Multnomah Education Service District
Job Description
Job Title: Accountant
Reports To: Chief Financial Officer or Designee
Classification/Range: Classified / Range 15
Work Year: 260 days per year
Salary Range: $27.88 – $35.58 per hour
Position Purpose The Accountant performs a full range of complex accounting duties in support of MESD’s agency-wide financial operations. Responsibilities include accounts payable, accounts receivable, cash receipts, cash management, fixed asset accounting, and general ledger maintenance, ensuring transactions are accurately recorded and compliant with GAAP, GASB, and Oregon Budget Law. This position supports the accuracy, transparency, and integrity of MESD’s financial records by maintaining accounting systems, reconciling accounts, and preparing reports for internal and external users. The Accountant provides financial information used by management for decision-making but does not perform confidential budget forecasting, staffing analysis, or labor cost modeling associated with management or bargaining activities.
Nature & Scope This position is subject to Board policies, administrative rules and procedures, departmental regulations, and applicable state and federal statutes. The position carries no administrative authority or supervisory responsibility but may serve as a technical resource or mentor for accounting support staff.
Distinguishing Characteristics The Accountant performs a wide range of complex accounting duties independently under general supervision. While assigned duties may focus primarily on one functional area—such as payables, receivables, cash management, or general ledger—this position is expected to cross-train and provide support across accounting functions to meet department needs. The work requires judgment, analytical ability, and attention to detail to ensure compliance with applicable standards, laws, and regulations.
Essential Job Functions
Prepares monthly and quarterly board financial reports summarizing budget compliance, cash balances, revenues, and expenditures. Analyzes financial data to identify significant variances from prior year or budget expectations and provides factual explanations for review by the Chief Financial Officer or designee.
Prepare journal entries, reconciliations, and adjustments for a variety of accounts and funds.
Review, analyze, and reconcile financial transactions to ensure compliance with GAAP, GASB, and MESD policies.
Maintain and reconcile subsidiary ledgers and general ledger accounts; investigate and correct discrepancies.
Manage accounts payable, accounts receivable, and cash receipts processes in compliance with internal controls and audit standards.
Perform cash management functions, including monitoring cash flow, reconciling bank accounts, preparing deposits, and ensuring funds are accurately recorded and safeguarded.
Support the preparation of agency-level budget documents and financial reports under the direction of Business Services leadership.
Maintain and reconcile fixed asset and inventory records as part of district financial reporting.
Participate in maintaining and updating the chart of accounts and related financial system data within PowerSchool BusinessPLUS ERP.
Prepare and maintain audit schedules, reconciliations, and supporting documentation for annual external audits and interim reviews.
Prepare and distribute monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports as assigned.
Maintain working knowledge of Oregon school finance laws, ODE reporting requirements, and accounting compliance standards to ensure accurate and lawful financial practices.
Assist in the development of financial policies, procedures, and internal controls to support accurate and transparent financial reporting.
Provide guidance and support to program, school, and departmental staff on accounting procedures, account coding, and financial policy compliance.
Respond to inquiries and provide technical assistance to ensure accurate and timely processing of financial transactions.
Participate in and support process improvement initiatives and financial system upgrades.
Collaborate with the Grant Accounting team to ensure consistency between general and restricted fund accounting practices.
Represent Business Services in a professional, courteous, and responsive manner when interacting with internal and external stakeholders.
Collaboration Collaborates with the Grant Accounting and Business Services Partner teams to ensure alignment between agency-level accounting records, grant financial reporting, and program budgets, while maintaining clear distinctions between transactional accounting, grant compliance, and financial analysis functions.
Other Job Functions
Follow and support MESD policies, administrative rules, and procedures.
Work cooperatively and harmoniously with co-workers, supervisors, and customers.
Maintain professional and technical knowledge through ongoing training and professional development.
Attend department and agency meetings as required.
Assist in other functional areas as needed to ensure continuity of service and internal control compliance.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of governmental fund accounting, GAAP, and GASB standards.
Familiarity with Oregon Budget Law and financial reporting requirements for Oregon K–12 districts.
Experience with double-entry accounting, reconciliations, journal entries, cash management, and fixed asset tracking.
