Accountant

Below is specific information for you to consider about this position.

Job Title: Accountant and Requisition ID number: 101532

Close Date: No established closing date; open until filled

Organizational Unit: Accounting & Finance (10001027)

Site: Davis Center (0001)

FTE: 1.0 FTE 52 Weeks; this is based on full-time equivalency with 1.0 being full time

Union: AMP(42)

Functional Area: Administrative

Resume and Cover Letter are mandatory to apply for any position.

SUMMARY

Under general supervision, performs professional accounting, 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 -- Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class. Employees are required to be in attendance and prepared to begin work at their assigned work location on the specified days and hours. Factors such as regular attendance at the job are not routinely listed in job descriptions, but are an essential function. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Performs professional accounting functions for Finance Department or an assigned department; performs duties within scope of authority and training, and in compliance with MPS policies and quality standards; duties may vary according to job assignment.

• Reviews, approves and posts transactions and computer accounting entries; performs technical accounting activities, including general ledger maintenance, accounts payable & receivable, revenue tracking, budgets, bank statement reconciliation, grants and special fund accounting, contracts, debt management, purchasing, and financial reporting.

• Evaluates financial transactions for validity, and compliance with Federal and state technical requirements and District policies and practices; reports anomalies and discrepancies.

• Reconciles transactions and financial activities according to MPS policies; records changes, reconciles and resolves differences; reviews financial and accounting records and corrects errors as required.

• Updates and maintains the accounting computer database; develops specialized financial spreadsheets as needed; reviews, investigates, and corrects errors; maintains and organizes paper files and records.

• 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.

• Analyzes financial status and trends, and forecasts revenues and expenditures.

• Reconciles and reclassifies transactions and data as needed; reviews, investigates, and corrects errors and inconsistencies in entries, transactions, documents, and reports.

• Provides advice and customer service to MPS staff and clients; explains SAP methods and procedures, and accounting rules, policies and procedures; researches accounting issues and resolves problems.

• Conducts special research and analysis projects; summarizes data and generates reports to assist managers in decision-making.

• Assists in the preparation of the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR); coordinates work with auditors as required.

• Cross-trains in all budget and accounting duties; may provide work direction to clerical staff.

• Demonstrates courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with students, clients, visitors, and MPS staff; acts in a manner that promotes a harmonious and effective workplace environment

• Enthusiastically promotes the Superintendent's goals and priorities in compliance with all policies and procedures.

• Maintains absolute confidentiality of work-related issues, records and MPS information.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education, Training and Experience Guidelines

Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration; AND two (2) years of professional accounting experience; OR an equivalent combination of education, training and experience as determined by Human Resources.

Knowledge of:

• Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and Generally Accepted Auditing Standards (GAAS) for Public Sector financial management, including grant fund and special fund procedures.

• Government Accounting Standards Board (GASB), Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB), and Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) standards, practices and policies.

• Federal and state accounting regulations, procedures, and accountability standards.

• Specialized MPS and state agency accounting software applications, including SAP and State of Minnesota Uniform Financial Accounting and Reporting Standards (UFARS).

• Principles of record keeping and records management.

Skill in:

• Interpreting and applying accounting standards and procedures, applicable rules and regulations, and MPS policies and procedures.

• Reviewing and interpreting financial documents, and verifying compliance with all regulatory requirements governing public sector financial activities.

• Maintaining accurate accounting records, and identifying and reconciling errors.

• Reviewing and verifying the accuracy of accounting and technical transaction data and reports.

• Operating a personal computer utilizing standard and specialized software.

• Performing mathematical calculations and entering data with skill and accuracy.

• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with co-workers.

• Effective verbal and written communication.

LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

• A Valid Minnesota State Driver's license may be required.

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed in a standard office environment which requires occasionally lifting such articles as file boxes or heavier materials with help from others and/or lifting and carrying light objects frequently. A job in this category may require walking or standing to a significant degree or may involve sitting most of the time with long periods of computer work and heavy phone usage.

Final candidates may be invited to interview with a committee. Final appointment to this position will be contingent upon passing a criminal background check.

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY:

Diversity is one of Minneapolis Public Schools core values and is essential to our goal of putting children first and making them college-ready. Diversity of our workforce provides us with a competitive advantage and allows us to better understand, communicate with and educate our diverse student body. Minneapolis Public Schools will not deny anyone the opportunity for training or employment because of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender or gender identity, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, disability, sexual orientation, age, family care leave status, or veteran status.

Minneapolis Public Schools strongly encourages diverse candidates to apply.

Posting Notes: | [No Established Closing Date] | Accounting & Finance (10001027) | Davis Center (0001) | Administrative