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Senior Accountant, Accounting & Reporting
full-timeMemphis

Summary

Location

Memphis

Type

full-time

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About this role

Purpose and Scope

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION:

 

Senior Accountant, Accounting & Reporting assists in coordinating and performing responsible professional accounting functions in the maintenance of accounting and internal control systems for the accounting department using established procedures and policies, independently developing work methods and sequences.  The position is responsible for providing instruction and leadership for staff, efficiently recording, summarizing and reporting the result of financial activities; and performing related tasks as assigned.  The position reports to the Accounting and Reporting Manager.

Essential Job Functions

This position description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, knowledge or abilities associated with this classification, but is intended to accurately reflect the primary job elements.

 

  • Serves as the Finance lead for charter schools and Campus School by calculating revenue allocations (budgets and actuals), processing charter school payments, resolving issues, reviewing audit reports, and completing for Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) the annual budget and financial reports for the State.
  • Assists with the development of the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report and the Tennessee Department of Education’s Annual Financial Report for MSCS, including all supporting work papers, analyses and summary schedules as required by MSCS outside auditors. Ensures that the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) and other financial data are distributed to relevant outside agencies.
  • Prepares, monitors, and manages MSCS budgets and/or funds; makes journal entries and budget adjustments as required; coordinates month-end and year-end closing of the general ledger; performs complex analysis and prepares financial reports as requested.
  • Prepares daily cash reports, monitor revenues, and provide cash management forecast.
  • Audits financial records by examining, verifying and reviewing accounts, invoices, bills and vouchers; assists with external audits; research accounting problems and discrepancies in records; makes or initiates corrections as needed.
  • Compiles data for and prepares periodic and special reports as required by the department, school and other agencies; assists with various financial analyses as requested.
  • Approves and/or prepares journal vouchers, check requests, and requisitions for MSCS.
  • Prepares monthly reconciliations of balance sheet accounts and follow-thru on outstanding items to ensure issues are resolved timely and transactions are accurate in accordance with policies and procedures.
  • Receives and prepares responses to inquiries, concerns, complaints and requests for assistance from personnel and citizens regarding areas of responsibility.
  • Explains financial policies and procedures to co-workers and personnel of other departments; refers customers to other personnel or offices as appropriate.
  • Assures accurate audits for MSCS with outside auditors during the annual audit process; provides information, assistance, and explanation of MSCS accounting practices, procedures, systems and audit trails; reviews and responds to audit findings. Coordinates the annual review of student body funds and other internal audit reviews as required for MCS.  Maintains verbal and written communication with external auditors, arbitrage consultants and other outside agencies as required. 
  • Participates in system testing resulting from upgrades and modifications to the financial management system for MSCS.
  • Assists with the development and maintenance of the forecast models for revenues, expenditures, and cash flow for MSCS.
  • Prepares and maintains variety of narrative and statistical reports, records, correspondence, and files related to assigned service, activities, and operations; provides for appropriate research and compiles reports, as needed.
  • Assists in upholding SOX and internal control standards by documenting and maintaining standard operating procedures for MSCS.
  • Maintains system of internal accounting controls to assure proper accounting of MSCS revenues and expenditures. Monitors accounting activities throughout MSCS to assure legal compliance and handling in a timely and accurate manner. Assists MSCS cost centers with accounting operations and fund accounting. 
  • Monitors and ensures timely identification and compliance with evolving accounting guidance, provides GASB interpretation and prepares memorandums that document changes and/or issues in a clear, logical and comprehensive manner for MSCS.
  • Assists in the preparation of monthly accounting close, monthly financial reports and year-end accounting close and annual financial reports for MSCS. Ensures proper reporting of financial information; review all financial documents for accuracy and proper classification.
  • Assists with the accounting for revenue and expenditures in general fund, special revenue fund, proprietary and fiduciary funds, capital improvement planning, fixed asset and debt service fund in accordance with GAAP and GASB for MSCS.
  • Oversees, reviews and approves balance sheet reconciliations & revenue and expenditures for MSCS.
  • Provides instruction, training and leadership for staff.
  • Attends staff and other meetings as required. Attends training, meetings, seminars and/or workshops to enhance job knowledge and skills.
  • Provides back-up support to the budget and financial analyst staff in case of absence or work overload.
  • Performs other responsibilities as required or directed.
  • Minimum Qualifications

    Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Management, Finance, Public Administration or related field or equivalent.  Plus 5 years of related accounting experience OR a combination of equivalent education and/or paid, exempt level, directly relevant experience for a total of 9 years.  Experience in a school district or local government setting is preferred.

