About the position
The Accounting Director position at the Hawaii Department of Education is a critical leadership role that operates under the general supervision of the Assistant Superintendent of the Office of Fiscal Services. This position is responsible for planning, coordinating, and reviewing the work activities of professional and clerical personnel through effective management practices. The Accounting Director administers and accounts for all funds, revenues, expenditures, and financial commitments incurred by the Department, ensuring compliance with the State of Hawaii Comptroller's rules and regulations. This role involves providing statewide services in accounting, reconciling, reporting, and fiscal functions, including deposits and fixed assets. The Accounting Director is tasked with developing and administering the operating budget and expenditure plan for the branch, aligning measurable objectives with the Department's goals. In addition to overseeing the accounting functions within the Department's Financial Management System (FMS) and the State of Hawaii's accounting system, the Accounting Director supervises the processing, automating, and streamlining of financial transactions and report development. Timely completion of month-end, mid-year, and year-end closing on FMS is essential to meet the State's deadlines. The Director ensures regular reconciliation of the Department's FMS and State's accounting system records, addressing discrepancies as necessary. Furthermore, the role includes directing projects aimed at modernizing fiscal technology systems and enhancing efficiency through automation and best practices. The Accounting Director provides technical guidance to school, complex area, district, and state office personnel, serving as the standard procedures coordinator for the branch. This includes reviewing, updating, and developing new policies and procedures for financial transaction processes. The Director monitors governmental accounting standards and coordinates the work of external auditors during the annual financial statement audit. This position also involves preparing accounting schedules and documentation for auditors, ensuring accuracy and timeliness. Collaboration with OFS Directors and the Office of Information Technology Services is crucial to address accounting codes, budget tracking, and system requirements. The Accounting Director advises the CFO on accounting matters, conducts special studies, and represents the CFO in meetings with various stakeholders. This role requires a strong understanding of financial management and the ability to navigate complex legislative and fiscal issues, making it essential for the Accounting Director to maintain positive working relationships across the Department and with external agencies.
Responsibilities
- Plan, coordinate, and review work activities of professional and clerical personnel.
- Administer and account for all funds, revenues, expenditures, and financial commitments.
- Provide statewide services in accounting, reconciling, reporting, and fiscal functions.
- Develop and administer the operating budget and expenditure plan for the branch.
- Manage accounting functions within the Department's Financial Management System (FMS).
- Supervise and direct processing, automating, and streamlining financial transactions.
- Ensure timely month-end, mid-year, and year-end closing on FMS.
- Reconcile the Department's FMS and State's accounting system records regularly.
- Direct projects to modernize fiscal technology systems and increase efficiency.
- Provide technical guidance and assistance to school and district personnel.
- Serve as the standard procedures coordinator for the branch.
- Review, update, and develop new policies and procedures for financial transactions.
- Monitor governmental accounting standards and ensure compliance.
- Coordinate and oversee the work of external auditors during the annual financial statement audit.
- Prepare required accounting schedules and documentation for auditors.
- Maintain positive working relationships with OFS Directors and other stakeholders.
- Advise and assist the CFO on accounting matters and conduct special studies.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in business administration with a major in accounting or related field with at least 12 semester hours of accounting courses.
- Nine years of responsible professional work experience in accounting, auditing, or budgeting, including five years in an education program or agency.
- Two years of supervisory experience in accounting or related functions.
- Knowledge of financial and management accounting, government accounting, and business statistics.
- Ability to plan, organize, and oversee accounting and business services effectively.
Nice-to-haves
- Master's degree in accounting, auditing, finance, or business administration.
- Experience in agency budgeting and financial management.
- Ability to exercise discretion and sound judgment in a managerial capacity.
- Willingness to be a team leader and a working director.
Benefits
- Paid holidays during the school year.
- 21 days of vacation per year.
- 21 days of sick leave per year.
- Health insurance with partial premium coverage.
- Free group life insurance policy for employees and retirees.
- Flexible Spending Accounts for health care and dependent care expenses.
- Retirement plan contributions by the State.
- Tax Shelter Annuity (TSA) participation for eligible employees.
- Deferred Compensation program for retirement savings.
- Temporary Disability Insurance for non-work related injuries or illnesses.
- Workers' Compensation benefits for job-related injuries.
