Finance Specialist

Under the direction of the Executive Director of Business Services the Finance Specialist performs professional and technical accounting work in support of the Districts financial operations. Responsibilities include accounts payable accounts receivable cash management general ledger accounting account reconciliations grant reporting budget monitoring fixed assets payroll support audit support and financial systems administration. The position reviews financial transactions and records for accuracy completeness proper authorization and compliance with applicable federal and state requirements the Uniform System of Financial Records (USFR) Governing Board policies and District procedures. The Finance Specialist also provides technical assistance and training to District staff regarding financial processes and internal controls.

This is a nonsupervisory position. The Finance Specialist is responsible for assigned finance functions and may provide technical guidance training and backup support to Business Services staff.

Finance Specialist

1. Perform and review financial and accounting activities for accuracy completeness proper authorization and timely completion.
2. Prepare record review and reconcile journal entries general ledger accounts and account reconciliation reports.
3. Prepare financial and accounting reports in accordance with applicable federal and state requirements the USFR Governing Board policies and District procedures.
4. Generate and maintain financial transaction records for collections invoices payments expenditures revenues and other accounting activities.
5. Provide assistance to District staff regarding accounting practices financial procedures account coding and recordkeeping requirements.
6. Maintain accurate financial data and prepare reports for submission to the Districts executive team and other authorized parties.
7. Perform monthly and year-end closing activities including revenue and expenditure accounting account reconciliations and review of outstanding transactions.
8. Perform and coordinate assigned accounts payable and accounts receivable activities.
9. Assist with receivable monitoring collection activities and resolution of outstanding balances.
10. Prepare required forms and supporting records and coordinate deposits with the County Treasurer.
11. Record County and other revenues accurately and timely in the Districts financial system.
12. Reconcile District financial records including student activity funds revolving funds County Treasurer reports bank statements subsidiary records and the general ledger.
13. Provide guidance training and backup support to Business Services staff under the direction of the Executive Director of Business Services; this responsibility does not include formal supervision.
14. Compile and prepare financial reports and statements for federal programs and other District funds including grant cash management reports completion reports expenditure reports and school budget reports.
15. Monitor and analyze budget accounts and advise the appropriate administrator regarding account status variances and the causes of significant deviations.
16. Coordinate required publication and posting of notices related to the Districts adopted budget Annual Financial Report procurement activities and other financial matters in accordance with applicable requirements and District procedures.
17. Conduct internal reviews of financial records transactions and processes as directed and recommend improvements to internal controls and procedures.
18. Coordinate and provide training to departments and school sites to promote compliance with established financial procedures internal controls and recordkeeping practices.
19. Research and reconcile overpayments reversals voids refunds and other transaction adjustments.
20. Investigate and respond to accounting inquiries from vendors employees school sites administrators auditors financial institutions and governmental agencies.
21. Prepare annual vendor tax reporting including applicable Forms 1099-NEC and 1099-MISC quarterly expenditure schedules and other required financial reports.
22. Collaborate with District staff the Maricopa County School Superintendents Office the County Treasurer banks and other agencies regarding financial transactions and reporting.
23. Compile and prepare financial data reconciliations schedules and supporting documentation for auditors and other reviewers.
24. Complete special projects related to finance accounting budget grants and business operations as assigned by the Executive Team.
25. Review prepare post and adjust budget transfers and journal entries within delegated authority.
26. Evaluate financial and accounting software processes; assist with testing implementation documentation and training related to system changes and enhancements.
27. Assist the Executive Director of Business Services in evaluating District and state expenditure and revenue formulas and analyzing their impact on the Districts budget and financial position.
28. Organize coordinate participate in and implement special projects related to budget finance accounting internal controls and financial information systems.
29. Perform any duties and responsibilities as assigned by immediate supervisor or district administration.

Accounts Payable

1. Review invoices and payment requests for proper authorization supporting documentation mathematical accuracy account coding and compliance with District procedures; maintain complete payment records.
2. Generate review and submit accounts payable warrant vouchers to the Maricopa County School Superintendents Office for processing.
3. Serve as a liaison to vendors regarding accounts payable procedures; research payment issues and resolve discrepancies in a timely and professional manner.
4. Respond to questions from District staff and administrators regarding accounts payable requirements procedures documentation and payment status.
5. Review and record information and account coding for employee reimbursement claims and other non-purchase-order expenditures.
6. Monitor account balances and related financial activity to ensure allocations and coding are accurate and transactions comply with established financial practices.
7. Prepare accounts payable reports and reconciliations as directed by the Executive Director of Business Services.
8. Coordinate the timely distribution of vendor payments and related remittance information.
9. Perform any duties and responsibilities as assigned by immediate supervisor or district administration.

• Valid Arizona Identity Verified Prints (IVP) Fingerprint Clearance Card or the ability to obtain and maintain one as required by District policy.
• Valid Arizona Notary Public commission or the ability to obtain and maintain one within the timeframe established by the District.
• Associate degree in accounting finance business administration or a closely related field.
• Bachelors degree in accounting finance business administration or a closely related field preferred.

• Three years of progressively responsible accounting finance or related experience; Arizona school finance experience preferred. An equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.
• Experience providing technical training guidance or cross-functional support preferred.

• Working knowledge of Arizona school finance governmental or fund accounting and applicable legal and regulatory requirements.
• Knowledge of federal state local and school system fiscal regulations policies procedures and internal controls.
• Ability to read interpret and prepare correspondence reports forms financial statements invoices payment documentation journal entries and related records.
• Proficiency with financial information systems spreadsheets databases word processing applications and standard office equipment with a high degree of accuracy.
• Ability to provide backup support and assist with Business Services functions as operational needs arise.
• Ability to adapt to new assignments systems procedures and process improvements that increase efficiency and strengthen internal controls.
• Ability to cross-train in related Business Services functions to support continuity of operations and team flexibility.
• Ability to work effectively with administrators employees parents the Governing Board governmental agencies vendors auditors and community organizations.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with individuals and organizations encountered in the course of work.
• Demonstrates professional responsive and solution-oriented customer service.
• Strong time-management and organizational skills including the ability to meet recurring deadlines and maintain complete and accurate records.

• Self-motivated and self-directed with the ability to exercise initiative and sound professional judgment within assigned authority.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and perform accurately during peak workloads urgent requests and time-sensitive reporting periods.

• Ability to exercise sound judgment discretion and confidentiality when handling sensitive financial employee student and vendor information.
• Strong oral and written communication skills and the ability to explain financial information to individuals with varying levels of technical knowledge.
• Ability to provide training and make presentations to employees administrators or the Governing Board as assigned.

• Work is primarily performed in an office environment and requires extended periods of sitting and computer use frequent use of standard office equipment and occasional lifting or moving of files records or supplies weighing up to 20 pounds.
• The position may require work beyond the standard workweek during payroll budget audit fiscal year-end or other peak processing periods.

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

RESD believes that every individual makes a significant contribution to our success. An employees contribution is not limited to the above assigned duties and responsibilities. Therefore this position description is designed to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this classification. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties responsibilities and skills required of employees who hold this position. It is our expectation that every employee will offer his/her services wherever and whenever necessary to ensure the success of the districts mission vision and goals.

District Mission

Preparing Students for College and Advanced Careers Through Rigorous STEM² Academic Programs

District Vision

To create a high-caliber and rigorous private school education within a public school setting.

Required Experience:

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