SUMMARY
Responsible for managing, coordinating, maintaining, and controlling staff and activities related to an accounting system that properly reflects the financial position of the District.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS — Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class. Employees are required to be in attendance and prepared to begin work at their assigned work location on the specified days and hours. Factors such as regular attendance at the job are not routinely listed in job descriptions, but are an essential function. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Monitors District financial policies and procedures, consults with district leadership, participates in establishing and implementing major financial and budgetary goals and objectives, serves as a resource in all aspects of accounting and budgeting.
Ensures accurate internal and external recording and reporting of financial transactions, general ledgers, accounts payable and receivable, fixed asset management, assists in developing District-wide budget parameters, in addition to ensuring that accounting activities are in accordance with established legal, regulatory, and District procedures.
Manages the composition, maintenance and publication of expense reports for the District.
Plans, organizes, assigns, supervises, reviews and evaluates the work of assigned staff.
Recommends selection of staff; trains staff and provides for their professional development; administers discipline as required.
Develops and implements goals, objectives, policies, procedures and work standards for the division; prepares and administers the division’s budget.
Contributes to the overall quality of the department’s service provision by developing and coordinating work teams and by reviewing, recommending and implementing improved policies and procedures.
Ensures Central Office Finance procedures are being implemented and followed by all schools and departments across the District; works with staff to ensure schools and departments are using funds appropriately.
Ensures that the Finance Department’s activities and procedures are in compliance with state and Federal rules and regulations, and MPS policies and procedures.
Oversees customer service and ensures financial training for schools and departments.
Works with the Executive Director of Finance, the Budget Director, the Director of Business Services, the Grant Manager, and the Financial Reporting Manager to ensure that departments and school transactions are processed timely for month end close;
Coordinates the year-end financial checkout process between schools and departments to ensure compliance for annual audit.
Exercises independent judgment within policy guidelines; analyzes issues and recommends solutions.
Demonstrates courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with students, parents, visitors, and MPS staff; acts in a manner that promotes a harmonious and effective workplace environment
Maintains absolute confidentiality of work-related issues, records and MPS information.
At times may be required to work outside normal business hours and work extended hours to accomplish requirements of the position.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education, Training and Experience Guidelines
Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, or a closely related field; AND five (5) years of professional accounting/finance analytical experience; OR an equivalent combination of education, training and experience as determined by Human Resources.
Knowledge of:
Principles, practices, regulations, and procedures as they relate to Accounting and Finance in Public Schools.
Accounting principles, practices, and methods as they apply to financial statements.
Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Government Accounting Standards Board pronouncements, Generally Accepted Auditing Standards (GAAS) for Public Sector financial management;
Federal and state fund accounting regulations, procedures, and accountability standards.
Specialized MPS and state agency accounting software applications, including SAP and State of Minnesota Uniform Financial Accounting and Reporting Standards (UFARS).
Principles and practices of public sector administrative management, including customer service and employee supervision.
MPS organization, operations, policies and procedures.
Skill in:
Interpreting and applying MPS policies and Federal, state, and local rules and regulations governing Accounts Payable and Purchasing.
Monitoring and interpreting financial statements/reports, and assuring compliance with all regulatory requirements governing public sector financial activities.
Using initiative and independent judgment within established procedural guidelines.
Maintaining complex financial and technical records.
Evaluating workflow and effectively prioritizing multiple tasks, projects and demands.
Preparing, reviewing and presenting financial statements and reports.
Planning, organizing, and coordinating the work of assigned staff.
Answering questions, advising staff, and resolving problems on finance issues.
Assessing and prioritizing multiple tasks, projects and demands.
Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with co-workers and clients.
Conflict resolution.
Operating a personal computer utilizing standard and specialized software.
Communicating effectively verbally and in writing across departmental boundaries in a large and diverse urban school district.
LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
A valid Minnesota State Driver’s License may be required.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT
Work is performed in a standard office environment which requires occasionally lifting such articles as file boxes or heavier materials with help from others and/or lifting and carrying light objects frequently. A job in this category may require walking or standing to a significant degree or may involve sitting most of the time with long periods of computer work and heavy phone usage.
ORGANIZATIONAL INFORMATION
Bargaining Unit: MACA
Grade: 70
FLSA Status: Exempt
Job Group: Finance and Accounting