Accounting Analyst II

Seattle Public Schools; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Seattle Public Schools is seeking an Accounting Specialist who will be responsible for financial analysis, ensuring compliance with regulations, and maintaining accurate financial records for various funds. This role requires a strong background in accounting principles, excellent analytical skills, and proficiency in Microsoft Excel. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field and at least three years of related experience, aiming to support the District's financial management effectively.

Qualifications

• 3 years of accounting experience is typical.
• Bachelor's degree or higher in a related field is required.
• CPA or other financial qualification is desired.

Responsibilities

• Analyze data and produce internal reports.
• Ensure compliance with Federal, State, and District policies.
• Prepare reports to meet state audit standards.

Skills

Interpersonal relations

Customer service

Analytical skills

Financial analysis

Microsoft Excel

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Finance

Master's degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Finance

Job description

This position's responsibilities are to analyze data and produce internal management andexternalproject-level reports. Ensures compliance requirements of Federal and State rules and regulations as well as District's policy and procedures for the District's General Fund, Capital Project Fund,Grants Fund, ASB, Trust Fund and allother funds. Provides direction in maintenance of records and accounts.
Performs a wide variety of financial activities relating to the processing of cash receipts and related documents; stop pay and warrant reissue; including processing, recording, updating and reconciling such information.

• Conducts financial accounting, master data management and payroll accounting for different funds as assigned.
• Prepares reports and statements to meet state audit standards or requirement of federal, state and external users. Provides accounting information needed for management decision-making.
• Prepares journal vouchers and reconcile accounts.
• Ensure fiscal compliance for grants, trusts, capital project funds and general fund. Monitors, approves payments and travel for specify fund.
• Reconciles accounts receivable billings and analyzes cash receipt, revenue and expenditures.
• Monitors account balances and related financial activities for the purpose of ensuring that allocations are accurate, related revenues are generated, expenses are within budget limits and/or fiscal practices are followed. Evaluates and acts on delinquent accounts.
• Reconciles and balances external financial data with internal figures.
• Ensures accounting data integrity, and documents appropriately as per regulations and procedures.
• Maintains a wide variety of fiscal information, database, files and records for the purpose of providing an up-to-date reference and audit trail for compliance.
• Acts as liaison with HR, Payroll and Department of Technology in payroll and other operation issues.
• Reports, unearned revenue analysis and grant invoice status schedules.
• Provides professional assistance, input, training, and information to other district staff regarding accounting procedures, policies and departmental operations. Assists and communicates with community members, vendors and contracted agencies on fiscal aspects of school district.
• Monitors and analyses outstanding warrants for cancellation and/or reports for unclaimed property.
• Analyzes individual grants for underspend or overspend and makes appropriate adjustments for them.
• Assists in preparation, collection and reconciliation of Federal Time and Effort reports.
• Inputs and monitors cash receipt of bank accounts against financial system. Trains and instructs District fiscal and administrative personnel on cash handling.

OTHER FUNCTIONS:

• Develops and prepares ad hoc reports, extracts and data, as required or requested.
• Works with administration to develop, write and update written policies and procedures governing areas of assigned responsibility.
• Attends meetings, conferences and seminars to maintain knowledge and professional skills.
• May perform related duties consistent with the scope and intent of the position.

RELEVANT COMPETENCIES:

CustomerFocus
Commits to meeting the expectations and requirements of internal and external stakeholders; acts with stakeholders in mind; values importance of providing high-quality customer service.

• Makes customers and their needs a primary focus of his/her actions.
• Thinks ahead and considers the impact of actions both internally and externally.
• Develops trust, credibility and maintains strong relationships with customers.
• Goes the extra mile to satisfy customer needs and expectations.

PrioritySetting
Spends his or her time and the time of others on what's important; focuses on the critical few, and puts the trivial many aside; can quickly sense what will help or hinder accomplishing a goal.

• Spends own and other's time on what's most important.
• Focuses on the critical few, and puts the trivial many aside.
• Ensures that each individuals and the department develop goals and a plan that fulfills the organization's mission.

Interpersonal Skills
Is warm and easy to approach; builds constructive and effective relationships; uses diplomacy and tact to diffuse tense situations; has a style and charm that immediately puts others at ease and disarms hostility.