Proficiency with PowerSchool BusinessPLUS ERP and Microsoft Excel / Google Suite; ability to produce ad hoc reports and analyze financial data.
Knowledge of internal control procedures and best practices in cash handling, reconciliation, and recordkeeping.
Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills with high attention to accuracy and detail.
Ability to interpret and apply accounting rules, policies, and regulatory guidance.
Effective written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain accounting concepts to non-financial staff.
Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive financial information appropriately.
Ability to work independently, organize workload, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in financial practices and service delivery.
Minimum Education and Experience
Associate’s degree in Accounting with equivalent work experience.
Three (3) years of progressively responsible accounting experience, preferably in a governmental or K–12 education environment.
Experience in accounts payable, accounts receivable, cash management, general ledger, or fixed asset accounting preferred.
Preferred Education and Experience
CPA or equivalent professional certification is desirable but not required.
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
Physical Requirements
Ability to sit, stand, or use a computer for prolonged periods.
Ability to lift and move up to 25 pounds occasionally.
Manual dexterity for keyboarding and data entry.
Position Classification Note This is a classified, represented, non-confidential position focused on agency-wide accounting operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, cash management, fixed assets, and general ledger functions. It is distinct from: - The Grant Accountant classification, which performs specialized grant and contract accounting, post-award compliance monitoring, and financial reporting for restricted funds. - The Business Services Partner classification, which performs program-level financial analysis, budget forecasting, and confidential cost modeling in support of management decision-making. The Accountant role does not perform grant management, post-award compliance functions, or confidential fiscal analysis related to bargaining or program staffing. Collaborative Relationships: The Accountant collaborates with the Grant Accounting and Business Services Partner teams to ensure alignment between agency-level accounting records, grant financial reporting, and program budgets, while maintaining clear distinctions between transactional accounting, grant compliance, and financial analysis functions.
Equity & Inclusion Statement MESD is committed to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workforce. We welcome and encourage applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds, lived experiences, and perspectives.
Disclaimer The statements contained herein describe the general nature and level of work performed but are not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities, and qualifications. The District reserves the right to assign or reassign job duties as necessary to meet operational needs.
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Reports To: Chief Financial Officer or Designee
Classification/Range: Classified / Range 15
Work Year: 260 days per year
Salary Range: $27.88 – $35.58 per hour
Position Purpose The Accountant performs a full range of complex accounting duties in support of MESD’s agency-wide financial operations. Responsibilities include accounts payable, accounts receivable, cash receipts, cash management, fixed asset accounting, and general ledger maintenance, ensuring transactions are accurately recorded and compliant with GAAP, GASB, and Oregon Budget Law. This position supports the accuracy, transparency, and integrity of MESD’s financial records by maintaining accounting systems, reconciling accounts, and preparing reports for internal and external users. The Accountant provides financial information used by management for decision-making but does not perform confidential budget forecasting, staffing analysis, or labor cost modeling associated with management or bargaining activities.
Nature & Scope This position is subject to Board policies, administrative rules and procedures, departmental regulations, and applicable state and federal statutes. The position carries no administrative authority or supervisory responsibility but may serve as a technical resource or mentor for accounting support staff.
Distinguishing Characteristics The Accountant performs a wide range of complex accounting duties independently under general supervision. While assigned duties may focus primarily on one functional area—such as payables, receivables, cash management, or general ledger—this position is expected to cross-train and provide support across accounting functions to meet department needs. The work requires judgment, analytical ability, and attention to detail to ensure compliance with applicable standards, laws, and regulations.
Essential Job Functions
Prepares monthly and quarterly board financial reports summarizing budget compliance, cash balances, revenues, and expenditures. Analyzes financial data to identify significant variances from prior year or budget expectations and provides factual explanations for review by the Chief Financial Officer or designee.
Prepare journal entries, reconciliations, and adjustments for a variety of accounts and funds.
Review, analyze, and reconcile financial transactions to ensure compliance with GAAP, GASB, and MESD policies.
Maintain and reconcile subsidiary ledgers and general ledger accounts; investigate and correct discrepancies.
Manage accounts payable, accounts receivable, and cash receipts processes in compliance with internal controls and audit standards.
