ACCOUNTING MANAGER

ACCOUNTING MANAGER

Reports to: Executive Director of Finance

POSITION PURPOSE The Accounting Manager manages the district's daily accounting operations under the direction of the Executive Director of Finance. Responsibilities include purchasing, accounts payable, accounts receivable, bank reconciliations, fixed assets, cash management, and investments. The position supervises assigned accounting staff, maintains accurate financial records and internal controls, and coordinates audit support. Work is performed in accordance with applicable North Carolina school finance requirements, generally accepted accounting principles, Governmental Accounting Standards Board standards, state and federal requirements, and Board policies.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Accounting Budget and Financial Reporting

• Manage daily accounting operations and review transactions for accuracy, appropriate coding, supporting documentation, and compliance with district procedures. • Conduct periodic reviews of general ledger accounts and the trial balance; research budget and general ledger issues and resolve discrepancies with the Executive Director of Finance.
• Support monthly and year-end closing and preparation of required financial reports and audit schedules.
• Complete the annual NC Pre-K report and required Local Government Commission reports.
• Calculate indirect costs on federal programs and process related check requests in coordination with the Executive Director of Finance.
• Provide accounting oversight and support for fixed asset records, reconciliations, and reporting. Banking Cash Management and Receipts
• Reconcile all district bank and investment accounts, including State, Local, State Health Plan, Flexible Spending Account, and Short-Term Investment Fund accounts; investigate outstanding items and discrepancies.
• Assist the Executive Director of Finance with state and federal cash requests through the State Cash Management System, as assigned; prepare supporting expenditure information and reconcile related cash activity.
• Monitor cash balances and manage investment of excess cash within delegated authority and in accordance with Board policy and applicable North Carolina requirements.
• Oversee vendor payment processes, including ACH payments and Positive Pay files, with appropriate authorization and separation of duties.
• Oversee requests for proposals for district banking relationships and coordinate implementation of approved banking services.
• Serve as backup for recording and depositing daily receipts.
• Coordinate annual unclaimed property reporting and remittance for outstanding school, accounts payable, and payroll checks. Purchasing Accounts Payable and District Services
• Oversee purchasing, accounts payable, and accounts receivable; review purchase requests and oversee purchase order approvals, encumbrances, and payment documentation.
• Administer the district purchasing card program and oversee processing of utility payments for district facilities.
• Maintain vendor records in School Funds Online and assist with Sylogist vendor setup, using established verification and approval procedures.
• Collect 1099 information from schools and accounts payable, prepare required forms, and submit filings to the Internal Revenue Service.
• Prepare and process sales tax refund requests and maintain supporting documentation.
• Administer and coordinate payments to charter schools for students attending from Rowan County.
• Coordinate billing and collection from area churches that fund Rowan County Bible teachers.
• Distribute individual school Sharp copier usage reports quarterly.
• Provide assistance to School Treasurers and other school and department personnel on accounting, purchasing, budget codes, and financial procedures. Audit Internal Controls and Systems
• Coordinate the annual audit with the district's independent auditors; collect requested information, prepare schedules, and track responses in consultation with the Executive Director of Finance.
• Assist with resolution of accounts payable audit issues and implementation of approved corrective actions.
• Maintain and review internal accounting controls, including transaction approvals, reconciliations, access permissions, and separation of duties; report concerns to the Executive Director of Finance.
• Serve as Sylogist system administrator within assigned authority, coordinating system access, financial setup, and troubleshooting with Finance leadership and appropriate support personnel.
• Maintain accounting policies and procedures, develop departmental procedures, and recommend improvements in accuracy, efficiency, and service. Staff Supervision and Finance Support
• Supervise, train, and evaluate assigned Purchasing Specialist, Accounts Payable Specialist, and Accounting Specialist staff; review work for accuracy, completeness, and timeliness.
• Provide technical assistance and training to Finance staff, school treasurers, administrative staff, and departments on financial procedures and system use.
• Provide responsive customer service and coordinate resolution of financial questions with the appropriate Finance personnel.
• Prepare financial analyses and reports and assist with special projects as requested by the Executive Director of Finance or Chief Financial Officer.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the Chief Financial Officer and Executive Director of Finance.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a closely related field.
• Five to seven years of progressively responsible accounting experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Supervisory experience preferred.
• Experience in governmental or public-school accounting preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of governmental accounting, the North Carolina School Budget and Fiscal Control Act, Uniform Budget Format, purchasing requirements, and public contracting requirements.
• Knowledge of NCDPI financial reporting, the Uniform Chart of Accounts, program report codes, and state and federal funding requirements.
• Proficiency with general ledger, accounts payable, purchasing, and financial reporting systems; Microsoft Office applications; and spreadsheet analysis.
• Ability to research accounting and budget discrepancies, reconcile financial records, and prepare accurate reports and supporting documentation.
• Ability to organize competing priorities, meet deadlines, and exercise sound judgment while maintaining confidentiality and professional integrity.
• Ability to communicate clearly, supervise and train staff, and provide responsive customer service to schools, departments, employees, and vendors.
• Ability to evaluate accounting procedures, strengthen internal controls, and recommend practical process improvements.

Term of Employment: 12 Months