Accounting Manager

Bellflower Unified School District•Bellflower, CA

13d•Onsite

About The Position

Under administrative direction, provides management and oversight of District accounting, payroll, and benefits operations and ensures compliance with state, federal, and local laws and regulations; provides leadership and supervision to assigned staff. The Accounting Manager classification is characterized by managerial responsibility for the District's accounting, financial reporting, payroll, and benefits functions, including development of related policies and procedures, supervision of professional and technical staff, oversight of compliance with applicable laws and reporting requirements, and budget administration for assigned operations. It is distinguished from the Director of Fiscal Services, who holds broad administrative authority over the entire fiscal services department - including accounting, purchasing, and warehouse operations and provides strategic direction for District-wide financial functions. It is distinguished from the lateral Purchasing Manager classification, who oversees warehouse operations and District-wide purchasing activities, including procurement of supplies, materials, and equipment, while the Accounting Manager focuses on management of District funds, financial reporting, payroll, and benefits administration. It is also distinguished from Accounting and Payroll classifications, which perform the work without exercising managerial authority.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or other fields closely related to the job requirements of this classification from an institution of higher learning recognized by the Council of Higher Education Accreditation.
Four (4) years of professional accounting experience, including one (1) year of experience providing lead direction to staff.
Knowledge of principles, procedures, and practices of accounting, including fund accounting, budgeting, fiscal control, and financial reporting.
Knowledge of preparation of financial statements, audit schedules, and comprehensive accounting reports.
Knowledge of budget development, monitoring, and variance analysis techniques.
Knowledge of payroll accounting systems, tax reporting requirements, and employee benefits administration.
Knowledge of grant accounting and compliance requirements for state and federally funded programs.
Knowledge of financial and statistical record-keeping techniques and internal control systems.
Knowledge of principles and practices of governmental auditing, including audit preparation, response to audit findings, and implementation of corrective actions.
Knowledge of principles and practices of supervision, staff development, and performance management.
Knowledge of modern office practices, procedures, and accounting software systems, financial management information systems, and standard office productivity tools.
Knowledge of California School Accounting Manual (CSAM), Standardized Account Code Structure (SACS), Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), and applicable Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) pronouncements.
Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, rules, regulations, and reporting requirements governing school district fiscal operations, including payroll tax reporting, CalSTRS and CalPERS reporting and compliance, Sales and Use Tax filings, and other regulatory compliance requirements.
Knowledge of fundamental concepts of employment laws, codes, and regulations, including EEO, FLSA, FMLA, and Cal/OSHA and applicable provisions of collective bargaining agreements.
Ability to plan, organize, and manage accounting, payroll, benefits, and financial reporting activities.
Ability to develop and implement accounting and financial policies, procedures, and internal controls.
Ability to supervise, assign, review, and evaluate the performance of assigned staff.
Ability to analyze, interpret, and prepare complex financial statements, forecasts, and reports.
Ability to prepare and present complex financial information and recommendations to District administration, the Board of Education, and external stakeholders.
Ability to identify problems, evaluate alternatives, and implement effective solutions.
Ability to interpret, apply, and explain applicable laws, codes, rules, and regulations.
Ability to utilize accounting software, financial management systems, and standard office applications.
Ability to resolve conflicts and handle sensitive situations with discretion and professionalism.
Ability to collaborate effectively with school administrators, staff, and external agencies.
Ability to work independently while effectively managing competing priorities.
Ability to model communications and interactions that respect and include all individuals and their languages, abilities, religions, and cultures.
Ability to obtain transportation between job sites is required; travel may include District school sites, county and state agency offices, and off-site conferences and workshops.

Nice To Haves

Experience in a K-12 school district educational setting is preferred.

Responsibilities

Plans, directs, and oversees the daily operations of the District's accounting, financial reporting, payroll, and benefits functions, including establishing priorities, assigning work, and setting performance standards to ensure accuracy, regulatory compliance, and timely service delivery.
Maintains district accounts and financial records in compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), the California School Accounting Manual (CSAM), and Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) requirements; implements procedures to ensure effective internal controls and regulatory compliance.
Oversees completion and accuracy of district financial statements, including unaudited actuals, revenue and expense reports, and cash flow projections; prepares and presents financial reports to administration and the Board of Education as needed.
Coordinates and manages month-end and year-end closing activities and deadlines to ensure timely and accurate financial reporting; reviews and approves general ledger and subsidiary ledger reconciliations, journal entries, supporting schedules, and related accounting transactions.
Oversees reconciliation of District funds and accounts, including general and special revenue funds; revolving funds; clearing and fringe benefit accounts; and other related accounts; prepares analyses and reports to support accurate financial reporting and cost allocation.
Oversees accounts payable, accounts receivable, purchase order payment processes, and cash receipt processes; monitors and audits Associated Student Body (ASB) and other student activity funds to ensure compliance with District policies and internal controls.
Oversees tracking and reconciliation of grant expenditures and reimbursements for state and federally funded programs to ensure compliance with applicable requirements and support cash flow planning.
Reviews and monitors departmental budgets; analyzes variances and expenditure trends; approves budget transfers; and manages District cash flow activities.
Coordinates and oversees the preparation and submission of State and Federal local tax reports, payroll, retirement and regulatory reports, including SACS reports, CalSTRS and CalPERS reporting, environmental compliance filings, and other required reports.
Coordinates with external auditors during the annual audit process; responds to audit findings, management recommendations, and inquiries from County, State, Federal, and other regulatory agencies.
Manages employee health and dental insurance accounting functions, payroll clearing fund activities, and related financial processes in accordance with collective bargaining agreements, District policies, and applicable regulations.
Plans, assigns, evaluates, and supervises the work of assigned staff; provides training and professional development opportunities; interviews and selects employees; and recommends disciplinary actions.
Liaises with District administrators, staff, outside agencies, and vendors to coordinate activities, resolve issues, and exchange information; responds to escalations and inquiries from internal and external stakeholders, including State and Federal agencies.
Maintains current knowledge of governmental accounting standards, regulatory requirements, and best practices in school district fiscal operations through participation in professional organizations, training, and conferences.
Performs related duties as assigned.