. Length of the work year and hours of employment shall be those established by the system. Evaluation Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the Board's policy on evaluation of personnel. #J-18808-Ljbffr Alabama State Department of Education