Director of Accounting

Spring Independent School District•Houston, TX

About The Position

The Director of Accounting leads the district’s accounting operations and supervises Accounting staff to ensure financial transactions and records are accurate, complete, and timely. The position directs general ledger activity, reconciliations, financial reporting, and audit preparation, and coordinates accounting activity with Payroll, Human Resources, Budget, campuses, and departments. The Director maintains effective internal controls and ensures accounting practices and financial reports comply with applicable federal, state, and local requirements. The Director uses financial and operational data to resolve issues, advise district financial leadership, and improve service, accuracy, and efficiency. The role requires a bachelor’s degree in accounting, at least five years of related accounting or financial experience, and at least three years of supervisory or management experience. A CPA and experience in a public school district, governmental organization, or equivalent accounting leadership role are preferred. The position involves prolonged sitting and computer use, physical mobility, standing, occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, and travel within the district and statewide. It also requires problem-solving, analysis of detailed financial information, adaptability to changing priorities and occasional irregular hours, effective communication, discretion with confidential information, and the ability to work independently.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in accounting from an accredited college or university.
At least five years of related accounting or financial experience.
At least three years of supervisory or management experience.
Knowledge of governmental accounting, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), and the Texas Education Agency Financial Accountability System Resource Guide (FASRG).
Knowledge of public school finance, financial reporting, account coding, and internal controls.
Advanced proficiency with spreadsheet and data-analysis tools, including formulas, pivot tables, lookup functions, and related reporting functions.
Ability to use accounting and financial information systems to review transactions, reconcile data, and produce accurate reports.
Ability to interpret school finance laws, regulations, Board policies, and district procedures and apply them to accounting operations.
Ability to analyze complex financial data, identify discrepancies and risks, and recommend corrective action.
Ability to establish internal controls, document procedures, and monitor compliance with deadlines and reporting requirements.
Ability to lead, coach, evaluate, and develop staff and organize work to meet recurring financial reporting and audit deadlines.
Strong written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to explain financial matters clearly and maintain confidential information.
Ability to solve problems, analyze detailed financial information, respond to changing priorities and occasional irregular hours, interpret applicable laws and policies, communicate with employees and leaders at all levels, maintain emotional control under stress, protect confidential information, and work independently.

Nice To Haves

Certified Public Accountant (CPA).
Experience in a public school district, governmental organization, or an equivalent accounting leadership role.

Responsibilities

Direct daily Accounting Department operations and supervise, assign, and evaluate Accounting staff.
Establish accounting procedures, review protocols, reporting calendars, and service expectations to support accurate and timely financial records.
Lead, coach, and develop staff; establish professional growth opportunities; and provide guidance on performance expectations, confidentiality, and customer service.
Coordinate general ledger activity and ensure transactions are accurately recorded in the appropriate funds and accounts.
Maintain internal controls and documented procedures to safeguard district funds, financial records, and confidential information.
Review and approve bank reconciliations and journal entries, ensuring discrepancies are resolved promptly.
Review and reconcile payroll-related balance sheet and general ledger accounts monthly.
Ensure payroll accruals, benefits accruals, and related liabilities are accurately calculated, recorded, and reconciled.
Review and approve the annual payroll accrual for all funds.
Coordinate with Payroll, Human Resources, Budget, and other departments to ensure the accuracy and integrity of financial and payroll transactions.
Monitor payroll charges to program intent codes, including Career and Technical Education, Special Education, and State Compensatory Education, for compliance with TEA spending requirements, and coordinate timely corrections.
Oversee financial reporting and ensure reports are accurate, complete, and submitted in accordance with TEA and other governmental agency requirements.
Prepare monthly financial reports and other reports supporting district operations and financial decisions.
Prepare and verify actual financial data for Public Education Information Management System (PEIMS) submission to TEA.
Coordinate the annual financial audit and special audits, provide required records and schedules, and coordinate responses to audit findings.
Ensure accurate and timely completion of the district’s annual comprehensive financial report.
Assist campuses and departments with accounting questions and issues and communicate procedures, deadlines, and required actions.
Maintain current knowledge of accounting pronouncements, school finance laws, and state and federal requirements through professional publications, continuing education, meetings, and workshops.
Identify recurring errors and process risks, recommend improvements to the Chief of Business Services, and coordinate approved changes with district financial leadership.
Perform other duties as assigned.