Staff Accountant

Job Summary

Job Title:

Staff Accountant
Job Code: FN-121
Job Grade: AC/03

Job Goal:
To provide professional accounting, financial oversight, and compliance support for all local school financial operations by assisting school bookkeepers, reviewing internal fund activity, and ensuring adherence to District policies and Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE) financial procedures. This position serves as the primary liaison for local school accounting support, training, and compliance coordination, and assists the Controller in performing general ledger reconciliations, preparing financial reports, and executing year‑end close‑out activities to ensure the accuracy and integrity of financial data.

Reports To:

Financial Controller

Supervises:
None

• Provides guidance and technical support to local school bookkeepers in the performance of daily accounting and reporting duties.
• Monitors school‑level internal fund activity to ensure compliance with district procedures, state laws, and sound accounting principles.
• Reviews transactions for proper classification, adequate supporting documentation, and adherence to budgetary requirements.
• Develops and delivers training to school bookkeepers on system processes, procedural updates, and best practices.
• Serves as an interim bookkeeper during vacancies or absences to maintain continuity of financial operations.
• Communicates findings and recommendations for corrective action to the Controller or Assistant Chief Financial Officer.
• Coordinates with the Internal Audit and Risk Coordinator to ensure timely resolution of audit findings and implementation of procedural improvements.
• Supports school‑level staff in the effective use of financial software and provides troubleshooting assistance as needed.
• Assists the Controller with reconciliations, journal entries, and financial analyses during month‑end and year‑end closeout processes.
• Reviews general ledger coding of school and departmental transactions for accuracy and alignment with budgetary requirements.
• Prepares supporting documentation for financial statements, reports, and audit schedules.
• Provides analytical support for budget‑to‑actual comparisons and expenditure monitoring.
• Assists in maintaining consistency and standardization of accounting processes and procedures across all schools.
• Provides additional accounting support to the Finance Department during high‑volume periods or audits.
• Participates in professional development to remain current on accounting practices, financial systems, and regulatory requirements.
• Recommends enhancements to district accounting processes to improve compliance, efficiency, and accuracy.
• Performs other job‑related duties as assigned.

A Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business from an accredited college or university is required. A minimum of three (3) years of accounting or bookkeeping experience is required, preferably within a school district or governmental setting. Candidates must demonstrate knowledge of accounting principles and Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE) accounting procedures for internal funds. The position requires the ability to interpret and apply accounting policies, procedures, and guidelines consistently and accurately.

Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills are essential, along with proficiency in financial systems, Microsoft Excel, and data analysis tools. The ability to travel between schools as needed is also required.

Requires light work exerting up to ten (10) pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently. Job involves sitting most of the time.

Twelve month year. Salary as recommended by the Superintendent and approved by the Board. Job Grade AC / 03.

This specification has been designed to represent the general nature and level of work found in this position. As such, it is not intended to contain all duties and qualifications of an employee in this position. Consequently, it is not intended to be perceived as an identification of essential job functions as required by ADA.

Note:

The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or logical assignment to that position.