] Office of Human Resources - Montgomery County Public Schools

OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT → CLASSIFICATION → STAFF ACCOUNTANT

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Staff Accountant

MONTGOMERY COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS CLASS DESCRIPTION
OFFICIAL TITLE: Staff Accountant CODE: 5451 SQ/OQ: Optimal Qualified
WORKING TITLE: Staff Accountant GRADE: 24 MONTHS: 12
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF CLASSIFICATION: Under direction, performs advanced professional accounting work in the development and maintenance of accounting systems and analysis of accounting and other business processes for the school system. Work of the class involves the maintenance of complex accounting and other business systems and preparation of a variety of financial reports and statements. The position is assigned responsibility for major segments of an accounting system, providing functional supervision and control of day-to-day, monthly & yearly transaction reporting, balancing, and reconciliation. 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 revising accounting procedures within their areas and participate in system development and design projects. The position reviews accounting and other business system processes for continuous improvement, recommends process changes, and documents procedures.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATION STANDARDS
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Substantial knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles and practices and their application in complex accounting environments. Thorough knowledge of and ability to employ computer technology to improve business practices. Considerable knowledge of client/server and desktop computer applications and database reporting tools. Ability to analyze and evaluate business processes using continuous improvement principles. Excellent level of skill required both orally and in writing. Excellent human relations and interpersonal communication skills. Knowledge of and the ability to meet the seven core competencies of the Supporting Services Professional Growth System (SSPGS).
EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE: Bachelor's degree required. Master's degree preferred. College major in accounting or related business field required. College course work in business or public administration desirable. Three years progressively responsible experience in a complex accounting environment. Considerable experience in the preparation of financial statements and analytic reports. Substantial experience implementing/maintaining large accounting systems, including experience producing reports in a client/server environment. Experience in reviewing and documenting accounting processes. Experience using Oracle Financials desirable. Other combinations of applicable education, training, and experience equivalent to a Bachelor's degree, which provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform effectively in the position, may be considered.
CERTIFICATE AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS: Certified Public Accountant desirable.
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.
OVERTIME ELIGIBLE: No

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

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.

Researches accounts to locate errors and improper entries; identifies and corrects anomalies and accounting errors.

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

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

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.

Participates, as a team member, in implementation of new Oracle Hub processes, including periodic modifications and improvements.
Coordinates system changes with other impacted business units.

Analyzes accounting processes and evaluates for continuous improvement.

Maintains documentation of office procedures.

Develops business systems reports and database extracts for customers and for internal use.

Assists other offices in developing analytical reports and database extracts.

Assists with preparation of the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report.

Perform related work as required.
Class Established: 1/2010
Date(s) Revised: 10/2020, 2/2023
Last Reviewed:

This description may be changed at any time.