Southeast

SUMMARY

Under general supervision, processes accounts payable invoices, reconciles vendor statements, reviews and enters data, processes transactions, verifies data integrity and ensures accuracy and timely payments; provides quality customer services.

 

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:

 

Receives and verifies invoices for goods and services.  Ensures that the transactions comply with MPS financial policies, controls and procedures.  Verifies information with site/department that goods were received, or service was provided.
Determines proper use of account codes, object codes, discount, and payment terms.  Processes invoices for payment.
Reconciles monthly statements from vendors.
Answers vendor inquiries in reference to payments, data, receipt of goods, etc.
Maintains updated vendor files.  Sets up and maintains complex records and filing system of accounts payable vendor files and other financial records, including invoices for retrieval or review by auditors.
Assists in the training of new and temporary personnel regarding accounts payable transactions.
Acts as back-up for facilitation of processing and printing of weekly check runs.  Identifies and pulls the checks that require special handling.
Confirms accuracy of totals of invoices processed to totals paid to vendors.  Acts as back-up for maintaining spreadsheet compiling total invoice amounts processed on a daily basis.  Investigates discrepancies and make corrections as needed.
Maintain files for independent contractors.  Monitors the payments to independent contractors so that payments and tax codes are accurate.  Continually compare total payment amounts made to contractors against the total amount of their contract to avoid overpayment.
Verify tax codes for contractors in preparing to process 1099s.  Match and collate vendor numbers in the event there are duplicates.  Prepare 1099s for mailing; ensures that the paperwork related to the processing of 1099s is done in an accurate and timely manner.
Performs investigative transactions to ensure that payments are processed within budget amounts and have proper approval.
Prepares journal entries and /or uploads in SAP.
Demonstrates courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with students, clients, visitors, and MPS staff; acts in a manner that promotes a harmonious and effective workplace environment
Enthusiastically promotes the Superintendent’s goals and priorities in compliance with all policies and procedures.
Maintains absolute confidentiality of work-related issues, records and MPS information.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education, Training and Experience Guidelines

High School Diploma/GED; AND three (3) years of Accounts Payable experience; OR an equivalent combination of education, training and experience as determined by Human Resources.

 

Knowledge of:
Accounting and budgeting principles and methods, including grant fund and special fund procedures.
Applicable policies, procedures and regulations covering specific areas of assignment.
Specialized MPS and state agency accounting software applications.
Principles of record keeping and records management.
Personal computers utilizing standard and specialized software applications.
Skill in:

Maintaining accurate accounting records, and identifying and reconciling errors.
Performing mathematical calculations with skill and accuracy.
Entering numerical data into a computer system with speed and accuracy.
Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with co-workers.
Effective verbal and written communication.
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.

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

 

ABOUT THE COMMUNITY/SCHOOL DISTRICT:

The St. Charles School District’s main office is located in St. Charles, Minnesota. The school district has an approximate enrollment of 1,030 pre-kindergarten through grade twelve students.

School District Website: https://www.scschools.net/

City Website:   https://www.stcharlesmn.org/

LEADERSHIP PROFILE: The St. Charles School Board seeks a superintendent who:

• Is visible and accessible to the School Board, staff, students, parents, and community members.
• Acts with honesty and in an ethical manner throughout the district and with all stakeholders.
• Has experience in school finance.
• Has proven abilities in human relations and communication.
• Delegates authority while maintaining accountability.
• Develops and directs an effective leadership team.

Previous superintendent experience preferred, but not required.

SALARY/CONTRACT:  A competitive compensation and benefits package, with a minimum salary of $135,000, will be negotiated commensurate with experience and qualifications. Contract length is negotiable as provided in Minnesota statute.

APPLICATION DEADLINE:  March 10, 202

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:  MSBA uses an online application process. Applicants begin the application process at mnmsba.myrevelus.com. To be considered for this position, an applicant’s completed file must be received by the MSBA office by 11:59 p.m. on March 10, 2024, and must include the completed online application and the following uploaded documents: a cover letter indicating a desire to be a candidate for the “St. Charles Public Schools Superintendent;” legal proof or other evidence (i.e. certificate/license) showing the candidate’s qualification to be a superintendent in the state of Minnesota; and a set of up-to-date credentials, which includes a current resume, at least three letters of recommendation, and a copy of the candidate’s official transcript(s) (upon hire, originals must be submitted to the school district).

Please contact with any questions:  Amy Jordan, MSBA Executive Search Team, [email protected] or 507-479-9984.

The Minnesota School Boards Association is an equal opportunity search agency.