Accountant (SY26-27)

Columbus City Schools - Ohio; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Flexible Spending Accounts

Paid leave

Tuition reimbursement

Career growth

Job summary

Columbus City Schools in Columbus, OH seeks a financial and operational partner to strengthen financial operations, reporting, and strategic decision-making across the district.

Under general direction, the role oversees accounts payable, payroll, budgeting, internal controls, and grant management, collaborating with school leaders and auditors. Candidates should have a bachelor’s in accounting or finance and a CPA/CFE/CGFM preferred, with 3+ years experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field.
• More than three years of accounting or financial record-keeping experience.
• Licensure: Ohio School Treasurer license; CPA, CFE, or CGFM.

Responsibilities

• Analyze financial operations and performance metrics to identify automation opportunities.
• Administers accounts payable, payroll, cash management, general ledger reconciliation, asset management, and grant administration.
• Develops, monitors, and maintains budgets while ensuring alignment with priorities, fiscal accountability, and regulatory requirements.
• Monitors financial activity, performs account reconciliations, investigates discrepancies, and implements corrective actions.
• Prepares and analyzes financial reports, forecasts, and management information to support planning and decision-making.
• Designs, implements, and monitors internal controls, policies, and procedures for compliance.
• Leverages financial systems to improve data quality and reporting capabilities.
• Coordinates audit-related activities and supports readiness for reviews.
• Provides financial guidance and training to stakeholders to promote sound fiscal management and continuous improvement.

Skills

Communication

Analytical thinking

Attention to detail

Problem solving

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance or related field

Tools

Accounting software

Financial systems

ERP systems

Job description

Benefits & Opportunities at Columbus City Schools:

Build Your Career. Enjoy Great Benefits. Make a Difference!

Columbus City Schools offers more than just a job! We provide competitive benefits and opportunities that support your well-being, financial security, and professional growth.

Here are just a few of the many benefits and opportunities CCS has to offer:

• Health & Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision coverage for eligible employees and dependents.
• Flexible Spending Accounts: Health care and dependent care FSA options.
• Paid Leave: Sick, personal, and vacation leave, as applicable.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Financial assistance for eligible educational and professional development opportunities.Discounted tuition with partnering universities
• Career Growth: Training, skill development, and opportunities for advancement.

And that's just the beginning!

Benefits and opportunities vary based on position, eligibility, applicable bargaining agreements, and district policies.

Definition:

This job posting is for a noncompetitive position. The hiring department will conduct a preliminary review of your application to determine who to interview. It is the responsibility of all applicants to provide a complete list of relevant work experience (previous and current) on the application.Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of listed work experience.

Official Transcripts or Degree are required to receive educational credit.Please attach before submitting application. If the official transcript or degree is not attached, application may be rejected. Applications cannot be updated after submission.

***Some positions may be grant funded.Continued funding for these positions are contingent upon availability.

This is not a remote position.

Under general direction, serves as a financial and operational partner responsible for advancing efficient, effective, and compliant business practices across the organization. The position leverages accounting expertise, data analysis, technology, and process improvement methodologies to strengthen financial operations, improve reporting capabilities, support strategic decision-making, and promote continuous improvement.

• The list below is intended to describe the essential duties performed by this position. This is not a complete listing of all responsibilities and/or required duties. Other duties may be assigned as needed.
• Analyzes financial operations, workflows, and performance metrics to identify opportunities for automation, standardization, cost savings, and continuous improvement.
• Administers and oversees accounting functions, including accounts payable, payroll, cash management, general ledger reconciliation, asset management, and grant administration.
• Develops, monitors, and maintains budgets while ensuring alignment with organizational priorities, fiscal accountability, and regulatory requirements.
• Monitors financial activity, performs account reconciliations, investigates discrepancies, and implements sustainable corrective actions to improve financial integrity and operational effectiveness.
• Prepares and analyzes financial reports, forecasts, and management information to support strategic planning, decision-making, and performance management.
• Designs, implements, and monitors internal controls, policies, and procedures to ensure compliance with accounting standards, grant requirements, and applicable regulations.
• Leverages financial systems and technology solutions to improve data quality, reporting capabilities, workflow efficiency, and organizational effectiveness.
• Coordinates audit-related activities, maintains required documentation, and supports organizational readiness for internal and external reviews.
• Provides financial guidance, training, and consultative support to stakeholders and staff to promote sound fiscal management and consistent business practices.
• Supervises, coaches, and develops assigned staff while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Maintains current knowledge of accounting principles, regulatory requirements, industry best practices, and emerging technologies.

Preferred Job Qualifications:

Education Level: Possession of a bachelor’s degree or higher in accounting, finance, or related field

Experience: More than three (3) years of accounting or financial record-keeping experience.

Licensure/Certification: Valid Ohio School Treasurer license; CPA, CFE, or CGFM

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge:

• Thorough knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles;
• General knowledge of school and municipal accounting procedures;
• General knowledge of the laws, ordinances, and regulations governing the financial operations of public school systems;
• General knowledge of preparing financial statements such as for tuition costs, internal cash funds, worker’s compensation, and state funding;
• General knowledge of accounting for cost transfers, and indirect expenditures;
• Some knowledge of grant management;

Skills:

Abilities:

• Ability to interpret federal, state, and local government accounting regulations and guidelines;
• Ability to review and propose compliance procedures;
• Ability to operate a computer and related software;
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing;
• Ability to make detailed analyses of financial records, sources of revenue, and operating costs;
• Ability to present technical information to target audience;
• Ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with external auditors, school officials, and District staff.

Required Minimum Qualifications:

Education Level: Possession of a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field

Eexperience:Three (3) years of accounting or financial record-keeping experience.

Licensure/Certification: Possession of a valid motor vehicle operator’s license may be required for some positions.

Official Transcripts or Degree are required to receive educational credit.

Physical/Mental Demands and Work Environment:

• Tools/Equipment Use: Desktop PC with keyboard and mouse, laptop, scanner, calculator, software, desk, and adjustable chair.
• Posture: Prolonged sitting and standing; occasional stooping, bending, squatting, kneeling, bending, pushing, pulling and twisting.
• Motion: Frequent repetitive hand motions, including keyboarding and use of a mouse; occasional reaching
• Lifting: Occasional lifting and carrying (less than 10 pounds)
• Environment: Works in office setting; may require occasional irregular hours and/or prolonged hours.
• Attendance: Regular and punctual attendance at the worksite is required for this position.
• Mental Demands: Maintains emotional control under stress; works with frequent interruptions.

Test/Job Contact Information:

This job posting is for a noncompetitive position and will MERGE WITH THE EXISTING LIST.The hiring department will conduct a preliminary review of your application to determine who to interview. It is the responsibility of all applicants to provide a complete list of relevant work experience (previous and current) on the application. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of listed work experience. Unless otherwise indicated, any year of required experience is based on 12 months of full time employment. Anything below 35 hours/week (or seasonal work) will be prorated. Please be sure that the job experience and education information in your profile is up to date and accurate before submitting your application. Questions regarding this process can be directed to Human Resources at [e-mail] .

Prior to application completion, please attach an OFFICIAL transcript or copy of degree indicating field of study, if applicable.

The qualifications listed above are intended to represent the education, experience, skill, and ability levels typically needed to successfully perform the essential duties contained in this job description. Columbus City Schools (CCS) is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against individuals regardless of race, sex, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, gender identity or expression, ancestry, familial status, military status or disability in its educational programs, activities, and employment policies. CCS fully supports the hiring and employment of individuals with physical or mental disabilities who meet the job qualifications, so long as the individuals are able to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

Address: 3700 S. High Street Columbus, OH 43207