Senior Accountant

Pawtucket School Department•Pawtucket, RI

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Accountant plays a critical role in supporting the daily operations of the Business Office. This role is responsible for general ledger maintenance, financial reporting, budget monitoring, grant compliance, and audit preparation in alignment with GAAP and public sector standards.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration (with Accounting concentration)
Minimum 3 years of experience in municipal, nonprofit, or fund accounting
Strong knowledge of GAAP and fund accounting principles
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel
Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills
Ability to manage multiple priorities independently and meet deadlines
Professional financial position that requires a thorough knowledge of GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles), computerized accounting systems and the application of the general ledger as they apply to fund accounting in a non-profit environment
Working knowledge of budget development, accounting and reporting expenditures of all federal, state and local awards
Proven experience in maintaining confidentiality
Proven experience in organizational and leaderships skills with an emphasis to detail, consistency, and accuracy
Ability to develop policy documents and procedure manuals
Skilled in working with complex data, utilizing formulas, functions and import tools.
Proven experience communicating effectively, both orally and in writing with governmental, state and local agencies and vendors
Proven experience in decision making using independent judgment and initiative to resolve problems in a timely manner

Nice To Haves

ECPA or Master’s in Accounting/Finance
5+ years of accounting experience, including 2+ years in a senior or supervisory role
Experience with public sector, school district, or municipal finance
Familiarity with MUNIS or similar financial software
Experience with Rhode Island’s Uniform Chart of Accounts
Exposure to database or systems administration

Responsibilities

Prepare, review, and analyze monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements
Maintain general ledger, including journal entries, reconciliations, and year-end closings
Manage accounts payable/receivable processes and ensure timely disbursements and collections
Assist in developing and monitoring the annual district budget
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local fiscal regulations and reporting requirements
Oversee financial activity and reporting for federal, state, and local grants, including school food services
Monitor compliance with RI Department of Education’s Uniform Chart of Accounts (UCOA)
Support payroll, purchasing, and fixed asset management as needed
Coordinate and support annual external audits, preparing schedules and responding to inquiries
Analyze financial variances and trends; recommend improvements to fiscal controls
Collaborate with departments and school leaders to ensure proper use and oversight of funds
Train applicable staff on accounting processes and changes in procedures