• Relates well with others.
• Builds constructive and effective relationships.
• Considers and responds appropriately to the needs and feelings of different situations.
• Is tactful, diplomatic and demonstrates consistency and fairness.

Personal Learning &Development
Is personally committed to and actively works to continuously improve him or herself; recognizes the need to change personal, interpersonal, and managerial behavior; actively seeks feedback.

• Exhibits persistence and motivation to continuously improve one's skills.
• Builds on strengths and addresses opportunities.
• Demonstrates an openness to learn from one's own mistakes.
• Seeks feedback from others and is receptive to new perspectives and ideas.

Functional/TechnicalSkills
Possesses required functional and technical knowledge and skills to do his or her job at a high level of accomplishment; demonstrates active interest and ability to enhance and apply new functional skills.

• Understands the technical aspects of the job and keeps up-to-date on key technical or functional aspects of the job.
• Applies appropriate technical/functional knowledge to address situations in a timely manner.
• Thinks of ways to apply new developments to improve organizational performance.
• Shares expertise and skills with others when appropriate.

DISTRICT-WIDE CORE COMPETENCIES:

Collaboration
Develops cooperation and teamwork while participating in a group, working toward solutions which generally benefit all involved parties.

• Is seen as a team player who encourages efficient and effective collaborations.
• Works skillfully in difficult situations with both internal and external groups.
• Represents his/her own interests while being open-minded to other groups.
• Builds respectful and productive relationships internally and externally.

Getting Results (Action Oriented)
Performs work with energy and drive; values planning, but will take quick, decisive action when an opportunity presents itself.

• Demonstrates a strong sense of urgency about solving problems and getting work done.
• Focuses on achieving the goal even in the face of obstacles.
• Assumes responsibility for starting and finishing work with minimal supervision.
• Strives for new levels of performance.

Decision Quality & ProblemSolving
Uses analysis, wisdom, experience and logical methods to make good decisions and solve difficult problems with effective solutions; appropriately incorporates multiple inputs to establish shared ownership and effective action.

• Weighs the consequences of options before making a decision.
• Applies appropriate criteria to situations for the purpose of making decisions.
• Displays self-confidence in own judgment.
• Focuses in the facts and solutions instead of opinions and problems.

Integrity
Is widely trusted; is seen as a direct, truthful individual; presents truthful information in an appropriate and helpful manner; keeps confidences; admits mistakes; doesn't misrepresent him/herself for personal gain.

• Deals with people and situations in an honest and forthright manner.
• Represents information and data accurately and completely.
• Represents the confidentiality of information and concerns shared by others.
• Takes ownership if a mistake is their own and does not blame others.

Accountability
Holds self and others accountable for measurable high-quality, timely and cost-effective results; determines objectives, sets priorities and delegates work; accepts responsibility for mistakes; complies with established control systems and rules.

• Takes responsibility and action as if the risks (financial or otherwise) are his or her own.
• Holds individuals and team accountable for their actions and results.
• Initiates action even if outcome is uncertain and is willing to accept the consequences of failure.
• Aligns own activities and priorities to meet broader organizational needs.
• Demonstrates courage and confidence in his or her own ability.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP); fund accounting and financial management principles, concepts, theories and techniques; grant accounting practices; Microsoft Office, especially Excel application.
• Skilled in preparing financial reports and statements; interpersonal relations; providing customer service; facilitating group processes; monitoring and analyzing program operations and line item budgets; preparing analytical cost accounting and budget reports for management decision-making; maintaining and reconciling accounts; strong oral and written communications.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and integrity of data; interpret and apply rules, regulations, policies and procedures; make recommendations and implement solutions; establish and maintain effective working relationships with District staff and the public in a multi-cultural community; research and analyze data, and make recommendations; provide training in assigned area of responsibility.

EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION:

A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be three (3) years of experience in accounting in a computerized environment, including cost accounting and preparation of specialized reports for management decision-making; Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Finance or closely-related field; Master's degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Finance or closely related field desired; or an equivalent of education and experience.

Any equivalent combination of education, experience and training that provides the relevant knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the work will be considered.

DESIRED CERTIFICATION & LICENSES:

CPA or other financial professional qualification

CLEARANCES:

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