Senior Bookkeeper For Grants Management [Central Office]

The Needham Public School District is an inclusive, dynamic, and multicultural community seeking an energetic, skilled, and warm individual to join our team. Diverse candidates, especially those from historically marginalized and silenced groups are highly encouraged to apply.

This position is a full-time position at School Administration, with a 12-month work year and a seven-hour work day. Eligible candidates for this position must meet the requirements to perform both types of work, as listed below.

Job Responsibilities:

Under the direction of the Assistant Superintendent for Finance & Operations, the position will provide account management for state and federal grants, as well as senior bookkeeping support for Central Administrative Offices and other NPS departments, as assigned. Essential functions and duties include the following tasks. (Please note that omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.)

Grant Account Management:
Performs grant accounting for federal, state and local grants, as assigned. This scope includes the following elements:
Conduct meetings with the grant project director when a grant is awarded to review responsibilities for grant management and reporting. Conduct follow-up meetings throughout the grant period and at the conclusion of the grant;
Perform accounts payable/ accounts receivable activities for assigned grants;
Reconcile grant account activity to the General Ledger and the grant budget;
Project future financial activity, in collaboration with the grant project director;
Prepare monthly grant status reports for the Assistant Superintendent of Finance & Operations, grant project director and the Accounting Supervisor;
Prepare grant amendments, as needed;
Prepare monthly funds/ reimbursement requests;
Monitor and manage indirect cost allocations and associated journal entries;
Prepare/coordinate interim and final financial reports;
Assists with federal time and effort certifications (as required).
Carry out grant closing activities;
Monitor compliance of grants with grant agency requirements and NPS policies. Provide communication, education and guidance to grant project directors to ensure compliance agency requirements and NPS policies;
Other duties as assigned.
Senior Bookkeeping Support:
Processes accounts payable requests: creates purchase requisitions; prepares and assembles procurement and contract documentation for applicable transactions; receives and verifies the delivery of goods and services; reviews invoices for accuracy and completeness; and prepares verified invoice documentation for payment.
Processes accounts receivable transactions: receives and processes funds for deposit in accordance with NPS cash management procedures; prepares and assembles transmittal documentation (cash receipts, deposit tickets, receipt logs, cash drawer. reconciliation sheets, ticket sales reconciliations, etc.); creates miscellaneous billing for fee-based programs as assigned.
Collects, verifies and submits payroll information for processing.
Monitors school budgets, to ensure that expenditures are anticipated, funds are appropriately spent, that correcting journal entries are prepared; and the relevant budget manager is informed of available balances;
Reconciles AP/AR transaction activity to assigned General Ledger accounts on a monthly (or more frequent) basis to ensure that all transactions are appropriately coded and posted in a timely manner.
Generates, distributes and interprets financial activity reports.
Monitors and replenishes supply inventories.
Updates fixed asset inventory information, as required.
Participates in periodic training for school bookkeepers, conducted by the Business Office.
Provides information and assistance to staff members on financial/accounting issues, position authorization, policy and procedures.
Works cooperatively with the Business Office to ensure school-wide compliance with financial and administrative policies and procedures.
Provides information and assistance to school auditors, as directed.
Education and Experience: Requires High School Diploma or GED and two years bookkeeping, budget management or related experience; an Associates Degree in Accounting/Bookkeeping can be substituted for years of experience requirement. A Bachelor's degree and prior eduction/background in grant accounting is desired.

Skills, Abilities & Knowledge: Ability to organize and prioritize work efficiently and effectively.

Knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel required; database skills are desired. Knowledge of bookkeeping and accounting principles. Knowledge of financial software and applications.

Computational and analytical skills. Ability to calmly and professionally interact with coworkers and external customers. Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle difficult situations with sensitivity and tact.

Experience and knowledge in a customer service environment. Skill in written and oral communications.

Physical Requirements: Must be physically able to operate a variety of automated office machines and equipment, including a computer, basic office equipment, calculator, telephone, etc.

Must be able to exert up to five pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time, but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. Must be able to lift/carry weights of five to ten pounds.

Selection Procedure: All resumes will be screened and selected candidates will participate in a thorough interview process. The interview process will include a written/computer-based bookkeeping skills assessment.

Application Procedure: Please apply online. Applications will be considered only when a cover letter and resume have been attached to your online application.

Compensation and Benefits:
Please review the Unit D Contract https://www.needham.k12.ma.us/departments/human_resources/contracts (Grade: AR4) and this page http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/departments/human_resources/benefits to learn more about employee compensation and benefits.

The Needham Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, active military/veteran status, ancestry, genetic information, or national or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, employment policies, and other administered programs and activities. In addition, students who are homeless or of limited English-speaking ability are protected from discrimination in accessing the course of study and other opportunities available through the schools.

Needham Public Schools has a strong commitment to equity. Candidates who also have a strong commitment to this work are encouraged to apply. For more information on our equity work please visit our equity website http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/equity .