State-Tribal Compact Accounting Specialist

State-Tribal Compact Accounting Specialist

Tribal School

Department of Human Services

Hourly Wage: $23.95/Regular/Full-Time

Employee is responsible for overseeing all fiscal and fiduciary responsibilities of the Tribal School Compact Agreement with Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). Provide direction for school finances, including development of a sound financial strategy, metrics that tie into the school's overall strategy, internal controls, leadership and systems designed to preserve the school's assets. Plan, direct, coordinate and maintain the integrated financial and risk management functions in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) issued by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) and Yakama Nation's Financial and Personnel Policies.

Examples of Work Performed:

• Maintain activities of the Business Office, including origination of budget modifications, contracts, sub-contract, capital purchases, financial reporting, grants management, human resources personnel matters, accounts payable, accounts receivable, travel, property inventory and cash receipting for all ASB funds and petty cash.
• Ensure accounting safeguards over School assets and full disclosure of liabilities; address audit issues and findings, develop remediation plans to correct deficiencies.
• Establish collaborative working relationships with school site and support services administration and staff; provide support with Grants & Contracts, Finance, Central Accounting and other related programs business office procedures.
• Responsible for implementing policies and procedures pertaining to fiscal matters; audit and monitor for compliance; attending trainings to enhance support to school personnel related to these areas (ASB, cash-handling, enrollment reporting, independent contracting, etc.).
• Under the direction of the Superintendent, assist with the development and preparation of the district's annual budgets in alignment with the strategic plan.
• Ensure adequate cash flow to meet the district needs, to include securing debt proceeds and debt management.
• Participate as a member of the superintendent's cabinet. Assist with presentations at Board meetings, budget committee and other meetings as needed.
• Perform personnel functions of the business department (e.g., payroll actions, request for recruitments/re-classifications, background checks, tribal drivers permits, record keeping of current teaching certifications) for the purpose of maintaining adequate staffing, insure labor distributions align with budgeted expectations, enhancing productivity of personnel and ensuring that service objectives are achieved within budget and with an exemplary level of customer service.
• Oversee and analyze the preparation of monthly and annual financial statements and schedules for all state compact funds: General Fund, Associated Student Body (ASB), Tribal Treasury, Capital Projects, Transportation, Operations & Maintenance, Special Education and Enhancement.
• Oversee Yakama Nation purchasing, bid law, contracts, capital and other purchasing operations to ensure compliance with Yakama Nation Purchasing policy and procedures.
• Oversee administration on all school structure, vehicle and equipment liability, property liability, student athlete liability, work injury and workers' compensation claims to ensure that the school's assets are adequately insured.
• Establish and maintain business policies, procedures, and practices to ensure compliance with state, federal and tribal laws and guidelines. Overnight traveling may be required when attending regional and local trainings and/or meetings.
• Conduct research in order to recommend new process flows, software upgrades, and accounting and financial management methods as desirable and necessary to maintain best practices.
• Assist Food Services Department with preparation and record management of USDA meal claims.
• Oversee the E-rate program along with the Superintendent.
• May be assigned new projects and/or tasks not included in this description, as well as assist other Trial School staff as requested by supervisor to ensure the efficient functioning of the school.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of Public School Accounting Practices, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), School Budgeting and Fiscal Reporting.
• Knowledge of Yakama Nation Policies and Procedures in Finance, Grant & Contract, Purchasing and Personnel.
• Knowledge of School Business Laws, Regulations, Policies, Procedures, Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) expectations and Washington State Certification Requirements for all Teaching, Administrative and Support Staff.
• Knowledge and ability to learn Microsoft Dynamic 365 integrated computerized accounting system, databases and spreadsheets; superior skill level with Microsoft Excel.

• Knowledge of administrative, clerical practices and proficiency in computer use, specifically Microsoft Office products including: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Adobe, Access and 10-key.
• Knowledge of Background Check/Adjudication requirements and process to conduct searches as needed.
• Ability to remain flexible to changes in assignments or situations, develop an effective relationship supporting building administrators, prioritize and handle frequent interruptions, prioritize and manage multiple complex projects and tasks with competing deadlines.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all Tribal School staff other department staff, supervisors/managers, elected officials, and the public to ensure a positive work environment.
• Ability to connect with students, staff and community members in a mutually respectful, supportive and accessible manner and address problems, issues, and complaints tactfully, courteously and effectively.
• Knowledge and ability to classify accounting transactions, maintain and reconcile accounts, close accounts, prepare F-185/F-195/F-196/S-275 financial reports and statements, budget preparations and management and financial forecasting.
• Ability to attend meetings, trainings, and conferences as requested.
• Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and written, at all organizational levels within the school, personnel and external agencies (OSPI, Elected Officials, Legal Attorneys, Tribal Administrative Supervisors, etc.).
• Ability to demonstrate a high degree of personal integrity and be able to maintain strict confidentiality.
• Ability to work independently and productively with minimal supervision.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree, preferably in Accounting or related field OR six (6) years of progressively responsible work experience as a Bookkeeper V demonstrating the ability to successfully complete the tasks as outlined may be substituted for education.
• Training in Background Check/Adjudication or ability to obtain.
• Must have a First Aid/CPR/Blood Borne Pathogen card or the ability to obtain one within 6 months of hire.
• Required to pass a pre-employment drug test.
• Required to pass a Washington State Patrol Background Check. This extensive background check requires fingerprinting for state and federal criminal background records. The background search will include, but is not limited to; arrests, criminal charges, criminal convictions, and any information regarding contact with a criminal justice agency.
• Must have no history of child abuse, neglect and no history of drug or alcohol abuse.
• Must possess a valid Washington State Driver's License with the ability to obtain a Yakama Nation Driving Permit.
• Enrolled Yakama Preference, but all qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.

Salary : $24 - $0