Accounting Specialist

Midland Public Schools•Midland, MI

About The Position

Midland Public Schools is hiring a full-year, full-time Accounting Specialist for a 260-day position. Under the supervision of the Director of Fiscal Services, the Accounting Specialist performs accounting and daily business operations for the district, including payroll, purchasing, accounts payable and receivable, benefits administration, banking, and general ledger activities. The position uses independent judgment to complete reconciliations, budget analyses, financial reporting, audit preparation, staff training, and specialized projects. Summer hours may vary as determined by district administration. Midland Public Schools serves approximately 7,300 students in pre-kindergarten through grade 12 across 12 schools, with an operating budget of $121 million. The district is located in Midland, Michigan. The salary range is $63,521–$74,731. The position is evaluated annually until the maximum is reached, in accordance with the Manager Handbook.

Requirements

A bachelor's degree in accounting, business management, or a related field with accounting coursework is preferred; relevant experience may be considered in lieu of education.
Advanced computer skills, including Microsoft Office (particularly Excel), Google Workspace, and computerized financial systems.
Ability to create, manage, and troubleshoot spreadsheet formulas and functions and quickly learn and support new software.
Knowledge of fund accounting, grant accounting, general ledger accounting, and bank reconciliations.
Working knowledge of accounts payable, accounts receivable, budgeting, purchasing, payroll, benefits, and year-end procedures.
Ability to use an integrated accounting system and understand how transactions affect financial records.
Ability to investigate and analyze information, draw logical conclusions, and solve complex problems.
Ability to relate to school-age children, parents, employees, and community members, and maintain positive professional relationships and a collaborative customer-service culture.
Ability to work independently, demonstrate initiative, and manage competing priorities and timelines.
Ability to understand terminology, rules, regulations, and procedures related to school accounting and business.
Ability to exercise discretion, maintain confidentiality, and demonstrate professional integrity.
Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills, including the ability to maintain a calm, professional approach.
Ability to manage detailed work, competing deadlines, and frequent interruptions, and adapt to changes in plans or activities on short notice.
Ability to exercise independent judgment and apply professional knowledge in fund accounting, accounting principles, general ledger accounting, and related business office functions.
Successful completion of district-required background checks and employment screenings.
Possess fine motor skills and the ability to lift up to 50 pounds unassisted to move equipment and supplies.
Ability to stand or sit for long periods, up to an entire shift as tasks require, and frequently stoop, squat, bend, crouch, reach, kneel, and climb stairs.
Ability to ride in a vehicle as necessary, including occasional travel for training.
Honesty, integrity, professionalism, good judgment, and the ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Nice To Haves

Proficiency in accounting for public school districts in accordance with Bulletin 1022, the Michigan Public School Accounting Manual.
At least three years of accounting experience in a Michigan public school district.
Experience with accounting software.
Experience with year-end accounting transactions and preparing schedules and supporting documentation for external audits.

Responsibilities

Perform accounting duties involving district funds, programs, and projects.
Prepare and assist with financial statements, reports, and project proposals.
Review records and project expenditures for compliance with GAAP and applicable federal and state laws and regulations.
Support preliminary and annual external audits by preparing year-end entries, schedules, reconciliations, and supporting documentation, and responding to auditor requests.
Conduct financial analyses, studies, and evaluations, and provide technical assistance.
Maintain and reconcile general ledger accounts, including special revenue funds, and research and resolve accounting discrepancies.
Participate in cross-departmental training and provide backup support for related district processes.
Apply and monitor internal controls, identify weaknesses or discrepancies, and recommend improvements to the Director of Fiscal Services.
Perform accounting work to ensure compliance with GASB requirements, GAAP, and grant requirements.
Implement, track, and communicate benefits-related policies, procedures, and laws pertaining to the Affordable Care Act.
Prepare journal entries and periodically reconcile the general ledger, journal entries, and bank statements.
Research complex problems, make recommendations, and work with appropriate personnel to resolve them.
Ensure financial activities comply with Board policies, district guidelines, applicable statutes and regulations, and professional ethical standards.
Assist with developing and implementing procedures and system features to improve department workflow and resource use.
Develop and update operating procedures and instruction manuals for assigned duties.
Develop and conduct in-service training for department and school personnel on fiscal accounting and related software.
Prepare data analyses and financial reports using district financial systems and spreadsheets.
Monitor daily bank balances and cash activity, resolve banking discrepancies, and coordinate routine banking matters.
Prepare and process payroll-related bank transfers in accordance with authorization and internal control procedures.
Coordinate online payment processing, reconcile receipts and deposits to district financial records, and resolve payment discrepancies.
Assist with preparing, reconciling, and submitting required state and federal financial reports by established deadlines.
Assist with financial monitoring, reconciliations, reporting, and audit support for the school lunch program.
Assist with special projects and organize and prioritize tasks to meet deadlines.
Complete district-assigned training within established deadlines.
Communicate through district-assigned email daily as directed by the supervisor, submit electronic timesheets and absence reports on time, and maintain regular, reliable attendance.
Perform other duties assigned by the supervisor or Superintendent.