Controller

Controller
Omaha Public Schools
 Omaha, Nebraska
Job Description

Location: Accounting and Finance, Teacher Administration Center (TAC), 3215 Cuming Street, Omaha NE

Position Purpose:

This position will be responsible for the managing and overseeing of all facets of school district accounting and finance operations, including the production of periodic financial reports, maintenance of an adequate system of accounting records, and a comprehensive set of controls and budgets designed to mitigate risk, enhance the accuracy of the school district’s reported financial results, and ensure that reported results comply with generally accepted accounting principles.

Essential Performance Responsibilities:

  • Oversee the operations of the Accounting & Finance and Budget & Grants offices.
  • Develop and maintain timely and accurate financial statements and reports that are appropriate for the users and in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).
  • Develop, implement, and ensure compliance with internal financial and accounting policies and procedures.
  • Ensure that all statutory and regulatory requirements of the organization are met.
  • Coordinate the provision of information to external auditors for the annual audit.
  • Develop and maintain financial accounting systems for cash management, accounts payable, accounts receivable, credit control and petty cash.
  • Manage the development of the annual budget and forecasts.
  • Review monthly results and implement monthly variance reporting as compared to budget.
  • Develop and implement policies and procedures, and a system of internal controls as required to ensure that financial information is accurate and secure.
  • Maintain the chart of accounts.
  • Assists the Chief Financial Officer with financial reporting as required for Board meetings and provide advice to support the decision-making process.
  • Monitors district financial policies and procedures ensuring adherence and recommending improvements.
  • Monitors and ensures the accuracy of internal and external reporting of financial information, controls, and reports.
  • Ensures accounting activities are in accordance with GAAP and GASB.
  • Analyzes and forms recommendations for aspects of the district’s budgets, forecast and business planning.
  • Works directly with district staff to monitor the financial position of the school district and develops recommendations for Executive Leadership and Board of Education.

Additional Duties:

  • Performs other related tasks as assigned by supervisor and other central office administrators as designated by the Superintendent.
  • Equipment: This position may require the ability to use basic office equipment such as computers, copiers, scanners, and fax machine. Must always comply with OPS’s guidelines for equipment use.

Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards:

  • Must be able to respond rapidly in emergency situations.
  • Must have organization, time management, communication, and interpersonal skills.
  • Work in school building and central office environments.

Interrelations:

  • Contact with personnel within the district and with customers and vendors.
  • Will be working under the indirect supervision of the Chief Financial Officer in order to complete day to day tasks.
  • Will be working with a diverse population requiring the ability to handle all situations with tact and diplomacy.
  • Must understand and respond appropriately to customer needs and maintain a positive attitude with all customers and colleagues.
  • Expected to interact with all internal and external customers in a friendly, professional manner and provide quick, responsive customer service.

Employee Punctuality and Appearance:

In order for schools to operate effectively, employees are expected to perform all assigned duties and work all scheduled hours during each designated workday, unless the employee has received approved leave.
Any deviation from assigned hours must have prior approval from the employee’s supervisor or building administrator.
All employees are required to report to work dressed in a manner that reflects a positive image of Omaha Public Schools and is appropriate for their position.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a business field with significant course work in accounting and finance required.
  • CPA preferred.
  • Five or more years of experience in accounting, required. Prior governmental fund accounting experience is preferred.
  • Five or more years of successful managerial experience.
  • Thorough knowledge of school district financial, accounting, and budgetary practices and procedures.
  • Understanding of Nebraska governmental regulations and reporting requirements pertinent to the PK-12 setting.
  • Broad-based knowledge of the K-12 educational business environment.
  • Knowledge of accounting methods and conversion processes.
  • Ability to synthesis information for budget forecasting, planning, development, and operation.
  • Excellent leadership and human relations abilities.
  • Strong oral and written communication skills.
  • Solid analytical and technical skills utilizing spreadsheets, financial systems, and analytic tools.
  • Experience with financial system software, PeopleSoft is preferred.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, and Access) and ability to operate a computer.
  • Must be self-motivated and detail oriented.
  • Demonstrated proficiency in record keeping.
  • Must be able to work independently and maintain the flexibility to adjust to multiple projects and priorities in a timely manner.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality of information and data at all times.
  • Must be willing to take the initiative in completing projects.
  • Must possess strong analytical and organizational skills.
  • Demonstrated attendance and work record.
  • Strong customer service and phone skills required.
  • Ability to work in a multicultural environment.
  • A working knowledge of OPS policies and procedures, principles, and practices of the organization.
  • Demonstrated strong standards of professional ethics and skills pertinent to build positive human relationships and the ability to work effectively with all staff, administration, and the community.

Terms of Employment:

This position is treated as a full-time exempt classified position. The terms of your employment will be governed by applicable state laws regulating employment in a Nebraska public school and Board of Education policies, as those laws and policies may change from time to time. If your position is represented by a collective bargaining representative, then your employment will also be governed by a negotiated agreement between OPS and that collective bargaining representative.

The offer of employment is contingent upon:

  • Obtaining and providing verification of all licenses, certificates, and other requirements for the position (e.g., Paraprofessionals obtaining “Highly Qualified status,” etc.), as identified and maintaining all licenses, certificates, and requirements for your position throughout employment.
  • A background check which demonstrates to OPS that background is acceptable for the position.
  • Verification of U.S. citizenship or legal authorization to work in the United States.
  • Successful completion of a pre-employment drug test (if required for position offered).
  • Successful completion of a tuberculosis skin test (if required for position offered).
  • Successful completion of a pre-employment medical examination to determine ability to safely and effectively perform the essential functions of the position.

Omaha public schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), marital status, sexual orientation, disability, age, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation or economic status in its programs, activities, employment, and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following individual has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Director for the Office of Equity and Diversity, 3215 Cuming Street, Omaha, NE 68131. (531-299-0307)

The Omaha Public School District is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education, and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process please contact the human resources department at 531-299-0240.

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