Finance Assistant/Bookkeeper (12-18 month position with potential for long term)

School District of Bayfield; Bayfield (WI); Hybrid; USD 59,000 - 69,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health/Dental/Vision Insurance

Retirement

Long Term disability

Paid PTO

Vacation and emergency leave

Job summary

The School District of Bayfield is seeking a Finance Assistant/Bookkeeper to support the district's business office with accurate financial operations and compliance in a 12-18 month position with potential for long term. The role offers remote work options and a pathway for growth in a mission-driven school environment.

Reporting to the Finance Manager, you will handle A/P and A/R, assist with audits, document financial procedures, and coordinate payroll and benefits processing in line with

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in accounting/finance or related field preferred.
• Minimum five years of combined experience in a related field.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office, Skyward, payroll systems.

Responsibilities

• Assist with Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable processing, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with established procedures.
• Coordinate payroll and benefits processing in compliance with state and federal regulations.
• Prepare financial documentation and provide support during annual audits.
• Maintain payroll records and prepare journal entries for payroll taxes, net payroll, and deductions.

Skills

Microsoft Office Suite

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Detail orientation

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor degree in accounting/finance or related field

Tools

Skyward

Payroll systems

Job description

Finance Assistant/Bookkeeper (12-18 month position with potential for long term)

Position Overview

Bayfield Public Schools is seeking a detail-oriented, organized, and experienced Finance Assistant/Bookkeeper to join our Business Office team. The successful candidate will help ensure the efficient and accurate financial operations of the District by supporting proper accounting practices, assisting with compliance, and providing excellent service to staff, students, and stakeholders.

This is an exciting opportunity to work in an inclusive and supportive school environment that offers remote work options, opportunities for professional growth, and a mission-driven workplace culture.

Reports to: Finance Manager

Essential Functions

• Assist with Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable processing, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with established procedures.
• Conduct system and process audits to identify opportunities for improved efficiency and effectiveness.
• Develop, document, and implement financial procedures and systems that streamline operations and support departmental and district-wide needs.
• Ensure compliance with DPI-mandated accounting procedures and coding requirements.
• Maintain accurate and confidential vendor and employee financial and payroll records.
• Assist with bank statement reconciliations and support effective internal financial controls.
• Prepare financial documentation and provide support during annual audits.
• Coordinate payroll and benefits processing in compliance with state and federal regulations.
• Maintain payroll records and prepare journal entries for payroll taxes, net payroll, and deductions.
• File quarterly and annual payroll reports in accordance with state and federal requirements.
• Administer employee benefits and respond to staff inquiries related to finance, payroll, and benefits.
• Collaborate on Medicaid Cost Reporting (MAC and SBS).
• Prepare and submit monthly food service claims and reports.
• Provide timely, courteous, and professional customer service to district staff, students, and community members.

Additional Duties

• Performs other related duties, as assigned, for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the finance department.

Note

The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task or responsibility.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Ability to operate spreadsheet, word processing, and presentation software
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills (verbal and written)
• Ability to develop effective relationships with staff, parents, and the broader school community
• Able to comprehend and follow oral and written instructions to complete complex tasks
• Ability to read, interpret, and create financial documents and reports, including those required by the State of Wisconsin
• Strong problem-solving skills in both standardized and non-standard situations
• Capable of managing multiple projects and deadlines
• Works well independently and collaboratively as part of a team
• Maintains strict confidentiality and demonstrates high ethical standards

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in accounting finance or related field preferred
• Minimum of five years of combined experience in a related field
• Working knowledge of computers and computer software, Microsoft Office, Skyward, payroll systems
• Familiarity with Wisconsin Uniform Financial Accounting Requirements (WUFAR) and current financial software programs preferred
• Knowledge of principles of accounting and auditing with preference given to candidates with experience in public accounting setting
• Knowledge of budgets and the budget process
• Ability to work independently as well as with a team

Equipment

Uses standard office equipment such as personal computers, printer, copy and fax machines, calculator, and telephone

Travel Requirements

Travel to school and district buildings and professional meetings as required

Physical And Mental Demands, Work Hazards

Works in standard office and school building environments

Work Environment

The Work Environment Characteristics Described Here Are Representative Of Those And Employee Encounters While Performing The Essential Functions Of This Job. The Work Environment

• Is indoors
• Is in a temperature-controlled area
• Is where frequent interruptions and distractions occur
• Is where moderate levels of noise are likely to occur
• Is where possible exposure to human blood and bodily fluids may occur

FLSA Status

• Exempt
• Full Time - 12 month position

Work Schedule & Compensation

• FTE: 1.0
• Compensation: $59,000-$69,000 based on education and experience
• Work Hours: To be scheduled in collaboration with the Finance Manager, occasional remote work possible.
• Benefits: Health/Dental/Vision Insurance, Retirement, Long Term disability, Paid PTO, Vacation and emergency leave

Thank you for your interest in employment with the School District of Bayfield!

The School District of Bayfield does not discriminate in employment decisions based on age, race, creed, religion, color, disability, handicap, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, arrest record, conviction record, or membership in the National Guard or military forces of the United States, or other protected group status.

The information contained in this job description is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position. This job description is intended to comply with the American with Disabilities Act; reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.