Pupil Accounting Specialist

Description

The Pupil Accounting Specialist ensures accurate student enrollment data, timely state and federal reporting, and consistent compliance with Michigan Department of Education (MDE) requirements across all schools. This role serves as the primary liaison between school office staff and state agencies, providing training, audit support, and data quality oversight to maintain clean and reliable reporting.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Pupil Accounting & State Reporting

• Ensure timely, accurate submission of pupil accounting reports to MDE — from count day prep to final data scrubbing.
• Serve as the primary liaison with the state, troubleshooting reporting errors and resolving discrepancies.
• Build and maintain consistent systems across schools for scheduling, course codes, enrollment, and transcripts; train office staff on best practices.
• Conduct regular student file audits to ensure state and federal compliance.
• Stay current on MDE training and updates, and promptly relay changes to school teams.
• Configure and maintain the SIS to support accurate reporting uploads and downloads.
• Lead ongoing training to strengthen data accuracy, records retention, and reporting compliance (including CA-60s).
• Provide backup support to school office managers on pupil accounting as needed.

Federal Reporting & Compliance

• Support accurate data reporting for federal programs (Title I, IDEA, and related grants).
• Ensure student records align with federal and state standards, including FERPA.
• Generate custom SIS reports for internal teams, school leaders, and external requirements.

Data Systems & Training

• Continuously improve data entry procedures and SIS configuration for clean, audit-ready records.
• Upload and report on benchmark/assessment data to inform school-level decisions.
• Partner closely with office managers and school leaders to build shared ownership of compliance goals.

Requirements

 Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 

• Working knowledge of Michigan pupil accounting, MDE reporting, and CEPI student data platforms.
• Familiarity with FERPA, Title I, IDEA, and related compliance requirements.
• Sharp attention to detail with the ability to manage and audit large data sets.
• Skilled at translating complex compliance information for school office staff and leaders.
• Proficient in student information systems and standard office technology (Word, Excel, databases).
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to juggle multiple school timelines.
• A collaborative partner who builds trust and fosters cooperation across school and internal teams. 
• Willingness to travel regionally (Detroit, Okemos, Saginaw, Flint, Benton Harbor, Toledo, and East Chicago).