Senior Accountant

SENIOR ACCOUNTANT
Position Summary

The Senior Accountant plans, coordinates, and oversees a variety of accounting functions within the Business Office. Responsibilities include proprietary fund accounting, general ledger maintenance, capital project budgets and ledgers, progress payments, and the preparation of schedules and reports for the annual audit and Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR).

This position performs complex professional accounting work, supports financial reporting and compliance, and provides technical guidance to accounting staff. Performs related duties as assigned.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The Senior Accountant:

• Prepares complex financial schedules and statements.
• Monitors and records complex financial transactions, including revenue recognition, expense allocation, depreciation, and cost recovery.
• Completes accurate year-end closing entries, including accruals, deferrals, and capital asset adjustments.
• Performs and reviews bank and account reconciliations, including cash, receivables, payables, inventories, capital assets, and depreciation.
• Prepares journal entries to maintain account balances, correct entries, record expenditure transfers, and distribute costs.
• Prepares audit schedules for the annual audit, quarterly financial reports for proprietary funds, the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR), and the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA).
• Assists with maintaining the general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and fixed assets.
• Conducts accounting for the Nutrition Services Fund, Health Insurance Fund, Property Casualty Funds, and Workers’ Compensation.
• Maintains the chart of accounts and ensures consistent coding of financial activity.
• Manages accounting activities for capital improvement and construction projects.
• Tracks capital project expenditures and commitments to ensure compliance with authorized budgets and funding restrictions.
• Establishes and maintains project costing accounts and project-specific financial reporting.
• Monitors bond-funded projects for compliance with reporting requirements.
• Reviews contractor pay applications and progress payment requests for compliance with contract terms and project requirements.
• Verifies completion percentages, supporting documentation, and change orders; allocates labor and calculates retainage.
• Conducts cost and variance analyses for assigned funds and projects.
• Maintains and improves internal controls over financial processes and systems.
• Works with and provides training to staff accountants on accounting practices and system applications.
• Participates in financial system updates and implementations, testing, and workflow improvements.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and skills is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and skills would be:

Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in accounting is required.

Experience: Three (3) years of professional accounting experience is required. Governmental accounting experience is preferred.

Licenses/Certificates: None required.

Competencies for Successful Performance

Knowledge of:

• Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) standards, and governmental fund accounting requirements.
• Internal controls, audit requirements, and financial compliance standards.

Skill in:

• Performing advanced mathematical accounting calculations and financial analysis.
• Preparing and reviewing financial statements and audit schedules.
• Researching and resolving accounting discrepancies.
• Preparing and reviewing complex journal entries and year-end adjustments.
• Utilizing accounting software, spreadsheets, financial systems, and reporting tools.
• Conducting cost and variance analyses to support decision-making.
• Monitoring compliance with accounting standards, regulations, and internal controls.
• Providing technical guidance and training to accounting staff.
• Communicating financial information clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.

Ability to:

• Interpret and apply accounting standards, policies, and procedures.
• Exercise sound professional judgment when analyzing financial information and resolving issues.
• Ensure the accuracy and integrity of financial records, reconciliations, and reporting.
• Manage multiple priorities and deadlines while maintaining attention to detail.
• Maintain and improve internal controls, financial processes, and system effectiveness.
• Work independently while demonstrating initiative, accountability, and discretion.
• Maintain the confidentiality of sensitive financial and organizational information.

Work Environment / Physical Demands

The work environment and physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work Environment

• Exposure to weather: Never
• Exposure to loud noises: Rarely
• Working in confined spaces: Rarely
• Working at heights: Never
• Working with hazardous materials: Never

Physical Demands

• Lifting/Carrying: Rarely
• Standing/Walking: Rarely
• Bending/Stooping: Rarely
• Reaching: Rarely
• Pushing/Pulling: Rarely
• Climbing: Rarely
• Fine motor skills: Continuously

Definitions

• Never: The activity or condition does not occur.
• Rarely: The activity or condition occurs less than 10% of the time.
• Occasionally: The activity or condition occurs 10–30% of the time.
• Frequently: The activity or condition occurs 30–60% of the time.
• Continuously: The activity or condition occurs more than 60% of the time.

Job Specification Notice

THIS JOB SPECIFICATION SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED TO IMPLY THAT THESE REQUIREMENTS ARE THE EXCLUSIVE STANDARDS OF THE POSITION. INCUMBENTS MAY BE REQUIRED TO FOLLOW ANY OTHER INSTRUCTIONS AND TO PERFORM ANY OTHER RELATED DUTIES AS MAY BE REQUIRED BY THEIR SUPERVISOR.

Commitment to a Safe and Respectful Environment

The Washoe County School District is committed to providing a safe and respectful learning and working environment for all students, staff, and visitors.

The District prohibits bullying, cyber-bullying, harassment, sexual harassment, and/or discrimination based on an individual’s actual or perceived race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, veterans or military status, marital status, disability, or the presence of any sensory, physical, or mental handicap in any of its educational programs/activities and employment, or in any program or activity conducted or funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The District prohibits discrimination against any youth group listed in Title 36 as a patriotic society (i.e., Boy Scouts of America) from access to public school facilities use.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Washoe County School District is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. The Washoe County School District is committed to providing all applicants and employees equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, military status, or other characteristics protected by applicable law.

Here at Washoe County School District, we are a diverse group of people who honor the differences that drive innovative solutions to meet the needs of our students and employees. We believe that through a culture of inclusivity, we have the power to reflect on the community we serve.

Employee Benefits

Benefit packages are available for all employees. Eligible employees who are regularly scheduled to work 27.5 hours per week or more receive full District benefits, which include, but are not limited to:

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance, with no waiting period. Employees may select an insurance plan wherein WCSD contributes 100% of insurance premiums.
• Sick Leave, Holiday Pay, and Vacation Pay
• Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS), with contribution options explained in detail during New Employee Orientation.
• Salary Increases
• Longevity Bonuses
• Guidance Resources
• And More, visit our Benefits page for additional information.

Please be advised that health insurance premiums are paid by employees at a prorated percentage for employees working less than full time.

Background Check and Fingerprinting

New employees will be fingerprinted upon hire and will have $58.50 deducted from their first paycheck to help defray the cost of fingerprinting. Fingerprint fees are subject to change.

The job offer is conditional until a report is returned from the FBI and Nevada Department of Public Safety that meets WCSD standards for employment purposes.

Reasonable Accommodation

Any applicant who would like to request a reasonable accommodation during any step of the selection process should contact Human Resources at (775) 348-0321 or email Careers@washoeschools.net.