What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Director of Accounting position at Norfolk Public Schools?
DEFINITION
Under the general direction of the Chief Finance Officer, the Senior Director has wide authority and discretion in the planning and direction of the school system accounting programs and functions. The incumbent plans, directs, reviews and evaluates the work of a staff of professional, technical, and clerical employees of the accounting department.
SUPERVISION
Work is performed under the general supervision of the Chief Finance Officer. Work is performed independently in accordance with established policies and procedures of the School Board of the City of Norfolk and the Code of Virginia. Work is subject to annual external audits and is governed by state, federal, and other official financial institutions.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
Positions designated as department directors administer school division wide, multi-faceted functions with comprehensive responsibilities that impact much of the division’s constituencies.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE CLASS (may not include all duties performed)
Maintains a complete, online automated accounting system for all financial transactions by source of funds, location, program, and object.
Responsible for timely payment of vendors for all goods and services received by the School Board.
Prepares financial statements on a full accrual basis to enable the School Board, Superintendent, and other administrative officers to make resource decisions for the school system.
Prepares periodic reports to the City of Norfolk, the State of Virginia, and the federal government.
Prepares and / or reviews the Financial Section of the Annual School Report as required by the Virginia Department of Education.
Prepares and / or reviews monthly financial reports and coordinates reconciliation of subsidiary ledgers for all functional areas, including the operating and grant funds, inventory, Child Nutrition Services, payroll, and purchasing.
Maintains a complete property control system for school fixed assets and controllable equipment.
Prepares appropriate annual financial reports in accordance with the Government Accounting Standards Board (GASB) and coordinates the external audit.
Develops and maintains separate accounting and reimbursement records for each federal and state grant funded program.
Develops and maintains a close working relationship with city financial officials to properly manage cash flow and investments for the School Board.
Act on behalf of the Chief Finance Officer during periods of absence.
Performs other duties as assigned.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Comprehensive knowledge of the principles and practices of accounting and auditing.
Comprehensive knowledge of the operations and organization of a large public or private sector organization.
Comprehensive knowledge of the compliance requirements, laws and regulations applicable to public schools in Virginia.
Comprehensive knowledge of Governmental Accounting Standards Board pronouncements.
Ability to plan, organize, and direct the work of others through subordinate supervisors.
Ability to make sound judgment on new and unusual problems and questions.
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
MINIMUM EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
Bachelor’s degree with a concentration or major in accounting (Master’s in accounting, public administration, or business administration preferred). This position requires seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience working in the accounting section of a large and complex organization (governmental accounting experience is preferred).
LICENSE
Certified Public Accountant (CPA) preferred.
PHYSICAL ATTRIBUTES
Work involves normal physical effort including sitting, walking, standing, reaching, bending in performance of normal office activities.
HAZARDS
Work involves exposure to normal, everyday risks in an office environment.
UNUSUAL DEMANDS
Work is performed in an office and requires no unusual demands.