     

    (PROOF OF EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND/OR EXPERIENCE IS REQUIRED)

     

    Degree Equivalency Formula:

    Bachelor’s Degree= 4 years plus required years of experience.

    Master’s Degree = 6 years plus required years of experience

    Other facts

    Tech stack
    Accounting,Financial Reporting,Budget Management,Audit Coordination,Cash Management,Financial Analysis,Internal Controls,GAAP Compliance,GASB Interpretation,Journal Entries,Reconciliations,Staff Leadership,Problem Solving,Communication,Training,Data Compilation

    About Memphis Shelby County Schools

    A Major, Urban School District on the
    Cutting Edge of Closing the Achievement Gap

    Our Mission
    Memphis-Shelby County Schools is one of the 25 largest school districts in the nation located in a large city with a hometown feel, Memphis, TN. Here in the Bluff City, we are dedicated to preparing all students for success in learning, leadership, and life.

    • Our promise is that by 2025, 80% of our students will be college & career ready, 90% will graduate high school, and 100% of graduates will enroll in post-secondary education.

    • Our work is deeply rooted in the belief that every child is capable of learning and that education is the great equalizer. With 84% of all students considered economically disadvantaged, Memphis-Shelby County Schools truly is a place where progressive leaders in education can make a difference in the lives of our country’s most underserved children.

    Our Future
    Though our challenges are significant, we are a district on the rise.

    • Memphis-Shelby County Schools has been a level 5 growth district—the highest achievable level in TN--for the past three years.

    • Memphis-Shelby County Schools has seen district-wide math proficiency scores double in the past three years.

    • Memphis-Shelby County Schools I-Zone schools were once performing in the bottom 5% of TN, and are now making significant gains towards the goal of performing amongst the top 25% within five years.

    We are a district committed to progressive strategies and practices that promote student achievement. We do this by ensuring that every classroom has an effective teacher and every school is operated by staff and leaders committed to excellence.

    Team size: 10,001+ employees
    LinkedIn: Visit
    Industry: Education Administration Programs

    What you'll do

    • The Senior Accountant is responsible for coordinating and performing professional accounting functions, including financial reporting, budget management, and audit support. This role also involves providing leadership and instruction to staff while ensuring compliance with accounting standards.

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    What does a Senior Accountant, Accounting & Reporting do at Memphis Shelby County Schools?

    As a Senior Accountant, Accounting & Reporting at Memphis Shelby County Schools, you will: the Senior Accountant is responsible for coordinating and performing professional accounting functions, including financial reporting, budget management, and audit support. This role also involves providing leadership and instruction to staff while ensuring compliance with accounting standards..

    Why join Memphis Shelby County Schools as a Senior Accountant, Accounting & Reporting?

    Memphis Shelby County Schools is a leading Education Administration Programs company.

    Is the Senior Accountant, Accounting & Reporting position at Memphis Shelby County Schools remote?

    The Senior Accountant, Accounting & Reporting position at Memphis Shelby County Schools is based in Memphis, Tennessee, United States. Contact the company through Clera for specific work arrangement details.

    How do I apply for the Senior Accountant, Accounting & Reporting position at Memphis Shelby County Schools?

    You can apply for the Senior Accountant, Accounting & Reporting position at Memphis Shelby County Schools directly through Clera. Click the "Apply Now" button above to start your application. Clera's AI-powered platform will help match your profile with this opportunity and guide you through the application process. You can also learn more about Memphis Shelby County Schools on their website.