Finance - Accounting Specialist @ LSC

Accounts Payable Specialist

The Accounting Specialist performs technical accounting and financial support functions within the Business Services Department to ensure accurate financial recordkeeping, compliance with district procedures, and proper stewardship of district funds. This position supports district accounting operations by maintaining financial records, processing transactions, reconciling accounts, assisting with audits and budget preparation, and providing technical support to school buildings and district staff.

The Accounting Specialist works collaboratively with the Business Manager, accounting staff, and building personnel to ensure consistent accounting practices aligned with district policies and Washington State regulations. The position requires strong attention to detail, accuracy, organization, and the ability to manage multiple financial processes simultaneously.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Associate's degree in Accounting, Business Administration, or related field preferred.
• Minimum three (3) years of progressive responsibilities in accounting or bookkeeping; school finance experience preferred.
• Knowledge of governmental or school district accounting practices preferred.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism.
• Proficiency with financial software and computer applications; Skyward experience preferred.
• Ability to work collaboratively with district staff and provide technical assistance.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage assigned workload and prioritize tasks to meet established deadlines, including working additional hours when directed or when approved to meet operational needs.

Essential Job Functions

Accounts Receivable & Revenue Processing

• Maintain accounts receivable records and monitor billing processes.
• Supervise receipting procedures and ensure accurate documentation of district revenues.
• Prepare and monitor billing and collection processes.
• Balance revenues to the appropriate funds and reconcile revenues with the County Treasurer.
• Take daily deposits to the bank as required.
• Review and reconcile revenue collections for district funds.

Accounting Operations

• Maintain accounting records and general ledger subsidiary systems.
• Process and reconcile interfund transfers.
• Prepare journal entries and support month-end closing processes.
• Ensure accurate coding of revenues and expenditures in accordance with district procedures and state requirements.
• Maintain fixed asset records and supporting documentation.
• Maintain vendor and financial records in compliance with district procedures.

Reconciliation & Financial Support

• Reconcile financial records and accounts as assigned.
• Assist in reconciling the general ledger with County Treasurer reports and subsidiary systems.
• Monitor building-level accounting procedures for accuracy and compliance.
• Review accounting transactions to ensure adherence to district policies and procedures.

Budget & Financial Reporting Support

• Assist in the preparation of financial statements and required financial reports.
• Assist with budget preparation and monitoring of non-personnel expenditures.
• Provide financial data and reports as requested.
• Support the preparation of annual financial reporting processes.

Audit & Compliance Support

• Prepare documentation and supporting materials for audits.
• Assist auditors by providing requested financial records and explanations of procedures.
• Ensure accounting activities conform to district policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.

Technical Support & Training

• Provide technical accounting support to building secretaries and district staff.
• Provide training and guidance related to receipting, deposits, and accounting procedures.
• Assist in the development and improvement of accounting procedures and workflows.
• Serve as a resource to school buildings regarding accounting practices.

Teamwork and Collaboration

• Work collaboratively with Business Services staff, building administrators, secretaries, and district departments to support accurate and efficient financial operations.
• Provide responsive customer service and technical assistance to school and district staff regarding accounting procedures, receipting, deposits, and financial processes.
• Communicate clearly and professionally with administrators and staff to resolve accounting questions, discrepancies, and procedural concerns.
• Support consistency in accounting practices across all school buildings and departments by sharing information, resources, and guidance aligned with district procedures.
• Collaborate with colleagues to meet deadlines related to month-end processes, budgeting timelines, audits, and financial reporting requirements.
• Contribute positively to a team-oriented work environment by demonstrating flexibility, cooperation, and a willingness to assist others to ensure successful business office operations.
• Maintain professional working relationships that promote trust, accountability, and effective problem-solving across the district.

General Responsibilities

• Maintain confidentiality of financial and personnel information.
• Maintain flexibility in work schedule as necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of the position, recognizing that workload demands may vary throughout the fiscal year and may require extended or adjusted hours to meet critical financial deadlines, reporting requirements, and district operational needs.
• Follow all district policies, procedures, and safety practices.
• Perform related duties as assigned to support efficient business office operations.

Other duties as assigned.

The Moses Lake School District #161 does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boys Scouts and other designated youth groups. Inquiries regarding compliance and/or grievance procedures may be directed to the school district's Title IX, Civil Rights, Affirmative Action, and Equal Opportunity officer, Michelle Musso, 1620 S Pioneer Way, Moses Lake, WA 98837, View phone number on click.appcast.io, View email address on click.appcast.io; OR Section 504/ADA Coordinator, Samantha Burgess, 1620 S Pioneer Way, Moses Lake, WA 98837, View phone number on click.appcast.io, View email address on click.appcast.io.