Accountant jobs in Westerly, RI

East Lyme Public Schools

Position Description

Position Title: Accountant

Department: Business Office

Report To: Director of Finance, Marketing and Growth Management

Prepared By: Director of Finance, Marketing and Growth Management Date: 01/23/2023

Approved By: Superintendent of Schools Date: 01/23/2023

SUMMARY:

Performs accounting duties necessary to assist the Director of Finance, Marketing and Growth Management in the

fiscal management of the school district in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, Statements

issued by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board, Board of Education policies and any other regulatory

requirements as may be applicable.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES.

1. Receives oral or written instructions from the Director of Finance, Marketing & Growth Management.
Plans and organizes work according to established or standard office procedures determining priority of

work tasks. Performs regular duties on own initiative, exercising a high degree of judgement and tact.

2. Provides regular and timely monitoring of fiscal activity and balances for accuracy of accounting records,
budgetary availability and compliance with policy and regulations. Identifies and acts promptly to resolve

errors, unusual or unexpected activity, and inconsistencies.

3. Assist in budget development, control and forecasting of expenditures and related analyses

4. Maintains monthly reconciliation of disbursements and general ledger entries and prepares journal entries
and budget transfers.

5. Monitors federal and state grants, ensuring adherence to budget and reporting deadlines as well as,
preparation of funding requests.

6. Reviews all purchase order requests ensuring budget availability, accuracy in account codes and
compliance with policies.

7. Assists with the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements

8. Supports the annual audit process as directed by the Director of Finance.

9. Prepares monthly reconciliation of District expenditures to Town general ledger

10. Provides support as needed to Finance office staff

11. Serves as a lead contact with District schools and departments regarding their respective budgets and
purchasing questions

12. Performs such other duties as may be assigned by the Director of Finance, Marketing & Growth
Management.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable

accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

BS in Accounting from an accredited college or university is required

A minimum of 3 years of accounting experience is required. Accounting experience in a public school system is

preferred. Familiarity with government fund accounting is expected.

LANGUAGE SKILLS:

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professiona l journals, technical

procedures, and governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure

manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers,

clients, customers, and the public.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:

Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference. Ability to apply

concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.

REASONING ABILITY:

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited

standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or

schedule form.

OTHER SKILLS and ABILITIES:

Computer skills sufficient to utilize financial accounting program,

Proficient in Excel and sufficient knowledge to utilize the remaining MS Office programs.

Ability to accurately process paperwork in accordance with set procedures and labor contract requirements and

generally accepted accounting principles

Ability to take initiative and work independently without instruction from supervisor.

Cognizance of situations requiring authorization from supervisor.

Ability to perform complex arithmetic operations.

Ability to understand and properly utilize a chart of accounts.

Ability to relate to staff members and the school community in a positive and effective manner.

Ability to speak clearly and concisely both in oral and written communication.

Ability to perform duties with awareness of all district requirements and Board of Education policies.

Regular attendance is an essential duty of this job.

The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the American with Disabilities Act

(A.D.A.) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position. Additional duties are performed by

the individuals currently holding this position and additional duties may be assigned.