SUMMARYMINIMUM QUALIFICATIONSLICENSE AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTSPHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENTORGANIZATIONAL INFORMATION

Minneapolis Public Schools•Minneapolis, MN

About The Position

Under general supervision, performs professional accounting, technical review, and budget support duties; records, reviews, verifies and reports financial and technical transactions; analyzes and researches records, and responds to requests for information within the scope of authority. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS -- Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class. Employees are required to be in attendance and prepared to begin work at their assigned work location on the specified days and hours. Factors such as regular attendance at the job are not routinely listed in job descriptions, but are an essential function. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following: Performs professional accounting functions for Finance Department or an assigned department; performs duties within scope of authority and training, and in compliance with MPS policies and quality standards; duties may vary according to job assignment. Reviews, approves and posts transactions and computer accounting entries; performs technical accounting activities, including general ledger maintenance, accounts payable & receivable, revenue tracking, budgets, bank statement reconciliation, grants and special fund accounting, contracts, debt management, purchasing, and financial reporting. Evaluates financial transactions for validity, and compliance with Federal and state technical requirements and District policies and practices; reports anomalies and discrepancies. Reconciles transactions and financial activities according to MPS policies; records changes, reconciles and resolves differences; reviews financial and accounting records and corrects errors as required. Updates and maintains the accounting computer database; develops specialized financial spreadsheets as needed; reviews, investigates, and corrects errors; maintains and organizes paper files and records. Collects financial and administrative information and compiles data for reports; prepares and distributes monthly and special reports; identifies and researches accounting issues, and recommends solutions. Manages special funds, transaction accounts and grant program accounts as assigned; updates and maintains statistical information, financial reports and related documents. Analyzes financial status and trends, and forecasts revenues and expenditures. Reconciles and reclassifies transactions and data as needed; reviews, investigates, and corrects errors and inconsistencies in entries, transactions, documents, and reports. Provides advice and customer service to MPS staff and clients; explains SAP methods and procedures, and accounting rules, policies and procedures; researches accounting issues and resolves problems. Conducts special research and analysis projects; summarizes data and generates reports to assist managers in decision-making. Assists in the preparation of the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR); coordinates work with auditors as required. Cross-trains in all budget and accounting duties; may provide work direction to clerical staff. Demonstrates courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with students, clients, visitors, and MPS staff; acts in a manner that promotes a harmonious and effective workplace environment Enthusiastically promotes the Superintendent’s goals and priorities in compliance with all policies and procedures. Maintains absolute confidentiality of work-related issues, records and MPS information.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration; AND two (2) years of professional accounting experience; OR an equivalent combination of education, training and experience as determined by Human Resources.
Knowledge of: Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and Generally Accepted Auditing Standards (GAAS) for Public Sector financial management, including grant fund and special fund procedures.
Knowledge of: Government Accounting Standards Board (GASB), Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB), and Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) standards, practices and policies.
Knowledge of: Federal and state accounting regulations, procedures, and accountability standards.
Knowledge of: Specialized MPS and state agency accounting software applications, including SAP and State of Minnesota Uniform Financial Accounting and Reporting Standards (UFARS).
Knowledge of: Principles of record keeping and records management.
Skill in: Interpreting and applying accounting standards and procedures, applicable rules and regulations, and MPS policies and procedures.
Skill in: Reviewing and interpreting financial documents, and verifying compliance with all regulatory requirements governing public sector financial activities.
Skill in: Maintaining accurate accounting records, and identifying and reconciling errors.
Skill in: Reviewing and verifying the accuracy of accounting and technical transaction data and reports.
Skill in: Operating a personal computer utilizing standard and specialized software.
Skill in: Performing mathematical calculations and entering data with skill and accuracy.
Skill in: Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with co-workers.
Skill in: Effective verbal and written communication.

Nice To Haves

Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification.

Responsibilities

Performs professional accounting functions for Finance Department or an assigned department
Reviews, approves and posts transactions and computer accounting entries
Evaluates financial transactions for validity, and compliance with Federal and state technical requirements and District policies and practices
Reconciles transactions and financial activities according to MPS policies
Updates and maintains the accounting computer database
Collects financial and administrative information and compiles data for reports
Manages special funds, transaction accounts and grant program accounts as assigned
Analyzes financial status and trends, and forecasts revenues and expenditures
Reconciles and reclassifies transactions and data as needed
Provides advice and customer service to MPS staff and clients
Conducts special research and analysis projects
Assists in the preparation of the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR)
Cross-trains in all budget and accounting duties
Demonstrates courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with students, clients, visitors, and MPS staff
Enthusiastically promotes the Superintendent’s goals and priorities in compliance with all policies and procedures
Maintains absolute confidentiality of work-related issues, records and MPS information.