TITLE: Finance Specialist

CLASSIFICATION: Classified - Exempt

REPORTS TO: Executive Director of Business Services

SUMMARY: This position reports to the Executive Director of Student Services and plays a key role in the daily operations of the Student Services Department, with strong emphasis on budget development process, and long and short range planning. Oversees and carries out budget development and budget oversight, to include developing, analyzing, and providing assistance and making recommendations to ensure compliance with the adopted process. Assist with managing the business, financial and administrative functions within the department. Assists with managing and supervising of all finance staff. Assists with planning and implementing programs. Works with all department and school clientele and troubleshoots job issues.

POSITION OVERSEES:

• Accounts Payable
• Payroll
• Purchasing
• Fixed Assets
• Courier Services

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Prepares all forms and records and arranges for deposits to the County Treasury.
2. Records all County and other revenues into computer system ledgers.
3. Prepares and records all expense journal entries.
4. Reconciles all district financial records: student activity funds, revolving funds, and district financial reports and bank statements.
5. Performs the duties and responsibilities of the Accounts Payable Clerk.
6. Participates in budget projections, analysis and new fiscal year preparations.
7. Provide work direction to others within the department under the direction of the Executive Director of Business Services.
8. Compiles financial reports/statements for federal projects and all other district funds: Grant cash management reports and completion reports, school budget reports.
9. Monitor and analyze budgetary accounts and advise department administrator on the status, variations and cause for deviations.
10. Approves vendor payment exceptions for departmental budgets that have been overspent.
11. Responsible for safekeeping and control of signature plates and blank warrants, if applicable.
12. Arranges for public announcement/advertisement, keeping in compliance with State procurement policy, to include all advertisings related to the District Adopted Budget and Annual Financial Report.
13. Conducts internal audits as requested and on an as-needed basis.
14. Provide training within the department.
15. Reconciles transactions for overpayments, reversals and voids.
16. Responds orally and in writing to requests from management, vendors and other district staff.
17. Reconciles, interprets and reviews a variety of cash transactions.
18. Reviews, interprets and maintains the Worker’s Compensation trust account, general ledger and prepares financial statements.
19. Processes journal entries for interest, bank fees, liabilities and pre-paid expenses.
20. Audits and interprets a variety of general fixed assets, excess retirement contributions and other miscellaneous assets.
21. Investigates and responds to accounting inquiries from vendors, staff, schools, personnel, administrative staff and governmental agencies.
22. Answers financial questions and resolves accounting problems.
23. Uses computer software in preparing and recording financial data.
24. Prepares annual summary and transmittal of 1099R’s, quarterly expenditures schedule summary and a variety of other financial reports.
25. Collaborates with District staff, County Schools, Country Treasurer and banks on financial transactions.
26. Compiles and prepares financial data for auditors.
27. Works on special projects.
28. Reviews, approves and adjusts budget journal entries.
29. Assist in the development of long-term strategic and business financial policies and procedures in accordance with Arizona Revised Statutes and the Uniformed System of Financial Records (USFR) and ensure compliance by district staff through training and monitoring programs.
30. Understand and evaluate financial accounting software systems and implement changes to the computerized financial system.
31. Provide assistance to the Executive Director of Business Services to manage the day-to-day operations of assigned areas.
32. Works with the Executive Director of Business Services in developing, planning and forecasting future budget goals and objectives.
33. Works with the Executive Director of Business Services ensuring compliance and consistency with District, State and Federal rules, regulations, and policies.
34. Works with the Executive Director of Business Services in evaluating district and state expenditures and revenue formulas and analyzing the impact on the overall district budget.
35. Develops, reviews and evaluates existing and new operational procedures and processes to obtain optimum efficiency.
36. Audits accounts and spot checks records to insure compliance of workers within established standard procedures and practices.
37. Monitors financial data, with emphasis on budget impact.
38. Organizes, coordinates, participates, and implements special projects related to budget, finance, accounting and management information systems.
39. Coordinates employee training to improve efficiency and insure conformance with standard procedures and practices.
40. Perform any and all job related duties assigned by the Executive Director of Business Services.

EDUCATION:        

• Associates degree specializing in accounting principles; Bachelor’s degree preferred.

LICENSES OR CERTIFICATIONS:        

• Valid Notary Certification
• A valid Fingerprint Clearance Card

SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE/ABILITIES:  

• Working knowledge of Arizona school law and finance.
• At least 3 years’ experience in Arizona school finance.
• Extensive experience in supervision of personnel in a variety of capacities.
• Ability to work effectively with administrators, staff, parents, the Governing Board, State and community organizations.
• Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Board may find appropriate and acceptable.

WORKING CONDITIONS: 

• The working environment is primarily an office setting with travel as required.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:  

• Twelve-month year, At-Will, Classified-Exempt; benefits in accordance with Board policies.

EVALUATION:  

• Performance to be evaluated in accordance with Board policy on evaluation of classified staff.