Job Description:

Bismarck Public Schools is now accepting applications for an Accountant.  This position will work 8 hours per day, 12 months a year.  

Purpose Statement
The accountant supports department activities by managing fiscal, payroll, and/or grant processes and processing, recording, updating, and reconciling financial information in compliance with established policies. This role works closely with both the rest of the accounting department and also school administration and other departments, providing accounting support across the entire district.

Supervisory Relationship
Reports to: Director of Accounting

Essential Functions
Analyze Financial Information: Identify potential budget variances, compile statistical data, and ensure compliance with financial practices and regulatory requirements.
Assist Auditors: Provide necessary documentation and information for internal audits.
Compile Financial Data: Gather financial information related to work assignments for documentation and processing.
Maintain Financial Records: Ensure the availability of documentation and compliance with policies and guidelines.
Monitor Grant Accounts: Ensure accuracy of allocations, adherence to budget limits, and prepare grant requests for funds and other required reporting.
Payroll Processing: Provide leadership role in the processing of payroll for both hourly and salaried staff. 
Prepare Financial Reports: Document activities, provide references, and comply with financial and administrative requirements.
Process Financial Information: Update, distribute, and authorize financial information following established accounting practices.
Recommend Policies and Procedures: Advise on accounting-related issues to provide direction and decision-making support.
Reconcile Financial Data: Maintain accurate account balances and compliance with accounting practices.
Research Financial Discrepancies: Ensure accuracy and adherence to procedures before processing.
Respond to Inquiries: Facilitate communication and provide guidance to various parties, including district employees, state and federal agencies, and auditors.
Support Department Personnel: Provide orientation and procedural guidance to ensure efficient processing within policy and regulatory guidelines.
Adhere to School Policies: Follow school policies and procedures.
Attendance: This position requires prompt and consistent attendance.
Perform Other Duties: Undertake additional tasks as assigned to support the effective operation of the work unit. 

Job Requirements: Minimum Qualifications

Skills
Apply district, state, and federal policies and regulations.
Operate standard office equipment and software applications.
Perform accounting procedures and maintain accurate records.
Work independently on day-to-day routine tasks. 
 
Knowledge
Accounting principles and budget processing.
Microsoft Excel, including formulas for compiling and analyzing data efficiently.
Practical problem-solving skills.

Abilities
Establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Maintain confidentiality and adapt to changing priorities.
Set priorities, meet deadlines, and handle detailed information.
Work flexibly with diverse individuals and data.

Responsibility
Work under limited supervision following standardized practices. Direct other personnel within a small work unit. Monitor budget expenditures. Utilize resources from other work units as needed. Some opportunity to impact the organization’s services.

Work Environment
Some lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, and fine finger dexterity. Generally, the job requires 70% sitting, 15% walking, and 15% standing. This job is performed in a generally clean and healthy environment.

Experience
Job-related experience with increasing levels of responsibility is desired.

Education
Bachelor’s degree in a job-related area.

Certificates and Licenses
Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification preferred, but not required.

Continuing Education/Training
Participate in ongoing training as required.

Clearances
Criminal Justice Fingerprint/Background Clearance.

FLSA Status
Exempt

Position Type: Full-Time

Job Requirements
Bachelor degree preferred.
Citizenship, residency or work visa required

Salary Grade
PF

Salary: $78,373 to $83,170 Per Year

Contact Information
Will Swanson, Director of Accounting
Central Administration Building
Phone: 701-323-4066
Email: will_swanson@bismarckschools.org