Budget Technician - Federal & State Grants

Mesa Public Schools Financial Analyst

Forbes named Mesa Public Schools in their list of Best Employers in Arizona for multiple years. East Valley Tribune names Mesa Public Schools as Best Place to Work in East Valley for multiple years.

Employment Type: Full-time (40 hours per week)

Base Hourly: $21.01

Class/Calendar: B22, 12 months

Benefits: Vacation, sick leave, holidays, retirement matched through the Arizona State Retirement System, health, and life insurance

Performance Pay: Available annually

New Hire Experience: 1% of the base hourly rate granted for each year of verified like experience (within ten years) beyond the requirement, up to a ten-year maximum

New Hire Education: 1% of the base hourly rate awarded for an AA or higher degree if not required for the position

Job Summary:

To ensure adequate account balances for federal and state grants; to provide financial data and verification of account balances; and to gather information regarding budget allocations and requests.

Key Responsibilities:

• Prepare and submit grant revisions, track funding accounts, and maintain and shift budget funds
• Maintain accurate grant records and prepare applications while ensuring compliance with district, state, and federal guidelines
• Procure grant-funded supplies and materials; monitor expenditures for compliance with district, state, and/or federal regulations
• Collect and analyze data to prepare required reports
• Assist in monitoring, auditing and maintaining adherence to district policy and relevant legislation
• Provide financial information, including account deficits and budget history, to support administrative decision-making
• Respond to inquiries from district personnel regarding site funding, purchase orders, budget history, and related topics to ensure adherence to proper budget procedures
• Reconcile purchases with approved Arizona Department of Education budgets and prepare A/P requests for return of federal and state funds as required by Arizona Department of Education
• Research and analyze budget history to verify account balances and resolve discrepancies
• Assist other personnel as may be required for the purpose of supporting them in the completion of their work activities
• Assists with other assigned duties as appropriate to the area of assignment and Mesa Public Schools
• Regular and on-time attendance required

Required Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Three years' experience in accounting or equivalent

Preferred Qualifications:

• Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in accounting preferred

Skills & Competencies:

• Models the attributes and skills of the MPS Portrait of a Graduate
• Demonstrates commitment to the MPS Promise that every student is known by name, served by strength and need, and graduates ready for college, career and community
• High proficiency in typing, data entry and 10-key by touch with accuracy; excellent test battery; high math aptitude; skill in performing detailed numerical computations
• Computer proficiency to include use of basic software applications (Word, Excel, Access, Google Workspace tools, QuickBooks, etc); knowledge and experience with mainframe computers and financial queries (School ERP Pro)
• Ability to organize, prioritize and meet deadlines with an accurate attention to detail while working with frequent interruptions and minimum supervision
• Ability to perform high-volume detailed work with accuracy; to assume responsibility; to independently make sound fact-based decisions for daily tasks; to maintain confidentiality
• Ability to communicate effectively (verbal and written) and establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with district personnel of all levels, general public and outside agencies

Work Environment & Physical Requirements:

• Work is primarily done in an office, either in-person or remotely, depending on the organization's policies
• Works with finance teams, department heads, and executives while also performing independent budget analysis tasks
• Heavy use of financial software, spreadsheets, and databases to track and manage budgets
• May attend budget meetings, provide financial insights, and present reports to stakeholders
• Primarily desk-based, requiring extended periods of sitting and working on a computer.
• No heavy lifting or physical labor is required, though occasional carrying of reports or office supplies (typically under 10 lbs) may occur

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:

Mesa Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding equal employment opportunity and anti-discrimination. The District strictly prohibits and does not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants, or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

Applicants and employees may contact Human Resources to request reasonable accommodations needed to perform the essential functions of this position.