Accounting Specialist

Purpose StatementThe job of Staff Accountant is done for the purpose/s of providing support to department activities withspecific responsibility for ensuring that overall fiscal policies, practices, payroll protocols, and/or regulationsmeet network and compliance requirements; maintaining accurate account balances; ensuring efficient useof financial resources; and providing financial information, guidance, and recommendations to thedepartment administration, Chief Financial Officer, Board, and/or regulatory agencies.This job reports to Chief Financial OfficerEssential FunctionsAssists auditors for the purpose of providing requested supporting documentation, information oninternal processes, and/or coordinating activities in support of the audit process.Coordinates a wide variety of accounting projects/processes (e.g. payroll, payments to vendors, accrualsfor revenues/expenses, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring accurate financial management andcompliance.Coordinates various aspects of network payroll (e.g. general ledger coding, insurance, etc.) for thepurpose of ensuring accuracy of all payroll records.Generates payments of invoices; invoicing for partner schools; inputting of general/fixed assets,inventories of equipment, etc. for the purpose of ensuring timely and accurate financial transactions,maintaining comprehensive records, and supporting efficient operations within the organization.Implements accounting procedures for the purpose of providing internal financial controls throughout thenetwork and ensuring compliance with established accounting practices and all applicable regulatoryrequirements.Monitors school site purchase order process for the purpose of ensuring availability of funds; andcompliance with established network financial guidelines and program policies, practices, and regulatoryrequirements.Oversees a variety of network online systems (e.g. donor payment, check printing, etc.) for the purposeof streamlining financial processes, enhancing data accuracy, and facilitating secure transactions inaccordance with organizational policies and procedures.Participates in department meetings, workshops, committees, etc. for the purpose of conveying and/orgathering information required to perform job functions and/or supporting the activities of the network.Prepares a wide variety of reports (e.g. analyses for grants, input for budget creation, numbers ofstudents in transition/homeless, etc.) for the purpose of documenting activities, providing writtenreference, and/or conveying information.Presents a wide variety of financial and reported information (e.g. budget overviews, accountingprocesses, payroll information, etc.) for the purpose of communicating information, gaining feedback,and ensuring adherence to established internal accounting controls.Responds to inquiries from a wide variety of internal and external sources (e.g. staff, outside vendors,etc.) for the purpose of providing information, direction, and/or appropriate referrals.Reviews all expense reports from staff and administration for the purpose of ensuring expenses fallwithin network policy, meet approval protocols, and submission of required documentation for payment.Updates network reimbursement policies for travel and professional development, disseminating currentinformation to staff for the purpose of ensuring compliance with regulations, and supporting employeegrowth and development initiatives.Other FunctionsPerforms other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effectivefunctioning of the work unit.Job Requirements: Minimum QualificationsSkills, Knowledge and AbilitiesSKILLS are required to perform multiple, technical tasks with a potential need to upgrade skills in order to meetchanging job conditions. Specific skill based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the jobinclude: operating standard office equipment using pertinent software applications; performing accountingprocedures; planning and managing projects; and preparing and maintaining accurate records.KNOWLEDGE is required to perform advanced math; read technical information, compose a variety of documents,and/or facilitate group discussions; and solve practical problems. Specific knowledge based competencies requiredto satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: principles of accounting and auditing; general governmentalaccounting practices; standard office practices and procedures; and pertinent codes, policies, regulations, and/orlaws.ABILITY is required to schedule activities, meetings, and/or events; gather, collate, and/or classify data; and use job-related equipment. Flexibility is required to work with others in a variety of circumstances; work with data utilizingdefined but different processes; and operate equipment using standardized methods. Ability is also required to workwith a wide diversity of individuals; work with data of varied types and/or purposes; and utilize job-related equipment.Problem solving is required to identify issues and create action plans. Problem solving with data frequently requiresindependent interpretation of guidelines; and problem solving with equipment is limited to moderate. Specific abilitybased competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: analyzing a variety of financialand statistical information; working under time constraints; communicating with diverse groups; meeting deadlinesand schedules; setting priorities; and working with detailed information.ResponsibilityResponsibilities include: working under limited supervision following standardized practices and/or methods; directingother persons within a small work unit; monitoring budget expenditures. Utilization of resources from other work unitsis often required to perform the job's functions. There is a continual opportunity to impact the organization’s services.Work EnvironmentThe usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: somelifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, some stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling and significant finefinger dexterity. Generally the job requires 80% sitting, 10% walking, 10% standing. This job is performed in agenerally clean and healthy environment.Experience: Job related experience with increasing levels of responsibility is required.Education: Bachelors degree in job-related area with an emphasis in accounting.Required TestingNone SpecifiedCertificates and LicensesCPA is preferredContinuing Educ. / TrainingMaintains Certificates and/or LicensesClearancesCriminal Background Clearance #J-18808-Ljbffr