District Accountant/Financial Analyst

Position Summary Under the direction of the Director of Business Administration, this position will support the day-to-day financial operations of the 5 schools within the districts. The District Accountant / Financial Analyst is an accounting financial professional whose role includes the accurate and timely accounting for all revenues and expenses, general ledger maintenance, financial reporting and analysis, tax compliance, and year-end close and audit compliance. The position is ideal for an experienced, detail-oriented financial professional seeking to leverage their accounting skills and expand their knowledge and experience in municipal and school district operations and finance.

Key Responsibilities

Key responsibilities include ensuring the meticulous reporting of all financial transactions, preparing and examining financial reports and records for accuracy and compliance, performing year-end close, periodic and consistent reconciliations of general ledger accounts, managing accounts payable and receivable, assisting with tax and compliance reporting, contributing to annual budgeting and forecasting, identifying process improvements, and supporting audits.

General Ledger & Accounting Operations

Collaborate with staff responsible for purchasing, accounts payable, receivable, and payroll to ensure entries to the general ledger are recorded properly; Maintain the district’s general ledger, ensuring accurate coding of all financial transactions, including revenues and expenditures for all general fund, and special revenue accounts, including grants and revolving accounts; Record all journal entries and reconcile accounts regularly; Reconcile the general ledger cash account to the treasurer’s cash book; Reconcile all entries for grants and general fund expenditures and revenues to the municipal accountants’ records; Develop tracking documents for grant expenditure, revenues, drawdowns and balances; Support fiscal year-end close, and the preparation of audit materials. Maintain organized and complete electronic and paper files for all grant activities to be prepared for both internal and external audits; Review and improve internal controls to ensure accuracy and timeliness in financial transactions.

Grant Accounting and Financial Administration

Set up and manage the financial accounts for each grant, monitoring awards, revenue and expenditures to ensure funds are used properly; Ensure the timely and compliant drawdown of grant funds from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and other grantor systems; Monitor compliance with all grant regulations and guidelines, including allowable costs, reporting deadlines, and proper record-keeping; Collaborate with the grant writers and districts’ administrators and staff to advise on financial and compliance matters related to grant-funded programs; Prepare and submit all required programmatic and financial reports, including the closeout phase for DESE and other grant-awarding agencies.

Financial Analysis & Reporting

Collaborate on the development of the annual district-wide budgets and mid-year forecasting; Analyze monthly, quarterly, and annual budget-to-actual financial reports for internal and external stakeholders; Lead the preparation of state-mandated reports such as DESE End-of-Year Financial Report, DOR Excess and Deficiency Balance Sheet submission, and other DESE/DOR filings; Prepare financial statements.

Financial Compliance & Audit Support

Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal financial regulations and internal controls; Monitor the proper use and documentation of grants, revolving funds, capital funds, and student activity funds; Prepare documentation for and assist in the internal and external audits and work with the Business Administrator to implement recommended improvements; Assist with reviewing bid specs and contracts in accordance with Massachusetts General Laws.

Budget Development & Monitoring

Support the development, coordination, and management of the annual operating and capital budgets; Work closely with department heads, school leaders, and administrators to ensure budget alignment with operational goals.

Process Improvement & Policy Development Provide data-driven insights to help maintain fiscal responsibility across the districts; Help streamline financial workflows and implement best practices across financial functions; Develop guidelines to improve expenditure controls and identify cost-saving opportunities.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting; 5+ years of successful accounting, financial analysis, and budget management experience; Proficiency with accounting systems & platforms; Advanced Excel and Google Sheets skills; Strong understanding of financial statements, including GAAP, public sector accounting, and financial compliance; Exceptional organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

Master’s degree; Experience in a municipal, regional school district, or public sector finance setting; Familiarity with DESE reporting and Massachusetts Chapter 30B procurement; Experience in all phases of grant management: implementation, reporting and closeout; Tyler Technologies School ERP Pro experience or other accounting platform experience; Experience collaborating with auditors, school administrators, and government agencies; Ability to thrive in a data-intensive, analytical environment and explain complex financial data to non-financial stakeholders.

Compensation & Benefits:

Full-time, year-round position; Salary: $75,000 – $100,000, commensurate with experience; Eligible for full benefits package