Director of Accounting

Days per Year: 226

Min: $102,021

Mid: $122,917

Job Description

JOB TITLE :Director of Accounting

REPORTS TO: Chief Financial Officer


WAGE/HOUR STATUS : Exempt


PAY GRADE: AM 5


PRIMARY PURPOSE :

The Director of Accounting leads the district's accounting operations and supervises Accounting staff to ensure financial transactions and records are accurate, complete, and timely. The position directs general ledger activity, reconciliations, financial reporting, and audit preparation and coordinates accounting activity with Payroll, Human Resources, Budget, campuses, and departments.

The Director maintains effective internal controls and ensures accounting practices and financial reports comply with applicable federal, state, and local requirements. The Director uses financial and operational data to resolve issues, advise district financial leadership, and improve service, accuracy, and efficiency.

All employees of Spring ISD are expected to act with integrity, support organizational goals, communicate in a clear and respectful manner, champion the needs of our students and drive continuous improvement.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in accounting from an accredited college or university.
• At least five years of related accounting or financial experience.
• At least three years of supervisory or management experience.

Preferred:

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA).
• Experience in a public school district, governmental organization, or an equivalent accounting leadership role.

SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS:

• Knowledge of governmental accounting, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), and the Texas Education Agency Financial Accountability System Resource Guide (FASRG).
• Knowledge of public school finance, financial reporting, account coding, and internal controls.
• Advanced proficiency with spreadsheet and data-analysis tools, including formulas, pivot tables, lookup functions, and related reporting functions.
• Ability to use accounting and financial information systems to review transactions, reconcile data, and produce accurate reports.
• Ability to interpret school finance laws, regulations, Board policies, and district procedures and apply them to accounting operations.
• Ability to analyze complex financial data, identify discrepancies and risks, and recommend corrective action.
• Ability to establish internal controls, document procedures, and monitor compliance with deadlines and reporting requirements.
• Ability to lead, coach, evaluate, and develop staff and organize work to meet recurring financial reporting and audit deadlines.
• Strong written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to explain financial matters clearly and maintain confidential information.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

Accounting Operations and Staff Leadership

• Direct daily Accounting Department operations and supervise, assign, and evaluate Accounting staff.
• Establish accounting procedures, review protocols, reporting calendars, and service expectations to support accurate and timely financial records.
• Lead, coach, and develop staff, establish professional growth opportunities, and provide clear guidance on performance expectations, confidentiality, and customer service.
• Coordinate accounting functions related to general ledger activity and ensure transactions are recorded accurately in the appropriate funds and accounts.

Financial Controls and Reconciliations

• Maintain internal controls and documented procedures that safeguard district funds, financial records, and confidential information.
• Review and approve bank reconciliations and journal entries and ensure discrepancies are resolved promptly.
• Review and reconcile payroll-related balance sheet and general ledger accounts monthly.
• Ensure payroll accruals, benefits accruals, and related liabilities are accurately calculated, recorded, and reconciled.
• Review and approve the annual payroll accrual for all funds.
• Coordinate with Payroll, Human Resources, Budget, and other departments to ensure the accuracy and integrity of financial and payroll transactions.
• Monitor payroll charges to program intent codes, including Career and Technical Education, Special Education, and State Compensatory Education, for compliance with TEA spending requirements; coordinate timely corrections with program managers and other departments.

Financial Reporting and Audit Coordination

• Oversee financial reporting and ensure reports are accurate, complete, and submitted in accordance with TEA and other governmental agency requirements.
• Prepare monthly financial reports and other reports needed to support district operations and financial decisions.
• Prepare and verify actual financial data for Public Education Information Management System (PEIMS) submission to TEA.
• Coordinate the annual financial audit and special audits, provide required records and schedules, and coordinate responses to audit findings.
• Ensure accurate and timely completion of the district's annual comprehensive financial report.

Communication and Continuous Improvement

• Assist campuses and departments with accounting questions and issues and communicate accounting procedures, deadlines, and required actions.
• Maintain current knowledge of accounting pronouncements, school finance laws, and state and federal requirements through professional publications, continuing education, meetings, and workshops.
• Identify recurring errors and process risks and recommend improvements to the Chief of Business Services; coordinate approved changes with district financial leadership.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Physical Demands


The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require physical mobility, standing, prolonged sitting, prolonged computer use, and occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling. The position requires travel within the district and statewide.

Mental Demands


Ability to solve problems, analyze detailed financial information, and respond to a variety of situations in a dynamic environment with changing priorities and occasional irregular hours. Ability to interpret applicable laws and policies, communicate effectively with employees and leaders at all levels, maintain emotional control under stress, protect confidential information, and work independently.

The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.