Accounting Manager

Enjoy solving problems, leading people, and keeping complex financial operations running smoothly?

Join Bellflower Unified School District as our Accounting Manager and help support the schools, staff, and students who count on strong fiscal leadership. Apply today!

Under administrative direction, provides management and oversight of District accounting, payroll, and benefits operations and ensures compliance with state, federal, and local laws and regulations; provides leadership and supervision to assigned staff.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
The Accounting Manager classification is characterized by managerial responsibility for the District's accounting, financial reporting, payroll, and benefits functions, including development of related policies and procedures, supervision of professional and technical staff, oversight of compliance with applicable laws and reporting requirements, and budget administration for assigned operations.

It is distinguished from the Director of Fiscal Services, who holds broad administrative authority over the entire fiscal services department - including accounting, purchasing, and warehouse operations and provides strategic direction for District-wide financial functions.

It is distinguished from the lateral Purchasing Manager classification, who oversees warehouse operations and District-wide purchasing activities, including procurement of supplies, materials, and equipment, while the Accounting Manager focuses on management of District funds, financial reporting, payroll, and benefits administration.

It is also distinguished from Accounting and Payroll classifications, which perform the work without exercising managerial authority.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives administrative direction from the Director of Fiscal Services. Exercises supervisory responsibility for assigned staff, including hiring recommendations, performance evaluations, training, scheduling, and performance management.

• Plans, directs, and oversees the daily operations of the District's accounting, financial reporting, payroll, and benefits functions, including establishing priorities, assigning work, and setting performance standards to ensure accuracy, regulatory compliance, and timely service delivery.

• Maintains district accounts and financial records in compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), the California School Accounting Manual (CSAM), and Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) requirements; implements procedures to ensure effective internal controls and regulatory compliance.

• Oversees completion and accuracy of district financial statements, including unaudited actuals, revenue and expense reports, and cash flow projections; prepares and presents financial reports to administration and the Board of Education as needed.

• Coordinates and manages month-end and year-end closing activities and deadlines to ensure timely and accurate financial reporting; reviews and approves general ledger and subsidiary ledger reconciliations, journal entries, supporting schedules, and related accounting transactions.

• Oversees reconciliation of District funds and accounts, including general and special revenue funds; revolving funds; clearing and fringe benefit accounts; and other related accounts; prepares analyses and reports to support accurate financial reporting and cost allocation.

• Oversees accounts payable, accounts receivable, purchase order payment processes, and cash receipt processes; monitors and audits Associated Student Body (ASB) and other student activity funds to ensure compliance with District policies and internal controls.

• Oversees tracking and reconciliation of grant expenditures and reimbursements for state and federally funded programs to ensure compliance with applicable requirements and support cash flow planning.

• Reviews and monitors departmental budgets; analyzes variances and expenditure trends; approves budget transfers; and manages District cash flow activities.

• Coordinates and oversees the preparation and submission of State and Federal local tax reports, payroll, retirement and regulatory reports, including SACS reports, CalSTRS and CalPERS reporting, environmental compliance filings, and other required reports.

• Coordinates with external auditors during the annual audit process; responds to audit findings, management recommendations, and inquiries from County, State, Federal, and other regulatory agencies.

• Manages employee health and dental insurance accounting functions, payroll clearing fund activities, and related financial processes in accordance with collective bargaining agreements, District policies, and applicable regulations.

• Plans, assigns, evaluates, and supervises the work of assigned staff; provides training and professional development opportunities; interviews and selects employees; and recommends disciplinary actions.

• Liaises with District administrators, staff, outside agencies, and vendors to coordinate activities, resolve issues, and exchange information; responds to escalations and inquiries from internal and external stakeholders, including State and Federal agencies.

• Maintains current knowledge of governmental accounting standards, regulatory requirements, and best practices in school district fiscal operations through participation in professional organizations, training, and conferences.

• Performs related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of:

• Principles, procedures, and practices of accounting, including fund accounting, budgeting, fiscal control, and financial reporting

• Preparation of financial statements, audit schedules, and comprehensive accounting reports

• Budget development, monitoring, and variance analysis techniques

• Payroll accounting systems, tax reporting requirements, and employee benefits administration

• Grant accounting and compliance requirements for state and federally funded programs

• Financial and statistical record-keeping techniques and internal control systems

• Principles and practices of governmental auditing, including audit preparation, response to audit findings, and implementation of corrective actions

• Principles and practices of supervision, staff development, and performance management

• Modern office practices, procedures, and accounting software systems, financial management information systems, and standard office productivity tools

• California School Accounting Manual (CSAM), Standardized Account Code Structure (SACS), Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), and applicable Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) pronouncements

• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, rules, regulations, and reporting requirements governing school district fiscal operations, including payroll tax reporting, CalSTRS and CalPERS reporting and compliance, Sales and Use Tax filings, and other regulatory compliance requirements

• Fundamental concepts of employment laws, codes, and regulations, including EEO, FLSA, FMLA, and Cal/OSHA and applicable provisions of collective bargaining agreements

Ability to:

• Plan, organize, and manage accounting, payroll, benefits, and financial reporting activities.

• Develop and implement accounting and financial policies, procedures, and internal controls

• Supervise, assign, review, and evaluate the performance of assigned staff.

• Analyze, interpret, and prepare complex financial statements, forecasts, and reports

• Prepare and present complex financial information and recommendations to District administration, the Board of Education, and external stakeholders.

• Identify problems, evaluate alternatives, and implement effective solutions.

• Interpret, apply, and explain applicable laws, codes, rules, and regulations.

• Utilize accounting software, financial management systems, and standard office applications.

• Resolve conflicts and handle sensitive situations with discretion and professionalism.

• Collaborate effectively with school administrators, staff, and external agencies.

• Work independently while effectively managing competing priorities.

• Model communications and interactions that respect and include all individuals and their languages, abilities, religions, and cultures.

Experience: Four (4) years of professional accounting experience, including one (1) year of experience providing lead direction to staff. Experience in a K-12 school district educational setting is preferred.

Education: Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or other fields closely related to the job requirements of this classification from an institution of higher learning recognized by the Council of Higher Education Accreditation.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS This summary provides examples of the work conditions and typical physical demands of this classification.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Standard climate-controlled office environment with frequent interruptions and high-volume public contact.

• Continuous contact with district administrators, school site staff, external auditors, and representatives from county and state agencies.

• Operates standard office equipment, including computers, printers, and scanners

• Regular exposure to and handling of sensitive, privileged, and highly confidential financial information.

• Occasional travel to off-site meetings, workshops, or training sessions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk or computer workstation with occasional walking and standing to consult with staff or retrieve files.

• Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard and other standard office equipment.

• Visual acuity to read, review, and screen a variety of documents, reports, and computer screens.

• Hearing and speaking clearly enough to exchange information in person, lead meetings, explain complex financial data, and converse on the telephone.

• Occasional bending at the waist, kneeling, or reaching to access file cabinets and retrieve financial records.

• Lift and carry office materials weighing up to ten (10) pounds without assistance.

Additional Requirements/Information:

Ability to obtain transportation between job sites is required; travel may include District school sites, county and state agency offices, and off-site conferences and workshops.

This recruitment is being conducted pending approval of revisions to the class specification. Final duties, qualifications, and related terms will be consistent with the approved classification specification.