Special Programs Accountant

**Please note, this position within the Hopkins School District has become available due to a retirement.
 
 
SUMMARY:
Under general supervision, performs professional accounting in special programs, technical review, and budget support duties; records, reviews, verifies and reports financial and technical transactions; analyzes and researches records, and responds to requests for information within the scope of authority.
 
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
This class specification lists the major duties and requirements of the job and is not all-inclusive.  Incumbent(s) may be expected to perform job-related duties other than those contained in this document and may be required to have specific job-related knowledge and skills.

• Performs and coordinates professional accounting functions for Special Programs including: performs duties within scope of authority and training, and in compliance with HPS policies and quality standards; duties may vary according to job assignment.
• Act as liaison with the Minnesota Department of Education to ensure HPS maintains compliance regulations according to state and federal guidelines.
• Reviews, approves, and posts transactions and computer accounting entries; performs technical accounting activities, including general ledger maintenance, accounts payable & receivable, revenue tracking, develop tuition billing rates, budgets, bank statement reconciliation, grants and special fund accounting, contracts, debt management, purchasing, and financial reporting.
• Collects financial and administrative information and compiles data for reports; prepares and distributes monthly and special reports; identifies and researches accounting issues and recommends solutions.
• Manages special funds, transaction accounts and grant program accounts as assigned; updates and maintains statistical information, financial reports and related documents.
• Work independently to create, maintain, and balance the Special Programs budgets of $20+ million and $6+ million in grant funding to ensure expenditures are in line with the approved budget.
• Presents financial information, findings, and recommendations to assist managers in decision-making.
• Reviews and approves reports and transactions regarding data tracking, financial reporting, transactional accounting, budget accounting, position control, purchasing and contracts.
• Work closely with the Director of Business Services and Executive Leadership creating future budgets including advising program and staff cuts while adhering to the State and Federal requirements and finalizing the yearly budget with the district allocation.
• Monitors accounting work methods and processing procedures, and assures the quality of the financial controls, services, and work products.
• Conducts special research, analysis and planning projects, coordinates budget planning and development process.
• Evaluates financial transactions for validity, and compliance with Federal and state technical requirements and District policies and practices, reports anomalies and discrepancies.
• Analyzes financial status and trends, and forecasts revenues and expenditures.
• Provides advice and customer service to HPS staff and clients.
• Coordinate the fiscal year closing requirements and reconciliation.
• Promotes and supports the overall mission of the district by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with public and staff; acts in a manner that promotes a harmonious and effective workplace environment. 

 
 
QUALIFICATIONS:
 
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
 
Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance, or a closely related field.
• Four (4) years of professional financial analysis experience.
• OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. 

 
Required Certificates, Licenses, and Registrations:
Continued employment is contingent upon all required licenses and certificates being maintained in active status without suspension or revocation.

• Driver’s license.

 
Required Knowledge and Skills
Required Knowledge:

• Thorough understanding of data analysis
• Oracle Financials experience desired.
• Intermediate proficiency with a strong emphasis on Microsoft Excel.
• Adherence to tight deadlines and quick turnaround for accounting deliverables
• Uniform Guidance related to state and federal funding.
• Principles and practices for providing customer and personal services.
• Administrative principles and practices, including Microsoft office suite.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from management, vendors, and associates.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to develop and maintain an organized structure.
• Computer applications related to the work.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.

 
Required Skills:

• Preparing clear and concise reports, correspondence, and other written materials.
• Using initiative and independent judgment within established procedural guidelines.
• Using tact, discretion, and prudence in working with those contacted in the course of the work.
• Performing effective oral presentations to large and small groups.
• Contributing effectively to the accomplishment of team or work unit goals, objectives, and activities. 
• Commitment to the District mission, which is to ensure high quality, innovative, challenging education where all learners are valued and respected.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:
The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 
 
Mobility to work in an office setting, use standard office equipment and stamina to sit for extended periods of time; strength to lift and carry up to 20 pounds; vision to read printed materials and computer screens; and hearing and speech to communicate in person or over the telephone.  
 
WORKING ENVIRONMENT:
Work is performed in an office setting.
Travel required to locations throughout the district.
 
FTE: 1.0, 40 hours per week, 261 days per year.
Salary: $75,829 – $105,029, DOE.