Accounting Specialist

Accounting SpecialistReports to: Dir. of FinancePrimary Purpose: To perform daily fiscal operations of the school district. Process District payroll accurately and timely on a bi-weekly basis. Balance and process all payroll taxes and deductions. Establish and maintain a high standard of professionalism in the operation of the Business Office. Administer employee insurance and non-insurance benefit programs and provide assistance in recruiting, training and labor relations.Qualifications:Bachelor's Degree in AccountingKnowledge of governmental fund accountingDemonstrated competence in the use of computers including school accounting ad reporting, word processing and spreadsheet packagesMinimum of two years' experience in general budgetary, bookkeeping, and accounting operations a plus, but not required.Essential Functions:Enter cash receipts into budgetary accounting system as necessaryPrepare journal entries as needed for approval by Dir. of FinanceAssist in preparation of various financial spreadsheets and schedules as requested by the Dir. of FinanceAssist in compiling and providing information necessary for the Annual AuditAssist in developing the General Fund Budget and the Annual Financial ReportMaintain and update all budgetary accounting codes as needed Review the accounts receivables and tuition billing/paymentsEstablish/maintain employee records; ensures that employee changes are entered correctly and made on a timely basis; reviews changes for proper authorization and adherence to policyPerform all activities necessary to compute and process the biweekly payroll including, but not limited to, collection of input, analysis and preparation of input, data entry, balancing and the production of payroll checks, direct deposit files and reportsResearch, identify and resolve discrepancies or inconsistencies of source documents related to payroll and benefit accounts and determine and correct out-of-balance conditionsPerform all activities necessary to closeout a payroll including, but not limited to, preparation of tax deposits, initiation and verification of fund transfers, verification of account distribution and printing of reportsEstablish, implement and account for all payroll voluntary and in-voluntary deductions (such as garnishments and levies) and maintain current deduction information according to various deduction documentation and union contractsProvide reconciliation of general ledger accounts when neededVerify attendance, hours worked, pay adjustments, and post information onto designated recordsPrepare/balance bi-weekly, monthly, and quarterly reports pertaining to PSERS retirement and payrollEnsure compliance with local, state, and federal regulationsFile local, state and federal payroll tax returnsCompile and submit payroll deduction-related payments for federal taxes, state taxes, dues payments, credit union, insurance, etc.Perform all activities necessary to closeout a calendar year and a fiscal year including, but not limited to, preparation of all applicable reports for the generation of W-2's and payroll accrualsProcess termination paymentsSubmit all required year-end local, state and federal payroll reportsProcess all unemployment compensation claims and verify all unemployment compensation invoices/paymentsProcess all employee authorized requests pertaining to mortgage and credit applicationsKeep informed about changes in tax and labor laws that apply to the payroll processProvide information to employees and supervisors on payroll matters and tax issuesProvide employees with information regarding benefits for events such as retirement, resignation or termination of employmentVerify salary amounts and accounts for preparation of annual district budgetCreate/update forms as needed with approval of Director of Operations and Financial ServicesCalculate and process the taxable income for Group-Term Life insurance in excess of $50,000 using the IRS premium table and deducts applicable social security and medicare taxesIssue and record adjustments to pay related to previous errors or retroactive increasesAdminister and maintain the district's Section 125 plan in coordination with the Director of Operations and Financial ServicesPerform annual benefits enrollment (open enrollment)Input benefit data and prepare reportsReconcile benefit invoices and resolve billing issues with carriersInvestigate and resolve benefits problemsCalculate active employee, retiree contributions for insurance premiums and notify employee of his/her costs. Notify payroll clerk and Cafeteria Plan administrator of changes of employee contributions.Update PSERS with retiree's current eligibility for premium assistanceInitiate COBRA notifications, obtain required paperwork and monitor eligibilityUpdate benefit booklets, forms and summary plan descriptionPrepare benefit data for negotiationsResearch and assist in the development of new benefits plansProcess and monitor workers compensations claims and appealsProvide assistance in completing workers compensation forms and reportsRepresent the district at workers compensation hearingsMonitor and investigate workers compensation employee statusSecure independent workers compensation medical evaluations, affidavits, etc.Review and adjust attendance monthlyMonitor paid and unpaid leaves and notify payroll of unpaid leaves and unpaid days to overused daysMonitor and adjust sick bank credits/debitsGenerate, correct and confirm attendance statementsPrepare periodic reports and auditsMonitor extended sick leave and return to work programDevelop and implement FMLA benefit tracking/notification systemComplete and forward New Hire Reporting form each pay period to PA Department of WelfareMaintain employee web portalReconcile employee compensatory time, to include but not limited to verifying earned compensatory time, tracking employee use of compensatory time and tracking employee balances.Assume any other responsibilities as assigned by the Dir. of Finance and/or Supervisor of AccountingPerforms other duties as assigned.Performs in accordance with school policy, administrative regulations, state and federal laws.Temperament:Composure under stressAbility to work as a team member and independentlyFlexibilityMultitaskingMust possess excellent interpersonal skills.Specific Skills:Advanced Computer SkillsOperate office equipmentPlanning/organization skillsOther Skills and Abilities:Follow written and verbal directionsWork with minimal supervisionExercise good judgment in prioritizing tasksCommunicate effectively at all organizational levelPerform duties according to District policies and state and federal regulationsEvaluation:Performance of this job will be evaluated annually in accordance with the provisions of the applicable policies of the Ringgold School District.This job description does not state or imply that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. The employee in this position will be required to follow any other instructions and to perform any other duties requested by his or her supervisor. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the required duties.