Accountant

Accountant Position at Fruitport Community Schools

The Accountant is responsible for performing professional accounting, financial reporting, purchasing, and accounts payable functions in support of the District's fiscal operations. This position assists in maintaining the integrity of the District's financial records, ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations, Board policies, and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). The Accountant works collaboratively with district administrators, school staff, auditors, vendors, and governmental agencies to support efficient and accurate business office operations.

Salary: Non-Affiliated Support Staff Wage and Benefit Handbook: B1 Salary Schedule. Compensation for this position is determined according to the District's approved salary schedule and is based on applicable years of relevant experience. The annual salary range is $56,875 to $71,875, with initial placement on the salary schedule reflecting verified experience.

Qualifications: Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a closely related field required.
• School finance, governmental accounting, or public sector accounting experience is preferred.
• Experience with financial management software and accounting systems. Experience with Munis and PowerSchool is preferred.
• Demonstrated proficiency with Excel (advanced formulas, pivot tables, and financial reporting) and other business productivity applications.
• Ability to learn and effectively utilize district financial and student information systems.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Strong attention to detail with a high degree of accuracy.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality while exercising sound professional judgment.
• Ability to provide outstanding customer service to employees, vendors, parents, and community members.

Certification: Interested candidates will be provided with the support necessary to seek certification through the Michigan School Business Officials (MSBO) Association in one of the following certification pathways designed to support the growth and development of school accountants and business office officials: Business Office Specialist (BOS), Business Office Manager (BOM), or Chief Financial Officer (CFO). One of these certifications is preferred.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Maintain the integrity of the District's general ledger through accurate journal entries, account reconciliations, and financial reporting.
• Prepare and post journal entries for transfers, accruals, adjustments, and year-end closing activities.
• Reconcile general ledger accounts and investigate discrepancies.
• Assist with annual budget development, budget monitoring, and budget amendments.
• Assist with the annual independent financial audit and provide supporting documentation as requested.
• Ensure compliance with Board policies, state and federal regulations, and accepted accounting standards.
• Perform monthly bank reconciliations for district accounts.
• Monitor daily cash activity and prepare cash flow analyses and projections.
• Record deposits and monitor cash receipts.
• Coordinate transfers between district funds and bank accounts as needed.
• Assist with investment tracking and cash management activities.
• Administer the District's accounts payable process from invoice receipt through payment.
• Review invoices for accuracy, appropriate approvals, account coding, and compliance with purchasing procedures.
• Process vendor payments in a timely and accurate manner through electronic and check payment systems.
• Maintain vendor records, including W-9 documentation and tax reporting requirements.
• Prepare annual IRS Form 1099 reporting, as applicable.
• Reconcile vendor statements and resolve invoice discrepancies.
• Maintain accurate accounts payable records and supporting documentation for audit purposes.
• Monitor outstanding obligations and help maintain positive vendor relationships.
• Recommend and implement process improvements to increase efficiency and strengthen internal controls.
• Coordinate district purchasing activities in accordance with Board policy and applicable state and federal procurement requirements.
• Review purchase requisitions and issue purchase orders.
• Check budget availability before purchasing permits.
• Assist departments with procurement procedures and purchasing guidelines.
• Monitor open purchase orders and ensure timely receipt and payment of goods and services.
• Assist in obtaining competitive quotes and bids as required.
• Maintain vendor files and procurement documentation.
• Support contract administration and purchasing compliance.
• Collaborate with district staff to identify cost-effective purchasing opportunities and improve purchasing efficiencies.
• Prepare invoices for district services and monitor outstanding receivables.
• Record receipts and maintain accurate customer account records.
• Reconcile receivable balances and follow up on outstanding accounts.
• Maintain grant accounting records and budgets.
• Prepare grant reimbursement requests and financial reports.
• Monitor grant expenditures to ensure compliance with grant requirements.
• Assist program administrators with grant budget monitoring and reporting.
• Manage the district's pupil accounting process in accordance with the Michigan Pupil Accounting Manual.
• Prepare and submit state-required pupil accounting reports through CEPI and MDE.
• Work closely with building secretaries, counselors, and administrators to maintain accurate student records.
• Assist in the preparation of documentation for pupil accounting audits and respond to auditor requests.
• Reconcile PowerSchool data with state reporting systems.
• Generate reports for administration regarding enrollment and attendance trends.
• Stay current on changes to the Michigan pupil accounting legislation, membership requirements, and reporting guidelines through ongoing professional development.
• Prepare reports for local, state, and federal agencies as assigned.
• Assist in maintaining strong internal controls and accounting procedures.
• Maintain documentation to support audit readiness and financial transparency.
• Support implementation of best practices in governmental accounting and financial management.
• Provide financial information and support to district administrators and staff.
• Respond professionally to inquiries from employees, vendors, auditors, and governmental agencies.
• Participate in professional development to remain current on school finance laws, accounting standards, and technology.
• Cross-train with other Business Office staff to ensure continuity of operations.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Business Services.