Director of Accounting

Position Title: Director of Accounting
Department: Business Services
Supervisor: Executive Director of Business Services
Term of Employment: Annual (July 1 through June 30)
Salary Classification: Administrator Schedule – Director

Job Summary: The incumbent will provide direction, planning, and supervision in the area of accounting, compliance and reporting (internal and external). The incumbent will function as a technical leader for the Accounting Department staff members who perform transaction generation and review of various financial elements/accounts of the District. Review of prepared analysis, proposed journal entries and other work product, prior to entry into the general ledger will be a primary task.Chart of accounts and general ledger management, including the analysis of regulatory changes and required alignment will also be the responsibility of the position.
The incumbent will perform complex accounting analysis using financial and other related data. This individual will utilize the results of analysis to prepare standard and ad-hoc management reporting, journal entries, develop proposed solutions to business problems, and communicate with staff and administration to gather information and research issues necessary to accomplish daily tasks. The incumbent will also conduct analysis of expenditures and encumbrances, verify the accuracy and completeness of accounting records and perform complex transaction analysis. Activities will focus on compliance, process improvement, and solutions to key business problems while demonstrating superior customer service, integrity, and commitment to innovation, efficiency, and fiscal responsibility.

Essential Functions: Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include, but are not limited to, the following tasks, duties, knowledge, skills and other characteristics. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by incumbents in this class.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES generally include the following. Other duties may be assigned:
* Supervises the Accounting operations of the District. Manages the work unit and assigned personnel to meet established deadlines. Coordinates, schedules, prioritizes and assigns tasks and projects. Establishes performance measures, goals, objectives and priorities. Evaluates work performance. Provides feedback, direction and guidance. Provides and/or recommends training.
* Provides technical direction to the accounting staff on issues affecting the financial operations of the District and advises administration and staff on technical accounting/finance issues and regulations.

*Manages treasury management/banking/cash flow operations of the District. Tasks include deposits, transfers, investments, returned checks, cash flow projections, escheatment, bank statement and account reconciliation.
* Prepares journal entries and reconciles general ledger and subsidiary accounts. Reviews staff proposed journal entries and supporting documentation for accuracy, form and consistency with generally accepted accounting principles and USFR guidelines.
* Prepares monthly financial statements, revenue and expenditure reports and ad-hoc reports for staff, administration and the Governing Board.
* Develops and performs quality control of ad-hoc reports/templates for use by site/department personnel.
* Approves payroll actions and requisitions.
* Analyzes and reports on Bond Program expenditures compared to annual budget and bond program authorization.
* Develops and provides training in the use of the District’s computerized financial system, USFR compliance requirements and assists departmental personnel with budget questions, proper expenditure coding, document processing and other accounting related activities.
* Coordinates fiscal year-end accounting activities and related reporting.
* Develops internal benchmarks and monitors processes to measure program effectiveness and efficiency to ensure continuous improvement. Organizes extracted data into meaningful information through the use of computer-based tools. Reports on established quality metrics and utilizes information to analyze variances from goal and generates reports to support timely and accurate management decisions.
* Assists with audit liaison duties related to financial and agency audits and prepares audit schedules for internal and external auditors.
* Maintains knowledge of the Arizona Uniform System of Financial Records and relevant Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.
* Acts as the Student Activities Treasurer, supervising the student activities accounting function and ensuring that practices/procedures are in accordance with established regulations/statutes.
* Schedules and prepares trainings with administration, staff and various stakeholders on school finance topics and requirements.
* Performs other duties as assigned/required and assists with special projects as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:
* Knowledge of principles and practices of accounting and their application to governmental accounting systems.
* Knowledge of the Uniform System of Financial Records.
* Training development and delivery experience in a government or educational environment.
* Knowledge of applicable Federal and state statutes, rules, policies and procedures.
* Knowledge of applicable Peoria Unified School District and departmental policies and procedures.
* Proficient with Microsoft Office including Outlook, Excel, Power Point, and Word.
* Ability to perform risk analysis to address financial, compliance and operational risks and the ability to develop related process improvements and training.
* Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relations with co-workers, vendors, students, parents, the general public and others having business with the school district.
* Skill in operating a personal computer utilizing a variety of software applications, Infinite Visions experience preferred.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Five years of experience, a BS/BA degree in Accounting, Business, Management, or related field, OR any equivalent combination of experience and education from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved may be acceptable.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
* Must be able to pass a fingerprint and background clearance check.
* Must be able to obtain and maintain an Arizona driver’s license.
* May be required to lift and carry heavy, bulky supplies and materials weighing up to 20 pounds.
* May be required to work outside normal working hours.
* May be required to travel to perform work functions.