Accounting Specialist

Description

JOB SUMMARY

The Accounting Specialist maintains complete and accurate student accounts receivable records to include collecting data, billing, tracking, and collection of funds from government localities for students' tuition and related services. This position serves as an effective liaison with county Educational Department personnel. The Accounting Specialist will also be working and supporting in the following areas – grants process, general ledger account reconciliations, accounts payable, month end close process, and report preparation.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Complete data entry for monthly billing of tuition and related services provided to students; cross reference billing records to internal student data systems to ensure accuracy in regards to dates, times, attendance, missing or duplicate entries
• Reconcile student billing to the students’ IEPs to ensure services rendered are compliant with IEP requirements
• Coordinate and assist in the process Medicaid billing
• Transfer student billing data into accounting system; prepare, print and submit invoices to individual counties on a monthly basis in accordance to all company, county, district and state deadlines
• Monitor student enrollment and discharges in the student data base system and update student billing systems to reflect all changes
• Complete cost sheets for each MSDE student upon enrollment, discharge and when changes occur to approved related services; calculate expected annual costs for student tuition and related service and submit to the funding counties to be forwarded to MSDE; ensure cost sheets are completed accurately for each enrolled student; reconcile student billing to cost sheets to ensure end of fiscal year compliance
• Post to accounting system all payments received from counties; compare payments received to invoices issued to ensure payments are accurate or if adjustments are necessary
• Work with school personnel and leadership to secure information regarding to all related services billing and tuition charges; work with school personnel to resolve any problems to ensure accurate billing and to maximize collections of accounts receivable
• Transmit bank deposits by remote system upon receipt; document receipt of all deposits in accordance with department guidelines
• Monitor county partnership billing, calculate and project FTE requirements, maintain billing documentation for tuition and related services delivery and submit to counties by deadlines; act as liaison with county agencies in regards to all aspects of the partnership billing
• Maintain Cash Receipt journal for general ledger posting; record all deposits by account codes monthly as a reconciliation tool to bank statements
• Meet departmental deadlines with respect to billing and collections duties in order to maintain adequate cash flow for company operations
• Coordinate and assist with tracking all grants and reimbursements
• Assist Accounts Payable quarterly as the backup to process vendor payments
• Assist Director of Finance on monthly reporting and provide administrative support as needed 
• Prepare for and assist with the annual audit process; compile reports, records and files that reflect proper accounting practices and principles were adhered to and appropriate documentation is available and accurate
• Maintain knowledge of state and federal laws that apply to accounts receivable rules, guidelines, policies, practices and procedures; help to develop departmental goals, objectives and systems to maintain compliance and to maximize departmental efficiency; interpret and communicate finance related information to appropriate staff and assist with updates to the Finance policy and procedural manuals
• Demonstrate commitment to continuous improvement and professional development; actively participate in applicable staff development activities
• Consistently model and implement the company’s core values to incorporate Teamwork, Work Ethic, Integrity, Respect and Leadership into positive behaviors while at work
• Comply with all of The Foundation Schools’ policies, rules, protocols and procedures
• Complete other duties as assigned

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

Education, Experience and Certification

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting or related fields required
• Three or more years of experience in the Accounting or Finance 
• Knowledge of general ledger and accounts receivable practices
• Experience working with financial databases and billing systems 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel
• Knowledge of student billing system is a plus
• Knowledge of General Accounting principles and practices

Physical, Interpersonal and Cognitive Requirements

• Utilize basic office equipment such as computer, telephone, fax, copier, etc.
• Complete reports and data input while using a variety of programs including accounting and billing systems
• Move and carry supplies; light lifting, non-repetitive
• Maintain a professional demeanor and relationship with all levels of employees and community partners
• Work positively and collaboratively with others
• Maintain a professional work ethic and meet the standards of professionalism including appropriate confidentiality, dress, attendance and timeliness
• Demonstrate effective time management and organization skills
• Prioritize & plan work activities
• Use time and resources efficiently, set realistic action plans and goals
• Speak clearly and be understood by others
• Read and express thoughts in a written format
• Possess and demonstrate a high level of mental and emotional balance
• Respond quickly and tactfully to crisis situations while using critical thinking to assess problems
• Work with minimum supervision and meet deadlines