Financial Services Specialist

Grand Rapids Public Schools • Grand Rapids, MI

11h • Onsite

About The Position

The Financial Services Specialist is a member of the Business Division and works with other team members to provide timely and accurate financial budgeting, accounting, and reporting for the district. The position provides quality services in an efficient, timely, and professional manner to internal and external customers. It reports to the Director of Budget & Accounting. Compensation is assigned to Grade 107 and is based on the candidate’s verified, relevant experience as determined by Human Resources.

The position supports district financial planning and operations, including budget forecasting, financial reporting, grant management, internal controls, year-end accounting, banking, and investments. It provides financial information, training, and support to control officers, program directors, and other district teams, and helps maintain financial procedures and systems.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting or Finance.
• At least 3 years of demonstrated experience in a finance role related to school finance.
• Proven leadership ability and excellent communication skills.
• Familiarity with federal and state restricted-program grant principles and procedures, including legal requirements, comparability guidelines, allowable costs, financial reporting, budgeting, grant management, indirect cost allocations, and reimbursement.
• Demonstrated ability to perform budget forecasting and planning.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, and government regulations.
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedures.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish and analyze facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to foster teamwork and provide training.
• Ability to manage multiple projects concurrently and prioritize responsibilities.
• Proficiency with personal computers, spreadsheet software, database applications, and word-processing software.
• Ability to work with business and scholar accounting technology platforms.
• Ability to provide excellent customer service to a variety of customers and handle confidential information.
• Ability to make decisions and act independently and to work in a multicultural environment.
• Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Regular, punctual, in-person attendance.

Responsibilities

• Initiate and coordinate monthly financial work; analyze monthly financial information and reports.
• Prepare reports explaining significant variances in anticipated balances.
• Forecast budget revenues and expenditures and recommend budgets; prepare budget projections, revisions, and adjustments according to program cost allocations and established procedures.
• Prepare and maintain budget and account work papers, adjustments, and other financial reports.
• Assist with developing salary schedules and cost analyses for contract changes and negotiation projections.
• Communicate financial information to senior staff and explain financial implications of options, situations, and decisions.
• Prepare detailed cost-benefit analyses for district programs, including new initiatives.
• Serve as liaison to control officers and provide financial information; coordinate financial training and assist control officers and program directors with budgets, expenditures, and fund transfers.
• Monitor and analyze budgets to ensure expenditures do not exceed authorized amounts; ensure accurate financial records and proper transaction documentation.
• Monitor the general ledger, staffing, board-paid benefits, and other matters in accordance with budget allocations and policies.
• Promote fiscal responsibility throughout the district; create and update internal audit materials, test existing financial controls, and recommend modifications.
• Assist in developing annual budget projections for district sites and programs.
• Assist in preparing annual financial statements and reports for the State of Michigan, including the Michigan Department of Education systems (MEGS+, Nexsys, CMS) and the Center for Educational Performance and Information.
• Compile and analyze year-end work papers, adjustments, reconciliations, and other year-end activities.
• Provide leadership and support to Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, and Financial Services Coordinators.
• Coordinate the preparation of internal and external reports, including reports for granting agencies.
• Maintain and cultivate an inventory of business procedures, practices, and processes.
• Assist with implementing and maintaining district financial, payroll, and human resources system software.
• Liaise among the Business Office, Payroll, Management Information Systems, and Human Resources.
• Coordinate and review timely preparation and issuance of billings to outside entities.
• Coordinate district banking and investment needs; prepare cash-flow projections to anticipate borrowing needs and available investment funds.
• Ensure sufficient funds are available for operations, debt repayment, and capital investment needs; maintain procedures that control and protect district funds.
• Serve as liaison with district banking and investment institutions.
• Maintain dependable attendance and punctuality and perform other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level