Accountant (anticipated)

The Utica City School District anticipates an opening for the following position:

ACCOUNTANT

About the District:

The Utica City School District’s mission is to ensure that all students succeed and are well-rounded, with knowledge, skills, and character to be productive members of society.

The District’s vision is that students can reach their goals and find academic success through a variety of pathways and with different levels of support. 

About the Utica City School District:

The Utica City School District serves a community of approximately 64,500 city residents in an urban and multi- cultural environment with a current enrollment of roughly 9,644 students in its 13 schools __ Proctor High School, Donovan Middle School, JFK Middle School and 10 elementary schools. The District’s greatest asset is its diversity, with more than 50 languages spoken and 16% of students being English language learners. 

Elementary -  The District’s elementary schools integrate a vibrant curriculum across all grade levels and subject areas, aligning with the New York State Learning Standards. The District is also investing in the realignment of math goals, instruction and curriculum to focus on research-based best practices in mathematics that are proven to increase student performance outcomes. In all subject areas, there is an understanding that developing foundational skills will support students in bridging gaps in learning. Students are provided with a well-rounded curriculum focused on fostering academic and social/emotional competencies that will carry them through their academic career.

Middle School -  The focus at the District’s middle schools is to ensure that students are provided with equitable opportunities to successfully transition from elementary to high school. Both middle schools offer opportunities for students to succeed at every learning level, with dedicated classes for English Language Learners and students with disabilities, as well as honors/advanced studies. The Family and Career Sciences and Technology programs have incorporated science, technology, engineering and math topics into each curriculum to help prepare students for the Career and Technical Education opportunities available at the high school.

High School - Proctor High School provides numerous avenues for students to achieve the District’s vision. This is accomplished through supportive and adaptive special education and English language learner programming, a robust honors and Advanced Placement curriculum, and partnerships with post-secondary institutions including Mohawk Valley Community College and Syracuse University’s Project Advance. Most recently, the District unveiled our latest initiative at a ribbon-cutting ceremony: innovative Career and Technical Education programming for UCSD high school students in the brand new CTE wing at Proctor High School. Proctor’s Naval Junior Reserve Officers Training Corp (NJROTC), music, art and drama programs, along with numerous extracurricular activities and athletics, offer additional avenues to showcase students’ talents and interests and support them throughout their school experience. 

About the Anticipated Position:

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:  This entry level professional work involves performing professional accounting work including the maintenance of accounting records, preparation of reports and the establishment of new account systems. Incumbents may also assist an administrative superior or higher-level professional accountant in changing or establishing new accounting procedures, interfacing with computerized accounting systems, and in some instances, independently establishing less complex systems or procedures. The work is performed under general supervision and requires independent judgment on technical accounting problems; but may be reviewed upon completion for overall standard performance and is subject to periodic audit. Supervision of others is not a usual feature of this class. Does related work as required

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES:

• Performs internal audits on accounts, invoices and expenditures to prove mathematical correctness;
• Prepares entries necessary to close accounts;
• Enters data and reviews procurement documents to verify completeness and accuracy of documents;
• Assists with the analysis of cost data of a department or institution according to labor material and overhead costs to compute unit costs;
• Records data for use by management and monitors expenditures;
• Maintains a varied and complex set of accounting records, and assists in the preparation of portions of financial statements from accounting records;
• Takes monthly trial balances and reconciles with the monthly bank statements;
• Prepares reports;
• Reconciles general ledger accounts;
• Records, posts, and maintains accounting records on a computer;
• Keeps records of receipts and expenditures and allocates receipts to proper funds;
• Assists in preparing a department budget;
• May assist with establishing new accounting systems and procedures;
• Performs a variety of related duties as necessary for the efficient execution of functions of the Department.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS: Essential knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Knowledge of accounting principles and procedures;
• ability to apply such knowledge to accounting transactions;
• knowledge of office methods/procedures, familiarity with the use of standard office equipment;
• knowledge of federal and capital funds, knowledge of the general principles of public finance administration, including budgeting and financial reporting;
• ability to prepare complete and accurate accounting reports and statements;
• ability to perform detailed work, ability to understand and carry out complex oral and written direction;
• ability to establish and maintain effective relationship with employees, ability to understand and follow oral and written direction;
• mental alertness;
• good judgement;
• neatness;
• accuracy;
• tact and courtesy.

Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: EITHER

• Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Economics or a closely related field;

OR

• Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered two year college or university with an Associate's Degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Economics or a closely related field AND two (2) years of experience in professional accounting or financial auditing.

Civil Service Classification: Competitive

Salary: $70,000, to commensurate with experience

The Utica City School District offers a comprehensive benefits package. 

 Additional Information:

• Applicants must be appointed based on eligibility list from Civil Service. If no list exists, applicants are appointed provisionally and must pass the civil service exam when it is administered;
• Fingerprinting Clearance - see additional information on our website under the Department of Human Resources
• Must comply with Civil Service Law; and,
• Must be a resident of the City of Utica.

Please Note: The Utica City School District is affiliated with the City of Utica Department of Civil Service.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer which fully and actively supports equal access for all regardless of Race, Color, Weight, National Origin, Ethnic Group, Religion, Religious Practice, Disability, Sexual Orientation, Gender, Age, Veteran Status or Genetic Information.