Staff Accountant

Business Services Staff Accountant

The Business Services Staff Accountant will support Summit Management Consulting and public-school academies as part of the team within the Business Office department. This position may perform multiple business office functions including, but not limited to, payroll, general ledger reconciliation, accounts payable, accounts receivable, financial support for grant awards, fringe benefit reconciliation, financial reporting and other duties as assigned by the Chief Financial Officer. This position also requires collaborative teamwork to review and verify reports, prepare deposits, reconcile accounts, prepare check reconciliations, and develop spreadsheets. This position is responsible for performing public sector accounting functions in compliance with Michigan Department of Education (MDE) guidelines and ensuring accurate and timely school financial reporting.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assists in various accounting procedures for the constituent school.
• May be simultaneously responsible for multiple business office functions such as, payroll audits and correspondence, fringe benefit reconciliation, accounts receivable, accounts payable, grant monitoring, and general ledger as well as preparing financial reports, as assigned by the CFO.
• Works as a team member to review and verify reports, prepare deposits, reconcile accounts, prepare check reconciliations, and develop spreadsheets.
• Utilizes Microsoft Excel, SMART software, Paycor and other applications to enter and receive information such as financial and/or payroll data.
• May assist the CFO with the maintenance of school staff lists for budget, payroll processing, and other reporting needs.
• Works with constituent school personnel in the preparation of payroll data, financial data, and statistical reports, as requested by the CFO.
• Balances various accounting procedures.
• Assists in preparing and recording journal entries with proper support documentation.
• Provides business technical assistance to the schools.
• Assists in the development of computerized reports and presentations.
• Ensure compliance with state and federal reporting requirements.
• Help maintain accurate financial records in accordance with the Michigan Public School Accounting Manual (Bulletin 1022).
• Assist with audit preparation and documentation as needed.
• Conduct research and data analysis as requested by the CFO.
• Maintain organized files, both physical and electronic.
• Consistently models integrity, accuracy, accountability, professionalism, collaboration, and a commitment to continuous improvement in all financial team responsibilities.
• Assists in the preparation of special projects.
• Performs other related duties in the department as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field (preferred).
• Minimum of three years of accounting experience.
• Proficiency in Paycor and SMART systems (preferred).
• Solid understanding of accounting principles and financial reporting.
• Exceptional attention to detail, accuracy, and problem-solving ability.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.
• Effective communication and customer service skills for interaction with staff and vendors.
• Ability to interpret and apply payroll policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel.

Working Conditions:

Office environment within a school central office. May require occasional extended hours to meet deadlines. Frequent use of computers, standard office equipment and software applications.