Accounting Specialist

Purpose Statement
The job of Staff Accountant is done for the purpose/s of providing support to department activities with
specific responsibility for ensuring that overall fiscal policies, practices, payroll protocols, and/or regulations
meet network and compliance requirements; maintaining accurate account balances; ensuring efficient use
of financial resources; and providing financial information, guidance, and recommendations to the
department administration, Chief Financial Officer, Board, and/or regulatory agencies.
This job reports to Chief Financial Officer
Essential Functions
Assists auditors for the purpose of providing requested supporting documentation, information on
internal processes, and/or coordinating activities in support of the audit process.
Coordinates a wide variety of accounting projects/processes (e.g. payroll, payments to vendors, accruals
for revenues/expenses, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring accurate financial management and
compliance.
Coordinates various aspects of network payroll (e.g. general ledger coding, insurance, etc.) for the
purpose of ensuring accuracy of all payroll records.
Generates payments of invoices; invoicing for partner schools; inputting of general/fixed assets,
inventories of equipment, etc. for the purpose of ensuring timely and accurate financial transactions,
maintaining comprehensive records, and supporting efficient operations within the organization.
Implements accounting procedures for the purpose of providing internal financial controls throughout the
network and ensuring compliance with established accounting practices and all applicable regulatory
requirements.
Monitors school site purchase order process for the purpose of ensuring availability of funds; and
compliance with established network financial guidelines and program policies, practices, and regulatory
requirements.
Oversees a variety of network online systems (e.g. donor payment, check printing, etc.) for the purpose
of streamlining financial processes, enhancing data accuracy, and facilitating secure transactions in
accordance with organizational policies and procedures.
Participates in department meetings, workshops, committees, etc. for the purpose of conveying and/or
gathering information required to perform job functions and/or supporting the activities of the network.
Prepares a wide variety of reports (e.g. analyses for grants, input for budget creation, numbers of
students in transition/homeless, etc.) for the purpose of documenting activities, providing written
reference, and/or conveying information.
Presents a wide variety of financial and reported information (e.g. budget overviews, accounting
processes, payroll information, etc.) for the purpose of communicating information, gaining feedback,
and ensuring adherence to established internal accounting controls.
Responds to inquiries from a wide variety of internal and external sources (e.g. staff, outside vendors,
etc.) for the purpose of providing information, direction, and/or appropriate referrals.
Reviews all expense reports from staff and administration for the purpose of ensuring expenses fall
within network policy, meet approval protocols, and submission of required documentation for payment.
Updates network reimbursement policies for travel and professional development, disseminating current
information to staff for the purpose of ensuring compliance with regulations, and supporting employee
growth and development initiatives.
Other Functions
Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective
functioning of the work unit.

Job Requirements: Minimum Qualifications
Skills, Knowledge and Abilities
SKILLS are required to perform multiple, technical tasks with a potential need to upgrade skills in order to meet
changing job conditions. Specific skill based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job
include: operating standard office equipment using pertinent software applications; performing accounting
procedures; planning and managing projects; and preparing and maintaining accurate records.
KNOWLEDGE is required to perform advanced math; read technical information, compose a variety of documents,
and/or facilitate group discussions; and solve practical problems. Specific knowledge based competencies required
to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: principles of accounting and auditing; general governmental
accounting practices; standard office practices and procedures; and pertinent codes, policies, regulations, and/or
laws.
ABILITY is required to schedule activities, meetings, and/or events; gather, collate, and/or classify data; and use job-
related equipment. Flexibility is required to work with others in a variety of circumstances; work with data utilizing
defined but different processes; and operate equipment using standardized methods. Ability is also required to work
with a wide diversity of individuals; work with data of varied types and/or purposes; and utilize job-related equipment.
Problem solving is required to identify issues and create action plans. Problem solving with data frequently requires
independent interpretation of guidelines; and problem solving with equipment is limited to moderate. Specific ability
based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: analyzing a variety of financial
and statistical information; working under time constraints; communicating with diverse groups; meeting deadlines
and schedules; setting priorities; and working with detailed information.
Responsibility
Responsibilities include: working under limited supervision following standardized practices and/or methods; directing
other persons within a small work unit; monitoring budget expenditures. Utilization of resources from other work units
is often required to perform the job's functions. There is a continual opportunity to impact the organization’s services.
Work Environment
The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: some
lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, some stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling and significant fine
finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 80% sitting, 10% walking, 10% standing. This job is performed in a
generally clean and healthy environment.
Experience: Job related experience with increasing levels of responsibility is required.
Education: Bachelors degree in job-related area with an emphasis in accounting.

Required Testing
None Specified

Certificates and Licenses
CPA is preferred

Continuing Educ. / Training
Maintains Certificates and/or Licenses

Clearances
Criminal Background Clearance