Accounting Specialist

Accounting SpecialistUnder the supervision of the Director of Fiscal Services, the Accounting Specialist will perform accounting and daily business operations functions for the Midland Public Schools, including payroll, purchasing, accounts payable, accounts receivable, benefits administration, banking, and general ledger activities. This position exercises independent judgment in completing financial reconciliations, budget analysis, financial reporting, audit preparation, staff training, and specialized projects.Midland Public Schools encompasses approximately 140 square miles and serves approximately 7,300 students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. The District operates 12 schools with an operating budget of $121 million. The District is uniquely linked to and intertwined with the surrounding community and boasts a strong tradition and expectation of exceptional academics. Midland Public Schools holds a high concentration of STEM-degreed individuals and readily offers business needs for strong-skilled trades. The district is located adjacent to the world headquarters of Dow Chemical as well as large employers, such as MyMichigan Health, DuPont, and Corteva. Midland provides big-city amenities with a small-town feel and is the home to Midland Center for the Arts, Greater Midland Tennis Center, Great Lakes Loons/Dow Diamond, Dow Gardens/Whiting Forest and the nation's longest canopy walk.Qualifications:Education: Bachelor's degree in accounting, business management, or a related field with coursework in accounting is preferred. Relevant experience may be considered in lieu of education.Demonstrated Technical Skills: Advanced computer skills using Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Google Workspace, and computerized financial systems. Ability to create, manage, and troubleshoot spreadsheet formulas and functions. Ability to quickly learn and support new software. Proficiency in accounting for public school districts in accordance with Bulletin 1022, the Michigan Public School Accounting Manual, is strongly preferred. Demonstrated knowledge of fund accounting, grant accounting, general ledger accounting, and bank reconciliations. Working knowledge of accounts payable, accounts receivable, budgeting, purchasing, payroll, benefits, and year-end procedures. Ability to work with an integrated accounting system and understand how transactions affect financial records. Ability to investigate and analyze information, draw logical conclusions, and solve complex problems.Experience: A minimum of three years of accounting experience in a Michigan public school district is preferred. Experience with accounting software is preferred. Experience with year-end accounting transactions and preparation of schedules and supporting documentation for external audits is preferred.Background Checks & Employment Screening: Successful completion of district-required background checks and employment screenings.Professional and Public Relations Skills: Ability to relate to school-age children, parents, employees, and members of the community. Maintain a positive attitude and professional relationships that support a strong customer service and collaborative team culture. Work independently, demonstrate initiative, and manage competing priorities and timelines. Understand terminology, rules, regulations, and procedures related to school accounting and business. Exercise discretion, maintain confidentiality, and demonstrate professional integrity. Ability to perform duties with awareness of district requirements and policies. Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills and the ability to maintain a calm, professional approach. Ability to manage detailed work, competing deadlines, and frequent interruptions. Adapt to changes in plans or activities on short notice. Ability to exercise independent judgment and apply professional knowledge in fund accounting, accounting principles, general ledger accounting, and related business office functions.Essential Functions:Perform accounting duties involving district funds, programs, and projects.Prepare and assist in preparing financial statements, reports, and project proposals.Audit records and project expenditures for compliance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), federal and state laws and regulations, and perform related work under limited direction.Assist with preliminary and annual external audits by preparing year-end accounting entries, schedules, reconciliations, and supporting documentation and responding to auditor requests.Perform financial analyses, studies, and evaluations and provide technical assistance as assigned.Maintain and reconcile general ledger accounts, including special revenue funds, and research and resolve accounting discrepancies.Participate in cross-departmental training to develop a working knowledge of related district processes and provide backup support as needed.Apply and monitor established internal control procedures, identify weaknesses or discrepancies, and recommend improvements to the Director of Fiscal Services.Perform professional accounting work of moderate difficulty to ensure compliance with applicable Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) requirements, GAAP, and grant requirements.Implement, track, ensure compliance with, and communicate benefits-related policies, procedures, and laws pertaining to the Affordable Care Act (ACA).Prepare journal entries and periodically reconcile the general ledger, journal entries, and bank statements.Research complex problems to their conclusion, make recommendations, and work with appropriate personnel to ensure resolution.Ensure compliance with Board policies, district guidelines, applicable statutes and regulations, and professional ethical standards regarding all financial matters.Assist in developing and implementing new procedures and system features to enhance department workflow.Assist in monitoring and analyzing department work to develop more efficient procedures and use of resources while maintaining a high level of accuracy.Develop and update operating procedures and instruction manuals for assigned responsibilities.Develop and conduct in-service training to provide technical assistance and guidance to department and school personnel on fiscal accounting and related software.Maintain a working knowledge of all accounting areas within the business services department and provide backup support for team members as needed.Prepare data analyses and financial reports using district financial systems and spreadsheets.Monitor daily bank balances and cash activity, research and resolve banking discrepancies, and coordinate routine banking matters with financial institutions and district personnel.Prepare and process payroll-related bank transfers in accordance with established authorization and internal control procedures.Coordinate online payment processing, reconcile receipts and deposits to district financial records, and resolve payment discrepancies.Assist in preparing, reconciling, and submitting required state and federal financial reports within established deadlines.Assist with financial monitoring, reconciliations, reporting, and audit support for the school lunch program.Assist in preparing special projects.Organize and prioritize tasks to meet deadlines.Work independently and as part of a team.Demonstrate honesty, integrity, and professionalism.Exercise good judgment and make decisions in accordance with Board policies and established administrative guidelines.Successfully complete district-assigned training within established deadlines; job-specific training will be provided as available.Possess fine motor skills and the ability to lift up to 50 pounds unassisted to lift and move equipment and supplies.Be able to stand or sit for long periods, up to an entire shift as tasks require, and stoop, squat, bend, crouch, reach, kneel, and climb stairs frequently during the shift.Be able to ride in a vehicle as necessary, including occasional travel for training.Additional Functions:Communicate effectively via district-assigned email on a daily basis as determined by the supervisor.Accurately complete electronic time sheets and absence reporting via time keeping system within assigned deadlines.Maintain regular and reliable attendance.Consistent and reliable performance of job responsibilities.Perform other job duties and responsibilities deemed appropriate by the supervisor and/or Superintendent.Application Procedures:When applying for a position with the Midland Public Schools, interested candidates must complete an application in order to be considered an official applicant. (Internal candidates: Please feel free to complete the shorter internal application if you have access to a networked school computer, otherwise, the detailed application will be necessary.)To complete the application process, you will need to complete the online application for the position at Your application will be retained in active status for one school year. If your qualifications meet our needs, we will contact you for further information and a possible interview. Please do not send paper documents! When completing your application, you will submit your documents electronically. If you cannot upload your documents, be prepared to provide this information should you be called for an interview. Note: You assure that we have a complete record of your candidacy if you upload all materials yourself.Thank you for your interest in Midland Public Schools.Midland Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The district does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender, identity, marital status, familial status, genetic information, age, weight, height, national origin, disability, or other legally-protected characteristic, in its programs, activities, or employment and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups