<p>Position Summary:</p> <p>The School Department Accountant is responsible for overseeing, maintaining, and reconciling all financial records for the School Department in accordance with Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) requirements, local policies, and generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). This role supports effective budget management, ensures fiscal compliance, and contributes to the preparation of financial reports, audits, and grant documentation. The position also manages student activities, fund collections, deposits, balancing, and reporting to ensure proper financial stewardship of student-related revenues.</p> <p>Essential Duties and Responsibilities:</p> <ul> <li> <p>Maintain accurate and detailed financial records of all school department accounts, including general funds, grants, revolving accounts, capital projects, and student activity accounts.</p> </li><li> <p>Collect, balance, and deposit student activity funds in compliance with local policies, state regulations, and school committee guidelines.</p> </li><li> <p>Monitor expenditures and encumbrances to ensure compliance with approved budgets and identify potential variances.</p> </li><li> <p>Prepare monthly budget reports, financial statements, reconciliations, and student activity account reports for the School Business Administrator and School Committee.</p> </li><li> <p>Work collaboratively with Town Finance, Treasurer/Collector, and Auditor's offices to reconcile accounts and process financial transactions, including student activity and grant-related funds.</p> </li><li> <p>Assist with the development of the annual school department budget through historical analysis and forecasting.</p> </li><li> <p>Track and report all grant-related revenues and expenditures, ensuring compliance with DESE and federal grant guidelines.</p> </li><li> <p>Ensure timely and accurate payroll encumbrances, benefit-related expense tracking, and alignment with grant requirements.</p> </li><li> <p>Manage journal entries, year-end close procedures, and data submissions for the DESE End-of-Year Financial Report (EOYR) and Schedule 19.</p> </li><li> <p>Support procurement compliance including adherence to M.G.L. c. 30B and maintenance of proper documentation.</p> </li><li> <p>Assist with audits conducted by external auditors, DESE, or other governmental agencies, including audits of student activity and grant funds.</p> </li><li> <p>Provide budgetary guidance and account code support to school administrators, including oversight of student activity fund management.</p> </li></ul> <p>Qualifications:</p> <p>Required:</p> <ul> <li> <p>Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.</p> </li><li> <p>Minimum of three years of experience in governmental or municipal accounting, preferably within a school district or public sector setting.</p> </li><li> <p>Strong knowledge of Massachusetts municipal accounting practices, DESE financial reporting, and state/federal grant compliance.</p> </li><li> <p>Proficiency in financial software (e.g., MUNIS, Infinite Visions) and advanced Microsoft Excel skills.</p> </li><li> <p>Excellent organizational, analytical, and communication skills.</p> </li><li> <p>Ability to manage multiple priorities and maintain accuracy and attention to detail.</p> </li></ul> <p>Preferred:</p> <ul> <li> <p>Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Massachusetts Governmental Accounting certification.</p> </li><li> <p>Experience with the Massachusetts Uniform Municipal Accounting System (UMAS).</p> </li><li> <p>Familiarity with DESE Chart of Accounts, End-of-Year Reporting, and student activity account management.</p> </li></ul> <p>Work Environment:</p> <ul> <li> <p>Standard office environment within the school district's central administration building.</p> </li><li> <p>Occasional evening meetings may be required.</p> </li><li> <p>Position involves prolonged periods of computer use and sitting.</p> </li></ul>