Staff Accountant

Position: STAFF ACCOUNTANT
Job Description

Human Resources announces an opening for a (2.0) Staff Accountant with the Department of Finance. E-11 (260 Days)

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES The Staff Accountant supports district-wide accounting operations for Arlington Public Schools (APS) within the centralized Office of Business and Management, located in the Department of Finance. The Department of Finance is responsible for ensuring the integrity, accuracy, and compliance of all financial transactions and reporting. This position performs professional accounting work involving the preparation, review, and analysis of financial statements and reports for multiple governmental and fiduciary funds.

The incumbent also assists with the administration of revenue, expenditure, inventory control, inter-county charge processes, and the preparation of year-end audit adjustments. The Staff Accountant applies accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) requirements, and APS fiscal policies. The Staff Accountant reports to the Director of Finance. The Staff Accountant performs technical accounting functions, prepares reconciliations, and ensures compliance with established financial standards and practices.

The position supports audit activities, identifies opportunities for process improvements, and provides accounting expertise to departments and schools as needed. The incumbent requires strong accounting knowledge, analytical skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a large, diverse public sector organization

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS The Staff Accountant is a non-supervisory professional accounting position within APS' centralized Office responsible for performing advanced technical accounting work in support of district-wide financial operations. This position focuses on the preparation, analysis, and reconciliation of complex financial data, ensuring accuracy and compliance with GAAP, GASB, and APS fiscal policies. The role requires strong technical expertise and sound professional judgment in managing accounting processes that support the integrity of the school division's financial systems and reporting.

This position serves as a technical advisor to the Finance team and contributes by independently carrying out assignments, resolving complex accounting issues, and supporting the Department of Finance in maintaining reliable and transparent financial and accounting operations across the district.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Performs advanced accounting work to support district-wide financial operations, ensuring accuracy, transparency, and compliance. Serves as a subject matter expert, providing specialized technical expertise and guidance to non-certified staff, program managers, and external partners. Prepares, reviews, and reconciles journal entries, general ledger accounts, and supporting schedules to maintain financial accuracy and integrity. Ensures compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) requirements, APS fiscal policies, and applicable laws by interpreting standards, monitoring changes, and advising on their application.

Contributes to the development and modification of accounting systems, procedures, and reporting structures to improve efficiency, accuracy, and regulatory compliance.

Prepares complex financial statements, disclosures, footnotes, and supporting documentation for annual reports, audits, and other required submissions. Coordinates with external auditors and partner agencies to provide accurate records, reconciliations, and technical explanations. Provides ad hoc training while serving as a technical expert, and primary resource for resolving complex accounting issues, providing guidance to staff, program managers and external partners. Analyzes accounting system transactions to identify trends, anomalies, and compliance issues, recommending adjustments when necessary.

Assists in the assignments and the direction of the work of professional accountants, paraprofessional staff, and other financial…