Perform cash management functions, including monitoring cash flow, reconciling bank accounts, preparing deposits, and ensuring funds are accurately recorded and safeguarded.
Support the preparation of agency-level budget documents and financial reports under the direction of Business Services leadership.
Maintain and reconcile fixed asset and inventory records as part of district financial reporting.
Participate in maintaining and updating the chart of accounts and related financial system data within PowerSchool BusinessPLUS ERP.
Prepare and maintain audit schedules, reconciliations, and supporting documentation for annual external audits and interim reviews.
Prepare and distribute monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports as assigned.
Maintain working knowledge of Oregon school finance laws, ODE reporting requirements, and accounting compliance standards to ensure accurate and lawful financial practices.
Assist in the development of financial policies, procedures, and internal controls to support accurate and transparent financial reporting.
Provide guidance and support to program, school, and departmental staff on accounting procedures, account coding, and financial policy compliance.
Respond to inquiries and provide technical assistance to ensure accurate and timely processing of financial transactions.
Participate in and support process improvement initiatives and financial system upgrades.
Collaborate with the Grant Accounting team to ensure consistency between general and restricted fund accounting practices.
Represent Business Services in a professional, courteous, and responsive manner when interacting with internal and external stakeholders.
Collaboration Collaborates with the Grant Accounting and Business Services Partner teams to ensure alignment between agency-level accounting records, grant financial reporting, and program budgets, while maintaining clear distinctions between transactional accounting, grant compliance, and financial analysis functions.
Other Job Functions
Follow and support MESD policies, administrative rules, and procedures.
Work cooperatively and harmoniously with co-workers, supervisors, and customers.
Maintain professional and technical knowledge through ongoing training and professional development.
Attend department and agency meetings as required.
Assist in other functional areas as needed to ensure continuity of service and internal control compliance.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of governmental fund accounting, GAAP, and GASB standards.
Familiarity with Oregon Budget Law and financial reporting requirements for Oregon K–12 districts.
Experience with double-entry accounting, reconciliations, journal entries, cash management, and fixed asset tracking.
Proficiency with PowerSchool BusinessPLUS ERP and Microsoft Excel / Google Suite; ability to produce ad hoc reports and analyze financial data.
Knowledge of internal control procedures and best practices in cash handling, reconciliation, and recordkeeping.
Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills with high attention to accuracy and detail.
Ability to interpret and apply accounting rules, policies, and regulatory guidance.
Effective written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain accounting concepts to non-financial staff.
Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive financial information appropriately.
Ability to work independently, organize workload, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in financial practices and service delivery.
Minimum Education and Experience
Associate’s degree in Accounting with equivalent work experience.
Three (3) years of progressively responsible accounting experience, preferably in a governmental or K–12 education environment.
Experience in accounts payable, accounts receivable, cash management, general ledger, or fixed asset accounting preferred.
Preferred Education and Experience
CPA or equivalent professional certification is desirable but not required.
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
Physical Requirements
Ability to sit, stand, or use a computer for prolonged periods.
Ability to lift and move up to 25 pounds occasionally.
Manual dexterity for keyboarding and data entry.
Position Classification Note This is a classified, represented, non-confidential position focused on agency-wide accounting operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, cash management, fixed assets, and general ledger functions. It is distinct from: - The Grant Accountant classification, which performs specialized grant and contract accounting, post-award compliance monitoring, and financial reporting for restricted funds. - The Business Services Partner classification, which performs program-level financial analysis, budget forecasting, and confidential cost modeling in support of management decision-making. The Accountant role does not perform grant management, post-award compliance functions, or confidential fiscal analysis related to bargaining or program staffing. Collaborative Relationships: The Accountant collaborates with the Grant Accounting and Business Services Partner teams to ensure alignment between agency-level accounting records, grant financial reporting, and program budgets, while maintaining clear distinctions between transactional accounting, grant compliance, and financial analysis functions.
Equity & Inclusion Statement MESD is committed to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workforce. We welcome and encourage applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds, lived experiences, and perspectives.
Disclaimer The statements contained herein describe the general nature and level of work performed but are not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities, and qualifications. The District reserves the right to assign or reassign job duties as necessary to meet operational needs.
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