Lead Accountant

Serves as a work leader by planning, supervising, and participating in the maintenance of accounting records and preparation of related reports for major segments of the central accounting department; performs related duties as required.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Trains, supervises, and evaluates the work activities of accountants and technicians; performs the more difficult accounting tasks relating to assigned areas of responsibility including Grants and General Accounting.
• Coordinates, controls, and oversees assigned segments of the central accounting department - Grants and General Accounting. Recommends new or revised accounting systems and procedures, policies and practices; and interprets these to other employees.
• Plans, supervises, and participates in the preparation of financial statements, including Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, cost reports, grant reports and statements of receipts and expenditures prepared monthly and annually for the Board of Education and County, State, and Federal Government.
• Provides technical assistance to coordinators/administrators in preparing the financial aspects of grant/project/trust fund requests.
• Develops, implements, and oversees appropriate accounting procedures and controls for assigned areas of responsibility. Supervises the preparation of accounting and related records as input for data processing; and reviews output for accuracy.
• Liaises with Technology and Information Services to determine systems upgrades, year-end closings and acts as the subject matter expert.
• Liaises with heads of other departments and external auditors on financial matters. Interprets accounting detailed output and procedures for employees in other departments.
• Interprets policies and decisions of the Supervisor of Finance; and sees to their implementation.
• Maintains financial controls for all accounting detail output. Researches and resolves accounting problems within assigned areas of responsibility. Designs and develops new fiscal and accounting forms.
• Represents the department as assigned in meetings with other officials and organizations.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• 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. Reasonable accommodations may be made on request to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from a regionally accredited college or university.
• Master’s degree preferred.

Experience

• Six (6) years of professional accounting experience, preferably in a public or governmental agency including Grant and General Fund Accounting.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrated success in supervisory role.
• Knowledge of general accounting principles and practices and financial reporting.
• Demonstrated proficiency with financial reporting and decentralized accounting systems.
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal skills and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with school system administrators, suppliers, and outside auditors.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively work and communicate with diverse populations.
• Demonstrated proficiency with business technology applications (e.g. Video/Web Conferencing, Microsoft Office Suite -Word, Excel, Outlook, and/or PowerPoint preferred).

Licenses/Certifications

• Hold or be eligible for Certified Public Accountant (CPA) issued by American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).