Staff Accountant

Human Resources announces an opening for a (2.0) Staff Accountant with the Department of Finance. E Days)

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES The Staff Accountant supports district-wide accounting operations for Arlington Public Schools (APS) within the centralized Office of Business and Management, located in the Department of Finance. The Department of Finance is responsible for ensuring the integrity, accuracy, and compliance of all financial transactions and reporting. This position performs professional accounting work involving the preparation, review, and analysis of financial statements and reports for multiple governmental and fiduciary funds. The incumbent also assists with the administration of revenue, expenditure, inventory control, inter-county charge processes, and the preparation of year-end audit adjustments. The Staff Accountant applies accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) requirements, and APS fiscal policies. The Staff Accountant reports to the Director of Finance. The Staff Accountant performs technical accounting functions, prepares reconciliations, and ensures compliance with established financial standards and practices. The position supports audit activities, identifies opportunities for process improvements, and provides accounting expertise to departments and schools as needed. The incumbent requires strong accounting knowledge, analytical skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a large, diverse public sector organization

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS The Staff Accountant is a non-supervisory professional accounting position within APS' centralized Office responsible for performing advanced technical accounting work in support of district-wide financial operations. This position focuses on the preparation, analysis, and reconciliation of complex financial data, ensuring accuracy and compliance with GAAP, GASB, and APS fiscal policies. The role requires strong technical expertise and sound professional judgment in managing accounting processes that support the integrity of the school division's financial systems and reporting. This position serves as a technical advisor to the Finance team and contributes by independently carrying out assignments, resolving complex accounting issues, and supporting the Department of Finance in maintaining reliable and transparent financial and accounting operations across the district.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Performs advanced accounting work to support district-wide financial operations, ensuring accuracy, transparency, and compliance. Serves as a subject matter expert, providing specialized technical expertise and guidance to non-certified staff, program managers, and external partners. Prepares, reviews, and reconciles journal entries, general ledger accounts, and supporting schedules to maintain financial accuracy and integrity. Ensures compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) requirements, APS fiscal policies, and applicable laws by interpreting standards, monitoring changes, and advising on their application. Contributes to the development and modification of accounting systems, procedures, and reporting structures to improve efficiency, accuracy, and regulatory compliance.

Prepares complex financial statements, disclosures, footnotes, and supporting documentation for annual reports, audits, and other required submissions. Coordinates with external auditors and partner agencies to provide accurate records, reconciliations, and technical explanations. Provides ad hoc training while serving as a technical expert, and primary resource for resolving complex accounting issues, providing guidance to staff, program managers and external partners. Analyzes accounting system transactions to identify trends, anomalies, and compliance issues, recommending adjustments when necessary. Assists in the assignments and the direction of the work of professional accountants, paraprofessional staff, and other financial personnel, establishing performance standards, monitoring progress, and evaluating results. Reviews contracts, financial records, and supporting documentation to ensure compliance with accounting standards, operational procedures, and legal requirements. Interpret actuarial and technical financial reports to prepare journal entries, disclosures, and supplementary information for APS financial statements. Participates in strategic financial decision-making, policy development, and process improvement initiatives in collaboration with the Director of Finance and leadership. Represents APS in regional meetings, workshops, and inter-jurisdictional collaborations to coordinate financial practices and resolve accounting challenges. Performs other related professional accounting duties as required or assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
• Comprehensive knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), governmental accounting standards (GASB), auditing procedures, internal control practices, and applicable laws, regulations, and tax requirements.
• Knowledge of statistical sampling concepts and techniques, and the ability to apply advanced mathematical and statistical methods to financial analysis.
• Skill in researching, analyzing, and resolving complex accounting, procedural, and operational problems, including the development and implementation of effective solutions.
• Ability to clearly interpret and explain complex regulations, policies, and procedures, both orally and in writing, to varied audiences.
• Strong project management skills to plan, coordinate, and oversee multiple accounting activities and initiatives simultaneously.
• Proficiency in using fiscal management systems, spreadsheets, databases, and other technology tools to process transactions, perform statistical analyses, identify trends, and monitor costs.
• Strong interpersonal skills to lead and mentor staff, foster teamwork, and collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE Education: Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a closely related field from an accredited college or university. A master's degree in accounting, finance, or business administration is preferred. Experience: Minimum of five years of professional accounting experience applying GAAP and GASB standards. Must have experience preparing and analyzing complex financial reports, reconciling accounts, and working with internal departments and external auditors to resolve financial or compliance issues. LICENSE/CERTIFICATION: Certification as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is required at the time of appointment and must be maintained as a condition of continued employment. Equivalent professional accounting certifications such as Certified Management Accountant (CMA), Chartered Accountant (CA), Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA), may be considered for eligibility.

Salary: $91,779-$150,426 Newly hired individuals with previous experience in their field may receive salary credit for up to 5 years of experience related to the job being filled.

Arlington Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer

It is the policy of the Arlington School Board, as stated in Policy G-2.30, Employee Relations – Equal Employment Opportunity - that "Employment opportunities shall not be restricted, abridged or otherwise adversely affected on the basis of race, national origin, creed, color, religion, gender, age, economic status, sexual orientation, national origin, marital status, genetic information, gender identity or expression, and/or disability."