Description

Position: Accounting Specialist

Schedule: Year-round Position

Location: District Office, 12414 S Andrus Rd Cheney, WA 99004

Supervisor: Department Director(s)

Position type: Classified, Non-represented

Compensation: $67,920-$80,145 depending on comparable experience; Pay is annualized over 12 months (if hired after Sept, spread over remaining months of contract year (Sept-Aug))

Benefits: SEBB (Medical, Dental, Vision, Basic Life and AD&D); retirement plan (DRS); deferred compensation (DRS and TSA); paid leave; etc.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The Accounting Specialist is responsible for overseeing compliance of state and federal programs along with grants, gifts, and donations; including the general ledger accounting and other accounting functions related to program or contract compliance. In addition to; performing special accounting projects and studies, preparing financial reports, providing schools and employees with program and grant information, and collaborating with the Teaching & Learning department to ensure best use of the district's categorical funds in support of student learning.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

An employee hired for this assignment may perform all or some of the responsibilities defined below:

• Provide and oversee accounting services essential to the preparation, administration, supervision, and control of the state and federal categorical programs
• Assist the Director of Teaching & Learning in overseeing grant programs and compliance
• Complete grant applications and support all departments in review and submission of applications to ensure all grant applications are completed timely and appropriately
• Perform month-end and year-end financial reporting for state and federal categorical programs
• Prepare the annual schedule of federal awards
• Perform budget preparation of state, federal and private grants and donations
• Maintain necessary records for grant accounting and auditing; work with OSPI, ESD(s), and district staff on monitoring grant programs; prepare official documents and reports for school business transactions related to contracts, agreements, and grants
• Responsible for staying current with changes in financial reporting and keeping abreast of applicable State and Federal laws, including, but not limited to; Time and Effort reporting and understanding of the Code of Federal Regulations, the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards, rules and regulations and proposed legislation
• Interpret laws, regulations and codes related to schools and ASB’s
• Perform review of monthly expenditures processed through accounts payable to verify all procurement policies and procedures and other grant requirements have been followed
• Perform monitoring, auditing and ongoing review of personnel charges to grants and state and federal programs for accuracy and to ensure allowable charges
• Collaborate routinely with the Director of Teaching & Learning on the allocation of state and federal resources across buildings, make budget adjustments as necessary
• Create, collect and reconcile Time and Effort reporting on a monthly, quarterly, semiannual or annual basis to ensure accuracy and compliance
• Perform ad-hoc financial research and analysis
• Review and maintain all district contracts related to all grants, gifts and donations
• Review all monthly AP transactions prior to payment
• Assist in creating policies and procedures to ensure compliance and promote best practices around state and federal programs, grants, and donations
• Support in front office support, greeting of visitors, and backup support in Red Rover
• Attend various workshops and trainings to maintain knowledge of procedures, laws, and regulations
• Conduct training as necessary for district staff on various best practices, state and federal programs, grants or donation requirements
• Perform or oversee district billing, including, but not limited to; trip billing, ECEAP, ASB, facility use, etc.
• Oversees the monitoring and reviewing of requirements under applicable statutes and regulations; ensures compliance with state and federal requirements for categorical services and programs
• Perform other business office and categorial program duties as assigned by the Business Manager or the Director of Finance

Each of the positions in the Finance Department serves as one unit of the whole team, and as such, is subject to assist or is assigned to tasks in other trades within the classification.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of: Google Workspace and Microsoft Office Suite; administration and use of Windows; Basic computer skills including, but not limited to; e-mail, internet, etc.; K-12 education structure of Washington State; necessary record-keeping for grant accounting and auditing; Washington State legislative laws, rules, codes and regulations; compliance with state and federal requirements for categorical services and programs

Ability to: Compile and maintain accurate and complete records and reports with specific attention to detail; work independently, rapidly, and with a high degree of accuracy; prioritize and manage time effectively in an environment with frequent interruptions; handle confidential matters in an ethical manner; maintain good rapport with students, staff, and the public; communicate with staff and the public in a professional manner both orally and in writing; analyze situations to define issues, draw conclusions, and provide solutions; be dependable and flexible, including flexibility to work beyond the regular workday when required; maintain a consistent presence at the assigned work site and regular work hours; work collaboratively in a team environment; assist other members of the district office staff, including, but not limited to; human resources, payroll, etc.

MENTAL DEMANDS

• Required to deal with a wide range of behaviors and needs in a positive and service-oriented manner
• May experience shifts in work schedule and/or work site according to district needs
• Sustain mental awareness while also maintaining attention to details and safety requirements
• May occasionally deal with distraught or difficult people

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Ability to repeatedly lift up to 20 pounds
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 pounds
• Sit and/or stand for extended periods of time
• Amount of sitting, walking and standing may vary depending on projects/tasks. Generally, the job requires 50% sitting, 25% walking, and 25% standing.
• The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: the employee frequently will stand and walk and use hands for repetitive grasping and significant fine finger dexterity, often assembling very small objects. The employee is frequently required to sit, bend at neck and back, twist body, use hands to push/pull and lift/carry, squat, kneel, stoop, crouch, knee stand, crawl, climb stairs or ladders, reach overhead, and lift overhead.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Must have a high school diploma or equivalent and related work experience
• Associates degree in business or accounting, or a minimum of five years accounting experience, required
  • Combination of education, training and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform duties comparable to those listed herein may be considered in lieu of formal education
• BA degree in accounting or related field preferred
• Type and/or keyboard accurately at 55 adjusted wpm*
• Ten-key competency in speed and accuracy required*
• Ability to use proper grammar and English in both oral and written communication, as well as the usage of correct spelling and basic arithmetic functions*
• Basic computer knowledge and skills, including Google Workspace, MS Windows, Excel, Word, and Outlook*
• Must have and maintain a valid Washington State Driver’s License
• Must have access to reliable transportation
• Ability and willingness to travel on work assignments as needed

*Testing may be used to determine knowledge of pertinent skills

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

• DOE per non-represented classified salary schedule
• Year-round position: 260 days; 8 hours per day

CLEARANCES

WSP/FBI criminal history background clearance

EVALUATION

The Accounting Specialist shall be evaluated periodically by the Director of Finance and/or the Business Manager to the currently established district procedures and evaluation criteria. The process shall include an evaluation of the employee’s performance of the above essential job functions.

CONTINUING EDUCATION/TRAINING

• Must complete school safety training within thirty (30) calendar days from hire date and annually thereafter
• Attend designated trainings as specified by supervisor and/or department director in order to maintain knowledge/skills
• Submit current/renewed licenses to Human Resources upon attaining

HISTORY

Job description and format updated: January 2025

LOCATION: District Office
REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS: Position is supervised and evaluated by the department director(s).
COMPENSATION: Salary
REPRESENTATION: Classified, Non-Represented

Cheney Public Schools does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, economic status, pregnancy, familial status, marital status, disability, or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal, and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following employees have been designated to handle questions: Title IX/Chapter 28A.640 Officer/Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator/ADA Coordinator - Tom Arlt, Assistant Superintendent, Cheney School District, 12414 S. Andrus Rd. Cheney, WA 99004 Phone: (509) 559-4550; Section 504 Coordinator - Franklin Day, Director of Student Support Services, Cheney School District, 12414 S. Andrus Rd., Cheney, WA 99004 Phone: (509) 559-4507.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER