General Accountant (Charter School)

JOB TITLE: General Accountant (Charter School)

DIVISION: Finance 

DEPARTMENT: Finance/Fiscal Department 

LOCATION: 9301 Michigan Ave Detroit MI, 48210

REPORTS TO: Director of Finance

FLSA STATUS: Exempt/Salary

CLASSIFICATION: Full-Time, Regular

APPROVED DATE: 08/19/2024

JOB SUMMARY: Provides support to the Finance Department by analyzing, performing and monitoring accounting transactions, preparing monthly financial statements and other required financial reports, assisting with the development and management of the charter school budget, and supporting both internal and year-end audit processes. This position requires an organized professional with the ability to execute at a high level with independence, thoroughness and accuracy. This position reports to the Director of Finance and works closely with school staff and management.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Adheres to the mission of SER Metro-Detroit and Subsidiaries
2. Record all bank transactions and reconcile bank account monthly in Quickbooks.
3. Process financial transactions including receipts, disbursements, journal entries, payables, general ledger maintenance and reconciliations.
4. Perform month end closing activities, reconcile liability accounts monthly, and prepare monthly financial statements and board reports; conducts research necessary to resolve discrepancies and distributes information to appropriate individuals.
5. Supervise and assist in preparation and monitoring of annual budgets and periodic budget amendments.
6. Assist with preparing various financial reports as requested by the Director of Finance.
7. Perform year end closing activities and post accrual journal entries.
8. Prepare schedules, gather information and assist auditors as needed.
9. Other duties as assigned by the Director of Finance.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: No

JOB QUALIFICATIONS: 

1. Bachelor’s degree from a four year accredited university or college with a degree in accounting, business administration, or related field required.
2. Experience with K-12 charter/public school fund accounting preferred.
3. Four (4) years of experience in general accounting, audit, fiscal management, charter school accounting, and/or government accounting, preferably in the non-profit sector.
4. Knowledge of Michigan Department of Education and other pertinent regulations and procedures.
5. Knowledge of GAAP and other applicable accounting procedures.
6. Interpersonal skills necessary to effectively communicate and build professional relationships with employees and auditors.
7. Ability to multi-task. Quickly and accurately, shift attention among multiple tasks under distracting conditions without loss of accuracy or appearance of frustration.
8. Ability to work independently to handle pressures related to meeting deadlines and completing tasks requiring concentration.
9. Comfortably and confidently, use a computer and specialized software to maintain accounting records. Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) as well as accounting software; knowledge of MIP and Quickbooks preferred.
10. Excellent verbal and written communications skills.
11. Must be willing to work a flexible schedule, evening and/or weekend hours when required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:  The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Must have physical ability to occasionally sit in one position for extended periods of time when data entering information. This is a largely sedentary role; however, some filing is required. This would require the ability to lift files, open filing cabinets and bend, stand or walk as necessary. Employee must be able to drive for extended periods of time. Employees must occasionally lift and /or move up to 25 pounds, must be able to set up a display area as needed.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: This job operates in a normal office environment with little discomfort due to noise, dirt, dust and the like. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photo copiers, filing cabinets and fax machines. Fast paced, mentally demanding and will be in constant communications.

Equal Opportunity Employer

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by a person assigned to this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties and responsibilities that may be performed by a person so classified. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.