Bend-La Pine Schools is committed to the principle of equity. Equity supersedes the notion of equality, where all are treated the same. Pursuing equity requires the removal of barriers and the promotion of inclusive practices so that all students fully benefit. The principle of equity will inform all BLS policies, regulations, programs, operations, practices, and resource allocations.
Studies have shown that some individuals (women and people of color, for example) are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every single qualification in a job description. Our goal is to find the best candidate for the position, and we acknowledge that that candidate may be an individual from a less traditional background. We encourage you to apply, even if you don't believe you meet every one of our qualifications described.
Position Title: Assistant Director of Finance - Accounting
Department: Business Office
Reports To: Chief Financial Officer
Salary Range: $127,071 - $139,421
This position follows a 238-day annual contract, which includes 10 paid holidays.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Interested candidates must submit a cover letter, professional resume, and one letter of recommendation by Tuesday, October 15, 2024.
For inquiries about the position or the application process, please contact Bend-La Pine Schools Human Resources at hr-recruitment@bend.k12.or.us
The Assistant Director of Finance - Accounting is under limited direction and is responsible for the management, direction, and integration of comprehensive accounting services related to the financial administration of the District’s operations. The position resolves highly complex accounting issues, and produces the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, acting as an agency lead throughout the external audit process. Responsibilities also include management of the accounting team, accounting internal controls, and oversight of financial processes. The work requires a high degree of knowledge in Generally Accepted Accounting and Auditing Principles for the Public Sector.
The position is an expert in their field and provides authoritative decision support to the School Board and School leadership. Successfully completing this work requires excellent communication skills for building mutually beneficial relationships with coworkers, customers, community members, and/or clients based on understanding and respect.
This position reports directly to the Chief Financial Officer, ensuring agency accounting functions, banking, and compliance of accounting programs is in accordance with District policies and State and Federal regulations. The complexity of the work may exceed established rules and regulations.
Essential Job Functions:
Accounting:
- Prepares complex financial statements by creating and overseeing detailed worksheets
- Collects, analyzes, and summarizes general ledger account information and trends
- Applies advanced skills and knowledge of GAAP and GASB reporting requirements
- Maintains a broad knowledge of governmental accounting, including the conceptual framework, while developing technical expertise in specialized areas
- Manages, coordinates, and produces the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR), Single Audit, and other complex financial reports as needed
- Reviews and approves general ledger transactions, reports, analyses, and reconciliations
Banking:
- Monitors bank balances and prepares cash flow forecasts
- Initiates cash transfers from pooled and interest-bearing accounts using online banking services as necessary to meet obligations
Strategic Planning:
- Demonstrates strong critical thinking by analyzing data, identifying trends, pinpointing problems and root causes, and developing innovative solutions
- Analyzes how department actions impact overall district operations and ability to achieve organizational goals
Internal Controls and Auditing:
- Develops and maintains effective internal controls in all accounting areas
- Evaluates new systems, and plans for deployment, support, and changes to existing systems and procedures
- Oversees internal reviews of schools, functional areas, and processes to assess control effectiveness, efficiency, and compliance with internal policies and federal/state regulations
Supervisory:
- Interviews, hires, trains, and evaluates employee performance
- Delegates tasks and assigns work to effectively achieve ambitious goals in alignment with the District’s vision and mission
- Prepares performance appraisals as required and misconduct investigations as required
- Oversees daily operations of purchasing and contracting functions for the District
- Ensures material and service requirements are met in a timely, efficient, effective, and ethical manner
- Monitors compliance with federal, state, and District purchasing regulations and policies
Performs other related duties as business needs necessitate.
Working Conditions:
Employee works in a standard office setting in a centralized accounting services department. Work requests are often received which require immediate attention setting up conflicting priorities for timely response. The employee needs to be able to lift/move/carry materials, equipment or boxes weighing up to 30 pounds and/or maneuver up to 50 pounds.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge:
- Principles and practices of governmental accounting, including systems of accounts, encumbrance accounting, financial reporting, risk management, grants administration, fixed assets, debt management, and accounts payable
- School finance laws, rules, policies, and governmental accounting and financial reporting standards (GASB and GAAP)
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including pivot tables, Power Query, and expertise in HR and finance software systems
- Principles and applications of critical thinking and analysis
- Considerable understanding of accounting and expenditure control systems and procedures
- Financial procedures, controls, and methods of financial analysis and modeling
- Knowledge of the agency's organization, operations, policies, and objectives
- Audit and record-keeping methods and practices
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
- Legal, ethical, and professional standards for finance professionals
Skills & Abilities:
- Supervise and train staff, providing clear work direction and guidance
- Apply independent judgment in utilizing accounting principles for unique and complex scenarios
- Proficient in computer models and applications, including Microsoft Office suite (Excel, Access, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook)
- Handle confidential and sensitive information with a high level of discretion
- Administer department and agency policies and procedures using sound judgment and discretion
- Strong quantitative skills for analyzing raw data and deriving actionable insights
- Experience with accounting ledgers and the use of HR and finance software systems
- Prepare comprehensive and accurate financial reports and statements of considerable complexity
- Construct and execute moderately complex queries using Power Query, SQL, or similar programming interfaces
- Understand, interpret, and apply federal, state, and local policies, laws, and regulations effectively
- Strong analytical aptitude for evaluating complex accounting issues
- Evaluate and resolve intricate accounting problems with expertise
Education and Experience:
Required Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in a field related to accounting, twenty-four (24) college semester hours in accounting plus five (5) years of accounting experience.
- The position requires thorough technical knowledge in accounting and technology.
Preferred Experience:
- Public finance, specifically public school finance
- Bilingual Spanish language proficiency
Expectations of Professional Conduct
Employees of Bend-La Pine Schools are expected to adhere to all Bend-La Pine Schools policies and regulations, ensuring compliance with established procedures and expectations. They are to prioritize the well-being of students, aligning their conduct with the core values of public education and the mission, vision, and goals of Bend-La Pine Schools. This entails maintaining consistent and punctual attendance while adhering to site and/or district protocols for reporting absences.
Professionalism extends to personal presentation, with employees expected to maintain attire and grooming appropriate to their roles. While carrying out everyday tasks independently, it's essential to maintain professionalism in how you communicate, both verbally and nonverbally, with students, parents/guardians, the public, and colleagues. This includes valuing and respecting cultural and background differences. Employees of Bend-La Pine Schools are entrusted with fostering a respectful working and learning environment, upholding confidentiality regarding student, staff, and district information at all times.
The statements herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the principle functions of the job, the level of knowledge and skills typically required and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work and physical requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work or otherwise to balance the workload.
