Accounting Specialist

Cohasset-Public-Schools; Cohasset (MA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The Accounting Specialist at Cohasset Public Schools supports the district’s financial operations through accounting, administrative, and operational services. The role ensures accurate financial processing, regulatory compliance, and efficient daily operations across accounts payable and receivable, budgeting, and payroll support.

It contributes to internal controls, audit readiness, and high-quality service to staff, students, and families. Terms of Employment: Full Time - Full Year.

Qualifications

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Finance, or related field preferred.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in accounting, accounts payable, or municipal/school finance operations.

Responsibilities

• Accounts Payable & Financial Operations: process purchase orders, verify documentation, and ensure tax-exempt status.
• Manage accounts payable/receivable, budgeting and payroll support.
• Maintain accurate records for audits and financial reporting; respond to vendor inquiries.

Skills

Attention to detail

Communication

Analytical skills

MS Office

Education

Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Accounting

Tools

SoftRight

Financial software

Job description

Accounting Specialist

Cohasset Public Schools Cohasset Public Schools - Cohasset, Massachusetts Open in Google Maps

Job Details

Job ID: 5954409

Application Deadline: Posted until filled

Posted: Oct 08, 2026 12:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Dec 7, 2026

Position Type: Full-time

Salary: $65,000 to $75,000 Per Year

Job Description

JOB SUMMARY

The Accounting Specialist supports the district’s financial operations by providing accounting, administrative, and operational services. This position ensures accurate financial processing, regulatory compliance, and efficient daily operations across accounts payable and receivable, budgeting, and payroll support.. The role also contributes to strong internal controls, audit readiness, and high-quality service to staff, students, and families.

Terms of Employment: Full Time - Full Year

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES (include but are not limited to):

• Accounts Payable & Financial Operations
• Prepare and process purchase orders in accordance with district procedures and state procurement requirements
• Review supporting documentation, verify budget availability, ensure tax-exempt status, and obtain required vendor documentation (e.g., W-9 forms)
• Communicate with vendors and departments to resolve discrepancies or incomplete submissions
• Process weekly school warrants, including invoice collection, verification of goods/services, and matching to purchase orders
• Maintain accurate and organized records of invoices and payments to support audits and financial transparency
• Respond to vendor inquiries, resolve billing issues, and coordinate credits when necessary
• Process journal entries in financial systems as requested, ensuring accuracy and proper documentation
• Support audit preparation by providing documentation and responding to requests
• Cash Management & Turnover Processing
• Count and verify cash and check deposits and prepare treasury receipts in financial systems
• Process weekly turnovers for school and student activity accounts and monthly online payment turnovers (e.g., UniPay, MySchoolBucks)
• Ensure timely and accurate deposits in accordance with internal controls
• Monitor and follow up on returned payments, coordinating repayment and maintaining tracking records
• Travel regularly to Town Hall to deliver and retrieve warrants, payroll, and financial documents
• Budget Tracking & Reporting
• Monitor expenditures, including utilities and athletics, to ensure alignment with approved budgets
• Maintain records of revenues and expenditures across funding sources (e.g., grants, CEF, PSO, enrichment programs, capital projects)
• Track athletic accounts, including Arbiter, and process deposits for officials’ payments
• Review open purchase orders and coordinate closures or adjustments for accurate financial reporting
• Prepare reports and assist administrators with budget-related inquiries
• Billing & Online Payment Systems
• Administer Kindergarten tuition billing, including invoicing, payment plans, and collections
• Manage district-wide online payment systems (e.g., MySchoolBucks, UniPay)
• Create and maintain fee-based products and ensure accurate revenue allocation
• Generate financial reports and provide technical support to families and staff
• Payroll & Human Resources Support
• Provide backup support for payroll processing, including timecard review, verification of hours, and payroll execution as needed
• Maintain confidentiality and compliance with payroll and labor regulations
• Support professional development processes, including tracking course approvals, reimbursements, and credits
• Process professional development requests, purchase orders, and reimbursements; maintain accurate records
• Serve as a point of contact for staff inquiries related to payroll and professional development
• General Office & District Support
• Provide administrative support to Central Office staff and assist with daily operations
• Support public records requests in compliance with applicable laws and timelines
• Maintain records retention for accounts payable and food service documentation in accordance with regulations
• Approve and/or place custodial and operational supply orders
• Manage postage systems, district Amazon accounts, and vendor accounts (e.g., Ahold/Stop & Shop), including user access
• Provide responsive and professional customer service to staff, families, and community members

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Cohasset Public Schools policy of nondiscrimination shall apply to the District’s students, staff, and families, and shall extend to the District’s dealings with the general public and those with whom it does business, in accordance with applicable law. No individual shall be discriminated against or harassed in admission, employment, or access to educational opportunities, courses of study, programs, activities, or facilities of the Cohasset Public Schools on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, immigration status, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information, veteran status, U.S. uniformed military service member status, disability, age (student age eligibility requirements excepted), homelessness, marital or parental status, pregnancy or pregnancy related condition, or any status or characteristic protected under applicable federal, state or local law. Cohasset Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer. Any complaint of a violation of the District's nondiscrimination policy should be directed to the Superintendent of Schools or to the relevant District Officer or Coordinator (e.g., Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, ADA, Section 504, McKinney-Vento).

Job Requirements

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Finance, or related field preferred
• Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in accounting, accounts payable, or municipal/school finance operations
• Experience with financial systems (e.g., SoftRight), online payment platforms, and procurement processes preferred
• Knowledge of basic accounting principles, public procurement requirements, and financial controls
• Strong organizational skills with high attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
• Strong communication and customer service skills
• High level of discretion in handling confidential information
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and financial/accounting software
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment
• Employment based on successful completion of CORI and fingerprinting background checks
• Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Superintendent may find appropriate and acceptable
• At least 3 year(s) of relevant experience preferred.
• Associate degree preferred.
• Citizenship, residency or work visa required

Contact Information

• Trish Boyer , Dir. of Finance and Operations
• Superintendent's Office
• 143 Pond Street
• Cohasset, Massachusetts 02025
• Phone: [phone]
• Fax: [phone]
• Email: [e-mail]