Accounting/Accounts Payable Specialist

Mercer Island School District

Job Description

First file consideration on 10/2/2026

Title: Accounting/Accounts Payable Specialist

Reporting: Director of Finance

FLSA: Non-Exempt

8 hours per day, 260 days per year

Position Purpose

Under the general supervision of the Director of Finance, the Accounting/Accounts Payable Specialist is responsible for financial reporting, accurate accounting of expenditures and revenues, accounts receivable, procurement card processing, accounts payable, budget development support, staff travel and reimbursements, Food Service processes and purchase orders. In addition, provides administrative support to the Assistance Superintendent of Finance and Operations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Accounting Specialist

• Ensure comprehensive accounting and financial reporting systems and procedures. Maintain expenditure controls;
• Prepare journal entries and budget transfers
• Establish and maintain a variety of files and records; prepare a variety of reports and correspondence as required;
• Reconcile bank statements as necessary;
• Maintain current knowledge of rules, regulations, legislation, technology, and procedures governing school business and finance; learn new skills as required;
• Develop and recommend new procedures;
• Create and maintain process and procedural documentation for the Business Team and make recommendations to team for process improvement;
• Prepare accounts receivables invoices for District programs and operations, all funds;
• Process food service free/reduced applications and consent to share forms; prepare notifications letters;
• Provide backup to Budgeting & Accounting Coordinator as needed;
• Support the Assistant Superintendent of Finance & Operations as needed;
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Accounts Payable

• Maintain accurate accounts payable records, including filing, retrieving, matching invoices, and auditing for accuracy.
• Enter payment information into the computer system and ensure accuracy for generating invoices and capturing discounts.
• Process vendor payments, travel reimbursements, and eligible purchases according to District policies.
• Assist in 1099-misc forms per IRS regulations and compensating tax reports.
• Reconcile vendor billing statements and provide necessary reports.
• Support Accounts Payable/Purchasing Specialist
• Provide assistance during audits by maintaining records and offering necessary information.

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:

Reports to the Director of Finance. Interacts regularly with various business/finance staff/human resource staff, directors, principals and other support staff. Contacts with individuals outside of the District include frequent contact with King County finance; occasional contact with bank staff, vendors, parents, students, OSPI staff, computer services and hardware providers.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Successful candidates will meet the education and experience requirements as well as demonstrate the knowledge, skills and abilities listed below.

Education and/or Experience

• Associate's degree in accounting and three years of relevant experience, or equivalent combination.
• 3-5 years of background accounting experience preferred.
• K-12 public school experience in accounting and finance preferred.
• Working knowledge of Qmlativ(Skyward), Washington School Information Processing Cooperative (WSIPC) software is strongly preferred.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to work effectively with parents and school staff to build trust and effective working relationships.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Positive customer service orientation.
• Demonstrated ability to work with diverse populations.
• Ability to use good judgment in identifying and responding to critical issues.
• Demonstrated skill in written and oral communications.
• Knowledge of fiscal management practices.
• Strong technology skills including database management and keyboard experience.
• Ability to perform duties in accordance with all District and State requirements and policies.
• Eligible to pass the OSPI check and work in a K-12 public school setting.

Reasoning Ability

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.

Language Skills

Ability to read and interpret complex documents such as financial agreements, laws, rules and regulations. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Demonstrated ability to communicate in a professional manner both orally and in writing. Ability to speak effectively with other employees and/or the public.

Mathematical Skills

Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work is generally performed in an office setting. While performing the duties of this job the employee frequently walks, stands, and repeats the same hand, arm, or finger motion many times (For example, typing, data entry, etc.). The employee uses hand/grip strength and finger dexterity and is at times required to lift up to 25 pounds from floor to waist. Position requires frequent meetings beyond regular business hours and flexible hours. Required to meet inflexible deadlines and conflicting demands and may require long hours.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Visual and mental concentration required to analyze and synthesize complex collections of data. High level of organizational skills and constant interaction with others through communication are required. Can be productive and effective with a heavy meeting schedule and routine interruptions of work. Use of and exposure to computer and visual display terminal for prolonged periods.

Pay and Classification

Category 03 - Per the Professional/Technical Salary Schedule

The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the American with Disabilities Act (A.D.A.) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position.