READING PUBLIC SCHOOLS
READING, MASSACHUSETTS
Position Title: Accounting Assistant
Reports to: Chief Financial Officer
FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt
Approved by: John F. Doherty, Ed. D.
Revision Date: September 2019
SUMMARY: Reading Public Schools is in search of an 80 hour biweekly Accounting Assistant. This is a 12 month position. The Accounting Assistant provides administrative, financial, and operation support to the Chief Financial Officer. This is a benefits eligible position.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES: The essential functions or duties listed below are illustrations of the type of work that is performed and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for by this position. Other duties may be assigned.
- Prepare and enter requisitions within MUNIS ensuring proper coding and budget availability
- Review actual expenditures and assist in following up on open purchase orders to ensure timely invoicing
- Prepare annual encumbrances and track actual expenditures (audits, transportation, telephone charges, copier leases and associated charges, etc.)
- Convert requisitions to purchase orders; submit purchase orders to vendors and confirm receipt of all orders placed
- Prepare correcting entries in the accounting system as needed
- Assist with oversight of procurement card program
- Process account transfers and budget amendments
- Track financial assistance determinations
- Review and process deposits and reconcile to various systems (eSchool, Child Care Manager)
- Pay invoices, verifying transaction information and all related information
- Train staff in the use of financial system
- Prepare annual financial assistance program materials
- Assist with preparation of budget document and presentation materials
- Assist with development finance or business procedures manuals or other guidance documents
- Assist with preparation for annual financial audits
- Track vendor contracts
- Assist with preparation of DESE End of Year Financial Report and other required state and/or federal reports
- Prepare correspondence, reports, surveys, etc. as required
- Maintain professionalism in all interactions and meet the needs of various stakeholders.
- Interpret and respond to new conditions, problems, and opportunities in a positive and productive manner
- Provides general office support: answering phones, greeting guests, etc.
- Demonstrate willingness to accept and use feedback as the basis for modifying performance
- Demonstrate strong commitment to district mission and vision and district administration
- Perform other associated tasks as assigned by the Chief Financial Officer
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: Exercises no supervision.
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, skills, and/or abilities required. The Superintendent may waive or modify the qualification requirements.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABLITIES:
- Strong knowledge of computers and electronic data processing with proficiency in Microsoft Office Products. Advanced proficiency in MS Excel desired.
- Experience utilizing financial accounting and payroll systems. Knowledge of or ability to learn MUNIS required. Training will be provided.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills. Individual will be asked to proofread and edit documents, compose written communications, procedures, and other materials for publication.
- Excellent human relations skills required. Ability to work collegially and cooperatively with all constituencies within the school community is essential. Willingness and ability to help other co-workers as needed. Ability to effectively meet and deal with the public; ability to handle stressful situations.
EDUCATION/ EXPERIENCE:
- Bachelor’s degree preferred with extensive coursework in business, accounting, or bookkeeping.
- Three years of accounts general payable/receivable experience
LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS: None required.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The employee must also often remain in a stationary position for considerable periods of time. The employee may be required to occasionally traverse throughout the school building. The employee must frequently use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and use hand strength to grasp tools. Frequently operates a computer and other office productivity machinery (i.e., a calculator, copy machine, and computer printer). The employee must be able to input information into a computer and as well as read material from a computer monitor as well as handwritten or printed matter with or without visual aids. The employee must be able to communicate effectively with students, staff members, and the general public in person and on the telephone.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The noise level in this environment is quiet to loud depending upon the activity in the particular part of the day and location. The employee interacts with parents, staff members, and the general public.
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee, and is subject to change by the employer, as the needs of the employer and the requirements of the job change. |