Senior Accountant, Accounting & Reporting

SUMMARY

DESCRIPTION:

Senior Accountant, Accounting & Reporting assists in coordinating and performing responsible professional accounting functions in the maintenance of accounting and internal control systems for the accounting department using established procedures and policies, independently developing work methods and sequences. The position is responsible for providing instruction and leadership for staff, efficiently recording, summarizing and reporting the result of financial activities; and performing related tasks as assigned.

The position reports to the Accounting and Reporting Manager.

This position description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, knowledge or abilities associated with this classification, but is intended to accurately reflect the primary job elements.

• Serves as the Finance lead for charter schools and Campus School by calculating revenue allocations (budgets and actuals), processing charter school payments, resolving issues, reviewing audit reports, and completing for Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) the annual budget and financial reports for the State.
• Assists with the development of the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report and the Tennessee Department of Education’s Annual Financial Report for MSCS, including all supporting work papers, analyses and summary schedules as required by MSCS outside auditors. Ensures that the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) and other financial data are distributed to relevant outside agencies.
• Prepares, monitors, and manages MSCS budgets and/or funds; makes journal entries and budget adjustments as required; coordinates month-end and year-end closing of the general ledger; performs complex analysis and prepares financial reports as requested.
• Prepares daily cash reports, monitor revenues, and provide cash management forecast.
• Audits financial records by examining, verifying and reviewing accounts, invoices, bills and vouchers; assists with external audits; research accounting problems and discrepancies in records; makes or initiates corrections as needed.
• Compiles data for and prepares periodic and special reports as required by the department, school and other agencies; assists with various financial analyses as requested.
• Approves and/or prepares journal vouchers, check requests, and requisitions for MSCS.
• Prepares monthly reconciliations of balance sheet accounts and follow-thru on outstanding items to ensure issues are resolved timely and transactions are accurate in accordance with policies and procedures.
• Receives and prepares responses to inquiries, concerns, complaints and requests for assistance from personnel and citizens regarding areas of responsibility.
• Explains financial policies and procedures to co-workers and personnel of other departments; refers customers to other personnel or offices as appropriate.
• Assures accurate audits for MSCS with outside auditors during the annual audit process; provides information, assistance, and explanation of MSCS accounting practices, procedures, systems and audit trails; reviews and responds to audit findings. Coordinates the annual review of student body funds and other internal audit reviews as required for MCS. Maintains verbal and written communication with external auditors, arbitrage consultants and other outside agencies as required.
• Participates in system testing resulting from upgrades and modifications to the financial management system for MSCS.
• Assists with the development and maintenance of the forecast models for revenues, expenditures, and cash flow for MSCS.
• Prepares and maintains variety of narrative and statistical reports, records, correspondence, and files related to assigned service, activities, and operations; provides for appropriate research and compiles reports, as needed.
• Assists in upholding SOX and internal control standards by documenting and maintaining standard operating procedures for MSCS.
• Maintains system of internal accounting controls to assure proper accounting of MSCS revenues and expenditures. Monitors accounting activities throughout MSCS to assure legal compliance and handling in a timely and…