General Description:

The Staff Accountant provides fiscal oversight and reporting on financial information for the Head Start/Early Head Start programs.  The Staff Accountant is responsible for assisting in budget preparation, monitoring, execution, revisions, as well as implementing and maintaining an inter-departmental system for managing procurement, control of goods and services, and cash deposits associated with administration of the Federal Head Start and Early Head Start grants.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Prepares program budgets and financial reports with a complete understanding of the Performance Standards, Head Start Act, Administrative and Cost Principles for federally funded programs, and other funding source requirements, operational requirements, cost to enrollment model, allowable costs and in-kind or matching contributions
• Plans and directs Head Start fiscal activities including the preparation, review, and verification of requisitions, in-kind contributions, reimbursements, invoices, accounting documents, procurement documents, payroll, and contracts
• Assists in the development of the annual Head Start/Early Head Start budgets to include basic and supplemental program services
• Prepares grant revenue and expenditure projections used in budget development and other financial planning activities
• Examines grant activities for compliance with management plans and granting agency policies
• Monitors grant related expenditures, revenue, and budget and reports any inconsistencies with the approved budget and management plan to the Head Start Manager
• Serves as the primary point of contact for questions regarding Head Start/Early Head Start related financial procedures, reporting and budget questions
• Collaborates cross-departmentally with RPS finance office to prepare a variety of financial reports, including Head Start/Early Head Start monthly fiscal reports, federal FFRs and SF-425 reports, CDE 9500 reports, CACFP claims and other reports as required by funders; prepares additional internal and ad hoc reports as needed
• Sets up and maintains Head Start budget account structures in accordance with division and federal rules and regulations
• Reconciles accounting records, prepares monthly, quarterly, and annual grant reimbursement reports and submits to the federal grant awarding agency
• Maintains complete and accurate grant files with agency authorizations, reports, and expenditure documentation
• Supports inter-departmental coordination with other staff responsible for budget and financial matters to ensure aligned practices and equitable resourcing across early childhood programs
• Prepares cost analysis, monthly and annual budget reports, and makes presentations to individuals and groups (Finance committee, Parent Policy Council, and regional Head Start funding Office) about current fiscal status and actual versus planned expenditures
• Provides logistical and operational support, and inter-departmental coordination for Head Start transportation, student rostering and other data entry, as needed
• Conducts training sessions for individuals or groups on Head Start fiscal components and regulations
• Performs other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, business, fiscal management, or a related field required
• At least three years increasingly responsible and progressive experience in government or general accounting is required
• Good working knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles and practices, and grants accounting and reporting techniques and methods required
• Public accountant certificate preferred
• Experience with federal grants financial management practices and federal cost principles
• Working knowledge of accounting and bookkeeping procedures; ability to analyze data/financial records and maintain complex and confidential automated financial records and reports
• Working knowledge of office management functions including strong computer and technology skills (proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Google)
• Strong organizational skills, including keen attention to detail and ease at managing competing demands and determining priorities independently
• Outstanding interpersonal and team work skills; ability to work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to communicate complex ideas simply and succinctly
• Ability to analyze data, record financial transactions, interpret official finance and payroll policies and procedures, and maintain complex automated financial records and reports
• Bilingual/fluency in Spanish preferred

GENERAL DEFINITION AND CONDITIONS OF WORK: Performs accounting functions to facilitate the overall efficiency of the Finance Department in the area of payroll and general ledger.  Work requires frequent standing, sitting, walking and light lifting up to 10 pounds.  Effective verbal and written communication skills for expressing or exchanging ideas, hearing to perceive information at a normal spoken word level and visual acuity for preparing and analyzing written or computer data.

HOW TO APPLY:  All applicants (including RCPS employees) must submit an on-line application. Please access website at: www.rvaschools.net   

Please upload the following information with your application: a current resume, transcript and license if applicable.  Also, when completing your application, include three email addresses of your professional references and/or upload letters of reference. A combination of professional reference email addresses and letters are accepted. Richmond City Public Schools will conduct a background investigation, fingerprinting, tuberculosis screening and drug/alcohol testing as a condition of employment. EOE. 

START DATE:  Based on School Board approval