Below is specific information for you to consider about this position.

Job Title: Account Specialist - Budget Operations  and Requisition ID number: 102204

Close Date:  No established closing date;  open until filled

Organizational Unit:  Budget Operations (10000957) 

Site:  Davis Center (0001) 

FTE:  1.0 FTE; 40 hours/week; 52 Weeks; this is based on full-time equivalency with 1.0 being full time

Union:  AFSCME(29) 

Functional Area:  Clerical 

Resume and Cover Letter are mandatory to apply for any position.

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SUMMARY

Under general supervision, performs detailed clerical accounting duties for an assigned department; maintains complex financial and technical accounting records, forecasts and tracks expenditures, assists with budget management, and provides technical accounting assistance to Department Director.

Bargaining Unit: AFSCME l Grade: A14 l Starting Salary*: $26.03 per hour l FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

*The salary range for this position is provided by the listed bargaining unit’s collective bargaining agreement; actual pay may be based on selected candidates’ experience and internal contractual procedures.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS -- Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills.  This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class. Employees are required to be in attendance and prepared to begin work at their assigned work location on the specified days and hours. Factors such as regular attendance at the job are not routinely listed in job descriptions, but are an essential function. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Performs specialized accounting functions for assigned department; performs duties within scope of authority and training, and in compliance with MPS policies and quality standards; duties may vary according to job assignment.
• Maintains specialized budget, accounting and technical transaction databases; develops reports, trend analyses and forecasts as directed.
• Oversees specialized accounting functions for area of assignment; monitors and reviews data, identifies anomalies and exceptions, develops recommendations, and resolves technical issues.
• Conducts special research and analysis projects; summarizes data and generates reports to assist managers in decision-making.
• Performs confidential and complex clerical accounting tasks, including monitoring budgets and expenditures, balancing accounts, processing purchase orders and payments, maintaining position control, grant fund accounting, reconciling bank statements, journal entries and corrections, processing employee timesheets and payroll information.
• Maintains detailed accounting and bookkeeping records and filing systems; verifies data and enters into computer systems; codes documents, processes transactions, and updates accounts.
• Provides technical support for Department staff on budget, purchasing, and other financial issues.
• Posts accounting/bookkeeping transactions to computer ledgers; performs clerical accounting activities, including accounts payable & receivable, revenue, purchasing, and payroll.
• Reviews source documents for compliance with rules and regulations; determines proper handling of accounting and technical transactions within designated limits; reviews and validates data.
• Checks documents for validity and accuracy of information; performs mathematical calculations; records, files and distributes related paperwork and documents; reports discrepancies.
• Provides customer services; responds to requests for information, and attempts to resolve them by researching files and records within the scope of authority; updates, retrieves and releases information according to procedures; refers matters requiring policy interpretation to supervisor for resolution.
• Cross-trains in all budget and accounting duties; trains Department staff.
• Supports the relationship between MPS and the community by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with students, clients, visitors, and MPS staff; enthusiastically promotes the Superintendent’s goals and priorities in compliance with all policies and procedures.
• Maintains absolute confidentiality of work-related issues, records and MPS information; performs related duties as required or assigned.

CLASS DESIGNATION

• General Academic Accounting - Provides accounting support functions for sites/departments as determined by the Director of Finance 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education, Training and Experience Guidelines

High School Diploma/GED; AND four (4) years of experience as an Accounting Clerk; OR an equivalent combination of education, training and experience as determined by Human Resources.   Associate’s Degree in Accounting or Business is preferred.

Knowledge of:

• Accounting and budgeting principles and methods, including grant fund and special fund procedures.
• Applicable policies, procedures and regulations covering specific areas of assignment.
• Specialized MPS and state agency accounting software applications, including SAP and State of Minnesota Uniform Financial Accounting and Reporting Standards (UFARS).
• Principles of record keeping and records management.
• Personal computers utilizing standard and specialized software applications.

Skill in:

• Interpreting and applying accounting standards and procedures, applicable rules and regulations, and MPS policies and procedures.
• Preparing cost accounting statements and statistical reports.
• Reviewing and verifying the accuracy of accounting and technical transaction data and reports.
• Maintaining accurate accounting records, and identifying and reconciling errors.
• Performing mathematical calculations with skill and accuracy.
• Entering numerical data into a computer system with speed and accuracy.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with co-workers.
• Effective verbal and written communication.

LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

A valid Minnesota State Driver’s License may be required. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed in a standard office environment which requires occasionally lifting such articles as file boxes or heavier materials with help from others and/or lifting and carrying light objects frequently. A job is in this category may require walking or standing to a significant degree or may involve sitting most of the time with long periods of computer work and heavy phone usage.

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Final candidates may be invited to interview with a committee.  Final appointment to this position will be contingent upon passing a criminal background check.
 
COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY:
 
Diversity is one of Minneapolis Public Schools core values and is essential to our goal of putting children first and making them college-ready.  Diversity of our workforce provides us with a competitive advantage and allows us to better understand, communicate with and educate our diverse student body. Minneapolis Public Schools will not deny anyone the opportunity for training or employment because of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender or gender identity, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, disability, sexual orientation, age, family care leave status, or veteran status.

Minneapolis Public Schools strongly encourages diverse candidates to apply.

Posting Notes: | [No Established Closing Date]  | Budget Operations (10000957)  | Davis Center (0001)  | Clerical