Accounting Manager

Sunnyside Unified School District - Tucson, AZ

Full-time - Manager

Tucson, AZ

Educational Services

About the position

The Accounting Manager plays a pivotal role in the daily operations of the Business and Financial Services Department, focusing on budget management, accounting, audit compliance, and various other departmental functions. This position is essential for ensuring that the department operates efficiently and effectively while adhering to all relevant laws and regulations. The Accounting Manager will assist in managing the business, financial, and administrative functions within the department and will provide supervision to staff members, ensuring that all operations align with the district's goals and standards. In this role, the Accounting Manager will maintain strict confidentiality to safeguard financial privacy and will assist in supervising the fiscal operations of the department. This includes maintaining adequate accounting records to document compliance with local, state, and federal laws and regulations, as well as safeguarding the assets of the School District through the implementation of robust internal control mechanisms. The Accounting Manager will also serve as the primary representative for escalated issues, staff development, and the development of new initiatives. The position requires the interpretation of policies and procedures, ensuring the application of all applicable federal, state, and local laws. The Accounting Manager will monitor and implement updated legislative changes related to accounting processes and will manage the District's budget, position control, general ledger, and other accounting functions as necessary. Additionally, the role involves assisting with the development of the district budget, calculating, preparing, and managing preliminary and final budgets, and may include presenting this information to the Governing Board as needed. Facilitating the audit process is another critical responsibility, which includes coordinating schedules, gathering and submitting data, and preparing corrective action plans. The Accounting Manager will also assist with long-range financial planning and financial reporting, including salary, benefits, and enrollment projections. This position will assign and supervise the work of budget specialists, accountants, and clerical staff engaged in financial recording, analysis, and reporting, ensuring that all financial data is accurate and timely. Overall, the Accounting Manager is expected to develop and implement financial policies and procedures in accordance with Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) and the Uniform System of Financial Records (USFR), ensuring compliance through written communication, staff training, and monitoring programs. The role also involves coordinating and facilitating an internal audit program to ensure district operations comply with fiscal practices and regulations, participating in meetings and workshops to convey and gather necessary information, and assisting the Director of Business & Finance in providing training to district staff.

Responsibilities

• Maintain strict confidentiality to safeguard financial privacy.
• Assist with the supervision of the fiscal operations of the department.
• Maintain adequate accounting records to document compliance with laws and regulations.
• Safeguard assets of the School District through internal control mechanisms.
• Serve as the primary representative for escalated issues and staff development.
• Interpret policy and ensure application of laws applicable to the department.
• Monitor and implement updated legislative changes pertaining to accounting processes.
• Manage the District's Budget, Position Control, General Ledger, and other accounting functions.
• Assist with the development of the district budget and manage preliminary and final budgets.
• Facilitate the audit process by coordinating schedules and preparing corrective action plans.
• Assist with long-range financial planning and financial reporting.
• Assign and supervise the work of budget specialists, accountants, and clerical staff.
• Coordinate and manage the District's financial data and create budget projections.
• Prepare and submit reimbursements for Medicaid and other programs.
• Monitor budget allocations, revenues, expenditures, and related financial activities.
• Prepare cash reconciliations to the County Treasurer.
• Coordinate and complete year-end requirements including the Annual Financial Report (AFR).
• Maintain detailed analysis of general ledger accounts for all funds.
• Assist directors and principals with budget development and financial reporting.
• Develop and implement financial policies and procedures in accordance with ARS and USFR.
• Coordinate and facilitate an internal audit program for compliance with fiscal practices.
• Participate in meetings, workshops, and seminars to convey and gather information.
• Assist the Director of Business & Finance in providing training to District Staff.
• Respond to inquiries from district staff and community members regarding financial policies and procedures.
• Attend meetings of the Governing Board and provide requested information.
• Act as the department lead as needed.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or similar field of study.
• 2 years of accounting or supervisory experience or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Three or more years of School Business office experience in budget preparation, accounting, payroll, and accounts payable.
• Three or more years of experience with ERP accounting systems/Infinite Visions software (preferred).
• Fluency in both Spanish and English may be required depending on the needs of the District.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with Arizona's Uniform System of Financial Records (USFR).
• Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Knowledge of Generally Accepted Government Accounting Standards (GAGAS).
• Knowledge of Generally Accepted Auditing Standards (GAAS).

Benefits

• Salary: PNT-260, Grade I
• 260 Days in Contract
• 8 Hours per Day
• Start Date: 2024/2025 School Year