Community Education Accountant

Hopkins-Public-Schools; Hillside (IL); On-site; USD 80,000 - 98,000; Full time

Job summary

Hopkins Public Schools is seeking an Accountant for the Community Education Department to manage budget development, financial planning, and reporting while ensuring GAAP compliance. The role requires performing general ledger activities, billing, accounts receivable/payable, and annual reporting, with cross‑functional support across payroll and business office functions.

The ideal candidate holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance, with at least two years of public-sector accounting

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance or a closely related subject required; Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license preferred.
• Minimum of two (2) years of professional accounting and budget management experience; experience with Community Education, public-sector, or school district accounting preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead Community Education budget development and financial planning.
• Prepare and present budget-versus-actual analyses to support department and district decision‑making.
• Reconcile monthly general ledger accounts and prepare journal entries; manage accounts receivable and accounts payable.
• Assist with annual reporting, financial statements and year-end closing; provide payroll and other business office support as needed.

Skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Excel proficiency

Organization & time management

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting/finance

CPA preferred

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Financial software platforms

Job description

At Hopkins Public Schools, we believe that our strength lies in the diversity of our students, staff, and community. We are a proudly inclusive E-12 district serving approximately 7,200 students across the City of Hopkinsand surrounding communities. Our district represents a rich mosaic of cultures, backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences; we value and celebrate that diversity in everything we do. As an academically rigorous and human-centered district, we are committed to fostering a welcoming environment where every student and staff member feels seen, heard, and valued. There is no "typical" Hopkinsstudent, and we embrace this truth as a catalyst for innovation, growth, and equity in learning.

We seek educators and staff who are equity-minded, culturally responsive, and deeply committed to creating inclusive spaces where all learners can thrive.

We welcome candidates who are passionate about dismantling systemic barriers, advancing justice, and preparing students to become bold, collaborative, and compassionate global citizens. When you join Hopkins Public Schools, you are not just joining a district, you are becoming part of a community that honors difference, nurtures potential, and inspires remarkable achievement in every learner, from birth through graduation.

You are welcome at Hopkins. You belong at Hopkins.

JOB SUMMARY

The Accountant supports the financial objectives and operational needs of the Community Education Department while maintaining the integrity of district accounting and financial reporting. Reporting to the Director of Community Education and Engagement and working in coordination with the District Controller, this role leads Community Education budget development, financial planning, reporting, account management, and required annual reporting; performs general ledger, reconciliation, billing, accounts receivable, and accounts payable functions; and provides cross-functional accounting and audit support to ensure accurate, compliant, and continuous business operations.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Foundational Reporting and Cash Management - 50%

• Drives the annual Community Education budget development and adjustment process and assists in developing the department’s annual operating budget.
• Develops and coordinates Community Education financial planning, monitoring, and reporting in partnership with department assistant directors, coordinators, managers, and supervisors.
• Prepares and presents financial reports, including budget-versus-actual analysis, to support department and district decision-making.
• Coordinates completion of Community Education state-required annual reports and district annual reports.
• Reviews, monitors, and maintains Community Education general ledger accounts, budgets, and operational transactions; prepares journal entries, resolves variances, and tracks discrepancies.
• Ensures accounting procedures conform to generally accepted accounting principles and comply with applicable federal, state, district, and reporting requirements.

Community Education Operational Accounting and Account Management - 35%

• Provides Community Education accounting support, including accounts receivable, accounts payable, bookkeeping, billing, invoicing, account statements, cash activity, and reconciliations.
• Reconciles monthly general ledger accounts to supporting statements and prepares entries or corrections as required.
• Accesses financial systems to research and respond to questions regarding department accounts and provides sites with reports on participation, attendance, and related financial activity.

Audit Support and Additional Duties - 15%

• Prepares periodic financial reports and assists with official financial statements and year-end fiscal closing activities.
• Provides cross-functional coverage and technical assistance for payroll, accounts payable, and other critical business office functions during staff absences.
• Reviews supporting documentation for district expenditures and collaborates with finance and payroll staff to ensure transactions align with district codes and general ledger allocations.
• Serves as a technical backup for primary processing systems and responds to internal and external requests for financial research within the scope of authority.

Perform other duties as assigned or requested.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND ESSENTIAL SKILLS REQUIREMENTS

Education

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance or a closely related subject required; Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license preferred.

Experience

Minimum of two (2) years of professional accounting and budget management experience; experience with Community Education, public-sector, or school district accounting preferred.

Essential skills required to perform the work

• Ability to manage Community Education financial operations and provide adaptive, cross-functional coverage across payroll, accounts payable, and other business office platforms with a high degree of flexibility.
• Intermediate to advanced proficiency in technology and financial software platforms, with a strong emphasis on Microsoft Excel.
• Strong organizational and time management skills to manage tight processing deadlines and deliver quick turnarounds on financial projects.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to work collaboratively with families, Community Education staff, district leaders, and business office personnel, including communication regarding account balances and financial procedures.

PHYSICAL JOB REQUIREMENTS

The physical job requirements described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the primary functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary functions.

STANDARDS OF CONDUCT AND JOB PERFORMANCE

Performance of Duties

Employees must faithfully perform, at a professional level of competence, the services and duties prescribed by the District, regardless of whether such duties are specifically described in this policy, in a job description, in a notice of assignment, or in another document. Prompt and regular attendance is an essential function of each employee's job. Employees must also comply with all lawful directives issued by the Superintendent or by any other individual with supervisory authority. In addition, employees must comply with all applicable federal and state laws and with all rules, regulations, and policies established by the District. Employees may not, directly or indirectly, engage or participate in any action or conduct that conflicts in any respect with the interests of the District. Toward that end, employees may not engage or participate in any action or conduct that is inconsistent with their job duties, the basic educational mission of the District, or the desired image of the District.

Hours & Compensation

1.0 - FTE - 261 Days

Bargaining Unit: Non-Affiliated

Range: $80,293 - $97,537

Position specific Benefits information is available HERE

Union Contracts, Position Handbook/Agreements are located HERE