Job Description

TITLE: Accountant

POSITION OVERVIEW:

Reporting to the Director of Accounting, the Accountant oversees and facilitates the financial management of grants and general funds for assigned programs including Portland Adult Education and Early Childhood Special Education. This position collaborates with program and administrative staff across the district as well as central office and finance colleagues to ensure strategic and sound use of the district's financial resources.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Receives, reviews, and maintains grant award information
• Works with PPS program and administrative staff to understand the grant's programmatic activities and ensure compliance with administrative requirements
• Works with program and administrative staff to plan and develop budgets, and sets up budgets in the district's financial system (Munis)
• Monitors transactions, budget to actuals, and initiates collaboration with administrators to review and correct areas of concern
• Creates and/or reviews budget transfers, financial analyses, and journal entries
• Understands and ensures ongoing compliance with local, state and federal regulations as applicable to grant and School Finance requirements
• Prepares and submits grant award drawdowns as required by each sponsor agency
• Prepares in collaboration with administrators financial reporting as required by each sponsor agency
• Analyzes financial management accounting structures, systems, policies, and processes and implements improvements to enhance controls, efficiency, and service

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES:

• Strong analytical and problem solving skills with a high attention to detail
• Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles and practices
• Knowledge of financial management and accounting software systems
• Advanced skills in Excel
• Excellent written and oral communications skills

EDUCATION, TRAINING, EXPERIENCE, CERTIFICATION:

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Business, Finance or related field
• 3 years of related experience, with public sector, education and/or grant accounting experience preferred
• Experience performing budget management, financial analyses and reconciliations
• Other combinations of applicable education, training and experience may be considered
• Maine State CHRC authorization is required (cost is $70.00 - more info here)

EMPLOYMENT DETAILS:

• Schedule: Full Year, Full Time (1.0 FTE)
• Location: 353 Cumberland Ave, Portland ME
• Assignment: Permanent
• Overtime: Not eligible for overtime
• Salary range: $68,000-$78,000
• Contract: Non-bargaining
• Benefits: Eligible for a generous benefits package as outlined here

Portland Public Schools is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws.