General Information
JOB TITLE: Accounting Analyst, Business Services
FTE: 1.0
Job Code: S00121 - Analyst (C)

Job Description

Founded in 1647, Boston Public Schools (BPS) is the oldest public school district in the country. With approximately 57,000 students from over 114 different countries, and a budget of approximately $1 billion, BPS is the largest school district in Massachusetts and is one of the most diverse as well. BPS has been recognized as one of the top urban school districts in the United States; in 2006, it was awarded the Broad Prize for Urban Education as the most improved urban school district in the nation.

Reports to: Director of Federal and State Grants

General Description:

The Accounting Analyst will work closely with the Director and senior leadership of Finance. This individual will be responsible for managing student activity accounts for the District; ensure that school leaders and staff are in compliance with the Massachusetts General Law, DESE regulations and District policies as they relate to the raising of revenue and spending of student activity funds; work closely with school leaders and the District Leadership Team as schools migrate to the new accounting system for student activities. This individual will assist on audits, work directly with City Treasury and Auditing and collaborate with various teams within BPS, including OHC, OIIT, Budget and Business Services. This individual should be a self-starter with the ability to prioritize and execute multiple tasks and projects. The ideal candidate will demonstrate excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written; is an innovative problem-solver, who is willing to suggest improvements in reporting processes; and possess a strong background in accounting and/or finance.

Required Competencies:

1. Managing Relationships. Responds and relates well to people in all positions; is seen as a team player and is cooperative; looks for common ground and solves problems for the good of all.
2. Drive for Results . Pursues everything with energy, drive, and a need to finish; does not give up before finishing, even in the face of resistance or setbacks; steadfastly pushes self and others for results.
3. Functional and Technical Skills. Possesses required functional and technical knowledge and skills to do his or her job at a high level of accomplishment; demonstrates active interest and ability to enhance and apply new functional skills.
4. Personal Learning and Development. Is personally committed to and actively works to continuously improve himself or herself; recognizes the need to change personal, interpersonal, and managerial behavior; actively seeks feedback.
5. Creativity. Generates many new and unique ideas; makes connections among previously unrelated notions; is unafraid to use unorthodox methods; is seen as original and value-added in brainstorming settings.
6. Managing Through Processes and Systems. Designs practices, processes, and procedures necessary to get things done; simplifies complex processes; gets more out of fewer resources; creates systems that manage themselves.

Job Responsibilities:

1. Financial reporting : Responsible for all financial reporting related to student activity accounts, including reviewing and submitting documentation provided to City Treasury and City Auditing.
2. Compliance : Ensure that all schools are properly using their student activity accounts through tracking of all deposits and spending. Review reconciliations provided by School Leaders at year end (A/B Forms). Communicate directly with school leaders and other school staff via email, phone and school visits to answer questions, provide guidance and ensure compliance with all regulations, Massachusetts General Laws (MGL's) and District policies related to student activity accounts.
3. Audit : Responsible for all audit and compliance functions for student activity accounts. Manage audits by outside accounting firms related to student activity accounts. Respond to audit requests for information; compile backup material and files; and be able to answer specific audit inquiries. Perform audits of select student activity accounts to ensure compliance with DESE regulations and District policies.
4. Project Management : Will be responsible for managing all aspects of the migration of BPS schools to the new student activity accounting structure; including but not limited to visiting schools to assist School Leaders in proper usage of their accounts, participating in meetings with senior leadership from both the school department and city departments to provide updates on the progress of the project, and consulting with DESE on issues related to student activity accounts.
5. Other: Perform any other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

1. Bachelor's degree required. Master's Degree in business, public policy or related field preferred
2. Excellent analytical ability. Formal training in accounting, finance or a related field preferred
3. Project management skills and strong orientation toward team-work and collaboration
4. Strong time management skills and the ability to prioritize competing demands
5. Strong oral and written communication skills, particularly in translating data into easy-to-interpret, actionable reports, presentations, and findings
6. Demonstrated ability to work cross-functionally
7. Attention to detail
8. Previous work experience in the field of education preferred but not required
9. Advanced mastery of Office applications, including Excel, Word and Power Point.
10. Experience working with financial systems, preferably BAIS Financials and HCM
11. Current authorization to work in the United States - Candidates must have such authorization by their first day of employment

Terms:
Managerial, Tier C. This position is subject to the City of Boston residency requirement. Occasional weekend and evening work is required.

Please refer to www.bostonpublicschools.org/ohc (under "Employee Benefits and Policies") for more information on salary and compensation. Salaries are listed by Unions and Grade/Step.

The Boston Public Schools, in accordance with its nondiscrimination policies, does not discriminate in its programs, facilities, or employment or educational opportunities on the basis of race, color, age, criminal record (inquiries only), disability, homelessness, sex/gender, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, genetics or military status, and does not tolerate any form of retaliation, or bias-based intimidation, threat or harassment that demeans individuals' dignity or interferes with their ability to learn or work.