] Office of Human Resources - Montgomery County Public Schools

OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT → CLASSIFICATION → ACCOUNTANT

Sorted by job title: A - C | D - H | I - Q | R - Z

Accountant

MONTGOMERY COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS CLASS DESCRIPTION
OFFICIAL TITLE: Accountant CODE: 5450 SQ/OQ: Optimal Qualified
WORKING TITLE: Accountant GRADE: 22 MONTHS: 12
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF CLASSIFICATION: Under direction, performs professional accounting work of a varied nature in the maintenance and analysis of fiscal records and controls. Work of the class involves the maintenance of complex accounting records and preparation of a variety of financial reports and statements. In central finance, workers are assigned responsibility for major segments of an accounting system, providing functional supervision and control of day to day transaction reporting, balancing, reconciliation, and reporting. Positions in operating departments perform similar duties for the accounting activity maintained at the operating level. The work requires considerable technical judgment to ensure accurate accounting of often complex and unusual financial transactions. Employees advise operating staffs on actions affecting fiscal management activities and accounting procedures, revise procedures within their areas and participate in system development and design projects. Functional work direction may be exercised over accounting support staff.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATION STANDARDS
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Considerable knowledge of accounting principles and practices and their application to a wide variety of accounting transactions and problems; considerable knowledge of office procedures practices, and equipment. Thorough knowledge of computer applications in the financial area; working knowledge of school financing and accounting procedures. Ability to prepare accounting reports of considerable complexity; ability to analyze and evaluate accounting problems and to develop pertinent data and recommend improved procedures; ability to plan, assign, and review the work of technical and clerical assistants. Good human relations skills. Knowledge of and the ability to meet the seven core competencies of the Supporting Services Professional Growth System (SSPGS).
EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE: Bachelors degree required. College major in business, finance, accounting, or related field required. Experience in analytical/interpretive accounting or auditing work - preferably in local, state, or federal government. Other combinations of applicable education, training, and experience which provide the knowledge, abilities, and skills necessary to perform effectively in the position may be considered.
CERTIFICATE AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS: None
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: (Special requirements such as lifting heavy objects and frequent climbing.) None
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: (Frequent overtime or night work required, etc.) Overtime and night work required occasionally.
OVERTIME ELIGIBLE: No

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Maintains an assigned segment of the accounting system; implements legal, policy and technical procedures to ensure compliance with established accounting principles and practices and departmental rules provides day to day direction of the processing of transactions affecting accounts; checks and verifies transaction documents; assigns codes and prepares journal vouchers; balances and reconciles accounts; prepares corrections and makes adjustment entries; monitors and reports accounts status; assesses adequacy of controls and recommends changes as appropriate; prepares periodic and special summaries, recaps, statements and reports.

2. Researches accounts to locate errors and improper entries; accesses account data using computer terminals; identifies and corrects anomalies and accounting errors.

3. Develops cost projections and alternative cost analyses, cash flow analyses and forecasts, and recommends appropriate actions.

4. Reviews payment requests for propriety and compliance with contract provisions and established policies and procedures, and authorizes payment.

5. Maintains contact with operating staffs and other MCPS personnel regarding the reporting and accounting of financial data; responds to inquiries and explains accounting needs and procedures; investigates transactions and accounting process to document transaction and accounting processes.

6. Participates in the design, installation and modification of automated accounting systems; provides advice and technical information regarding area of responsibility; develops test procedures and data and assists in testing and evaluating system results; assists in coordinating system changes.

7. Performs related work as required.
Class Established: 7/65
Date(s) Revised: 1/70, 2/79, 8/83, 9/84, 7/92, 7/09
Last Reviewed: 2010

This description may be changed at any time.