Accountant II

Hamilton County Department of Education; Chattanooga (TN); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Hamilton County Department of Education in Tennessee seeks a professional accountant to independently perform accounting, financial analysis, budgeting, and reporting in support of district operations. The role involves reviewing data, preparing reports, monitoring budgets, and ensuring internal controls.

Candidates should have a Bachelor's in Accounting, 4 years of accounting experience including 2 in governmental accounting; strong communication, planning, and collaboration with HR, payroll,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting or closely related field.
• Four years of accounting experience, including general/governmental accounting.
• Two years of experience in governmental accounting or related field.
• Equivalent mix of education, training, and experience acceptable.

Responsibilities

• Independently prepare, review, analyze, and post journal entries and financial transactions.
• Maintain and reconcile general ledger accounts.
• Review and evaluate financial data for proper classification and reporting.
• Support accounts payable/receivable and cash management.
• Monitor budgets and expenditures; investigate variances; and recommend corrective actions.
• Assist in budget preparation, projections, amendments.
• Prepare routine and non-routine financial reports.
• Analyze discrepancies and implement corrective actions.
• Conduct financial analysis and trend review.
• Ensure adherence to GAAP and governmental standards.
• Assist with audits and regulatory reporting.
• Collaborate with HR, payroll, budget, grants.
• Serve as resource for departments on procedures.

Skills

Verbal and written communication

Planning and organizational skills

Time management

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Accounting

4 years accounting experience including governmental accounting

Job description

Overview

The purpose of this classification is to independently perform professional accounting, financial analysis, budgeting, reconciliation, and reporting functions in support of district financial operations. This position is responsible for reviewing financial data, preparing and reviewing financial reports, monitoring account activity and budget performance, resolving accounting discrepancies, and supporting compliance with governmental accounting standards, district procedures, and applicable state and federal regulations. The role exercises discretion and judgment in evaluating financial information, applying accounting principles, researching and resolving operational issues, and supporting financial and operational decision-making. This position also provides technical guidance and support to departments regarding financial procedures, reporting requirements, budgeting, and compliance matters while developing and implementing process improvements to enhance operational efficiency, accuracy, and internal controls.

Additional Locations

Budget Office

Overview

The purpose of this classification is to independently perform professional accounting, financial analysis, budgeting, reconciliation, and reporting functions in support of district financial operations. This position is responsible for reviewing financial data, preparing and reviewing financial reports, monitoring account activity and budget performance, resolving accounting discrepancies, and supporting compliance with governmental accounting standards, district procedures, and applicable state and federal regulations. The role exercises discretion and judgment in evaluating financial information, applying accounting principles, researching and resolving operational issues, and supporting financial and operational decision-making. This position also provides technical guidance and support to departments regarding financial procedures, reporting requirements, budgeting, and compliance matters while developing and implementing process improvements to enhance operational efficiency, accuracy, and internal controls.

Responsibilities

Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out but may be considered incidental in the performance of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the duties herein described.

• Independently prepare, review, analyze, and post journal entries and financial transactions in accordance with established accounting standards, district procedures, and internal controls.
• Maintain and reconcile general ledger accounts with minimal supervision
• Review and evaluate financial data to ensure proper classification, coding, and reporting of financial activity.
• Support accounts payable/receivable and cash management processes
• Monitor budgets and expenditures; identify and investigate variances; and recommend corrective actions.
• Assist in budget preparation, projections, and amendments
• Maintain budget tracking tools and provide updates to departments
• Support position control and financial planning activities
• Prepare routine and non-routine financial reports and statements
• Analyze and evaluate financial data, coding structures, payroll information, and accounting records to identify discrepancies, ensure compliance, and recommend corrective actions.
• Ensure timely submission of required reports (internal and external)
• Assist in audit preparation and reporting requirements
• Perform bank reconciliations and account reconciliations by gathering, reviewing, and analyzing financial data for accuracy and completeness account and bank reconciliations independently
• Analyze and investigate discrepancies using independent judgement to determine root causes and develop and implement and effective correction actions.
• Conduct basic to intermediate financial analysis and trend review
• Interpret and apply GAAP and governmental accounting standards, exercising independent judgement to address complex or non-routine transactions
• Ensure adherence to policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements
• Support audit activities and provide required documentation
• Serve as a resource and point of contact for departments regarding financial procedures, accounting practices, coding structures, payroll matters, budget questions, and reporting requirements.
• Provide guidance, training, and technical support regarding financial processes, procedures, reporting expectations, and operational requirements.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (HR, payroll, budget, grants)
• Participate in year-end close processes, financial reconciliations, reporting activities, and related compliance requirements.
• Assist with system updates, testing, and process improvements
• Support special projects and system updates as assigned
• Use financial systems to input, retrieve, and manage data accurately
• Attends meetings as needed.
• Complies with applicable district, state, and federal codes, laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies and procedures.
• Adheres to the Teacher Code of Ethics as defined by Tennessee Law and Code of Professional Conduct as defined by Board Policy 5.6011.
• Creates a customer-focused climate and provides quality services and support to schools, community, businesses, Superintendent of Schools, Board of Education, and other stakeholders.
• Attends work and arrives to work on time.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education, Experience, and Qualification

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting or closely related field;
• Supplemented by four (4) years previous experience and/or training that includes general accounting, governmental accounting, accrual accounting, and personal computer operations;
• Two (2) years experience in governmental accounting or related field.
• Or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills to deal effectively with students, educators, parents, and community members.
• Demonstrate excellent planning, organizational, problem-solving, decision-making, and time management skills.

Compensation

Salary is based on a combination of relevant education and experience.

Grade: 1014

Salary Scale