Principal Account Clerk (Operations)-INTERNAL ONLY, Salem Public Schools, Salem, MA [SY2026-2027]

Salem Public Schools•Salem, MA

13h•Onsite

About The Position

Salem Public Schools is seeking a Principal Account Clerk (Operations) to provide administrative support and leadership for the Operations departments, including Food & Nutrition Services and Facilities and Grounds Departments. This role is responsible for all accounting processes, managing accounts payable/receivable, invoicing, payroll preparation, account reconciliation, and report preparation. The position serves as the first point of contact for these departments and handles various administrative duties. Salem is a diverse city with a rich history, and Salem Public Schools aims to prepare students for a thriving future. The district values belonging, equity, and opportunity, and seeks passionate individuals dedicated to urban education and student achievement.

Requirements

Associate’s degree required, or Bachelor’s Degree (preferably in Business or Accounting) or equivalent.
Minimum of two years of account payable/receivable experience.
Solid understanding of accounting systems.
Proficiency with Google suite required, fluency with Excel a plus.
Ability to work in a fast paced environment and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
Ability to keep confidentiality required.
Excellent problem solving, organizational and communication (including telephone) skills.
Ability to take direction and work as a team and independently.
Strong sense of customer service.
Must pass a CORI check.
Ability to meet deadlines.

Nice To Haves

MUNIS experience a plus.
Bilingual (Spanish or Portuguese) preferred.

Responsibilities

Provides administrative support and leadership for Operations departments, including Food & Nutrition Services and Facilities and Grounds Departments.
Responsible for all accounting processes, including managing accounts payable/receivable, invoicing for events (catering & rentals), preparing payroll, verifying invoices, reconciling accounts in MUNIS and preparing monthly, quarterly and year end reports and compliance documents.
Serves as the first point of contact for Food & Nutrition Services and Facilities and Grounds Departments, including answering calls and inquiries from internal and external stakeholders.
Prepares grant reports.
Supports employee scheduling (managing overtime, finding coverage staff absences).
Performs general office work and other duties as assigned.
Verifies and pays all invoices weekly through the city’s accounts system.
Manages/tracks invoices.
Schedules vendor visits.
Supports uniform purchase & reimbursement.
Prepares regular reports and compliance documents.
Invoices for rentals, catering and other services.
Prepares deposits.
Regularly reconciles accounts.
Solicits quotes as needed; implements required procurements.
Maintains records and documentation related to purchases and acquisitions, grants, personnel, etc.
Manages expenditure sheets, PNLs, and department budgets.
Supports the preparation of the department budgets.
Provides administrative support to ensure accurate and up to date contracts with vendors.
Generates monthly financial reports which benchmark spending categories year over year.
Reports monthly claims, and prepares Monthly Meals Tax.
Communicates with distinct and city finance office on a regular basis; attends regular meetings with other clerks and finance staff; attends monthly Operations meetings.
Answers phones, greets visitors, provides support to SPS staff.
Supports weekly payroll reconciliation.
Assists Operations staff & leadership in other tasks, as required.