Accountant I

Job Title: Accountant I                                                                                                                                                 

Reports to:  Director of Financial Services                                                                              

Classification: Classified Exempt

Location:      District Office

Job Summary

The Accountant I position is responsible for district bookkeeping tasks such as accounts payable, procurement, accounts receivable, reconciliations, journal entries, banking reconciliations, and supporting other staff during peak workload demands. Supports and takes direction from Financial Services management to support timely and accurate accounting for various District funds and programs (for example, general fund, grant funds, student activity funds, etc.). Other duties include training and supporting school and bookkeeping staff with accounting and policy questions related to various District funds and programs. Works with daily pressures, requiring constant attention to a volume of work which must be completed within a limited time and according to deadlines.

Essential Job Functions

Essential duties of this position include the following functions.  Employees in this position perform some, or all, of the following tasks.  Other duties may be assigned.

1. Responsible for vendor invoice processing, statement reconciliations, and preparing cost allocations for various periodic billings including district purchasing card program statements.
2. Processes requisitions for procurement including ensuring district meets competitive procurement
   requirements and documentation for approval.
3. Supports bidding and contracting operations as assigned, such as posting for public notice, creating and
   formatting documents, processing for signatures, and other workflow and documentation procedures.
4. Classifies, records, and balances revenue and expenditures to proper accounts. Researches and follows-up on delinquent or unpaid accounts according to established procedures.
5. Responsible for bank deposit input and reconciles bank statements and ensures agreement with the general ledger. Coordinates outreach for outstanding checks and payments and submitting unclaimed property report according to policies. Promptly investigates irregularities and recommends corrective measures to protect the district’s financial interests.
6. Monitors daily cash flow and performs cash transfer responsibilities for assigned funds.
7. Monitors various accounting activities, including but not limited to student activity funds, school athletic funds, building use, food service, and similar funds.
8. Prepares, reviews and posts journal entries for disbursements, receipts, and adjustments, ensuring proper documentation.
9. Prepares timely month-end reconciliations and journal entries for all accounts, including income statement and balance sheet as assigned.
10. Assist and train school and department staff with using financial systems and accessing reports.
11. Monitor and reconcile general ledger activity, subsidiary systems and balances. Support ?xed asset accounting, including capital expenditure reporting and analysis.
12. Maintain a working knowledge of federal, state, and local laws for school accounting and grant accounting.
13. Support upkeep of the chart of accounts, including creating account codes and closing account codes.
14. Monitor charges for reasonableness and compliance with District policies and procedures.
15. Ensure required documentation and approvals comply with district policies and procedures.
16. Research issues, prepare invoices, and claim funds for the support of special revenue expenditures.
17. Support annual audit procedures by preparing required documentation, work papers, and reports; researching issues; and compiling information for staff and auditors.
18. Prepare or assist in the preparation of all applicable fiscal reports for grant funded programs and ensures timely submission thereof; may include assisting with preparation of grant applications.
19. Track and update District fixed asset schedules.
20. Track and update District inventory records.
21. Assist with budget preparation and tracks and monitors budget reports, including ensuring monthly reconciliation of student activity funds.
22. Coordinate district travel requests including making reservations and payments, managing travel system, and submitting expense reimbursements in compliance with federal rates.
23. Complete a high volume of data entry requiring speed and accuracy, as well as skill with various technology and software, in an environment with constant interruptions.
24. Assist in automation projects and recommend modi?cations/improvements to complete system application.
25. Completes special projects and other duties as assigned.
26. Appropriately maintains and secures confidential records and inquiries, and ensures compliance with document retention laws and policies.
27. Professionally represents the school and the District in interactions with parents, community, staff, and students.
28. Troubleshoots office machinery (copy, fax, etc.).
29. Other related duties may be assigned.

Other Job Functions

1. Assists in other functional areas in the department as necessary for relief coverage and to maintain schedules.
2. Attends meetings and performs other duties as assigned.

Working conditions

Work is primarily done indoors, with extended periods of working with a computer and telephone. May be required to sit, keyboard, write, hear, and speak for extended periods. Work activities may include bending, stooping, kneeling, and occasional lifting of items weighing 20 to 50 pounds. Travel between school sites and district office required.

Qualifications

1. Understanding of:
   1. Federal, state, local and other funding source compliance, regulations, and laws.
   2. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, Government Accounting Standards, and other rules and regulations related to assigned functions.
   3. Financial and statistical recordkeeping and reporting.
   4. Fraud and risk reduction practices.
2. Ability to:
   1. Pass and maintain Oregon Fingerprinting and Criminal Background Check clearance.
   2. Travel among district facilities as needed with valid Oregon drivers’ license and excellent driving record.
   3. Perform multiple tasks with a potential need to upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions.
   4. Perform designated duties under high stress conditions and maintain multiple priorities to meet established deadlines while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail and with minimal
   5. Demonstrate proficiency with computer use and programs, including word processing, spreadsheets, internet, templates, email, and integrated financial software systems.
   6. Perform analytic and self-review disciplines.
   7. Maintain professionalism and confidentiality of district transactions.
   8. Work harmoniously with others and demonstrate positive conflict resolution.
   9. Have physical and mental attributes sufficient to perform essential functions and be a contributing member of a team.
   10. Have willingness to take on a variety of new and challenging projects.
   11. Demonstrate strong work ethic and high personal integrity, with ability to work successfully and establish strong partnership with others.
   12. Have strong skills in interacting effectively and collaboratively with diverse individuals or groups.
   13. Take personal responsibility for professional learning; maintain professional and technical knowledge by participating in professional development activities.
   14. Maintain excellent attendance and punctuality, and work a flexible schedule including evening and weekend hours when needed.
   15. Have excellent competencies in a variety of areas including writing and editing, organization, problem-solving, multi-tasking, statistical record keeping, and prioritizing.
   16. Perform tasks as This is not necessarily an exhaustive or all-inclusive list of responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts, functions or working conditions associated with the job.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree with an emphasis in accounting, ?nance, business, or data analysis is required; course work in governmental accounting is a plus
• Requires two years of progressive experience in accounting or financial data analysis; government or public school accounting preferred, federal grant accounting is a plus.

Other Requirements

• Work location: Onsite District Office
• Work Shift: Typically 8-5, may require work in the evening to meet deadlines
• Position Type: Full Time
• Position Days/Calendar: 12-months (260 days)
• Leave Benefits: 20 non-contract days, sick, and personal days