JOB DESCRIPTION:
Livonia Public Schools is seeking an Accountant to join the Finance Department. The Finance Department is responsible for all the financial operations of the district including payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, grant management, budget development and monitoring, and implementation of internal controls. Specific responsibilities of the Accountant will be assigned based on candidate strengths, experience, and qualifications. The following list of responsibilities provides examples of potential tasks. Specific duties will be determined and discussed upon hiring.
DISTRICT OVERVIEW:
Livonia Public Schools employs approximately 1,900 staff members, serving approximately 13,300 students pre-K – post secondary. There are 15 elementary schools, 3 middle schools, 3 high schools, 1 career technical center, 1 early childhood center, and 1 vocational and transition center in the school district. The annual budget for Livonia Public Schools is $175 million, with a state funding of $9,608 per pupil.
BENEFITS OF WORKING WITH LIVONIA PUBLIC SCHOOLS:
Newly hired public school employees are eligible for a traditional pension and tax-deferred retirement savings accounts with an employer matching contribution. The pension component guarantees you monthly retirement benefit payments over your lifetime once you meet age and service requirements. Additionally, as a new public-school employee, you will be automatically enrolled in a Personal Healthcare Fund (PHF), which is a portable, tax-deferred investment account that can be used to pay for healthcare expenses in retirement. Livonia Public Schools will contribute a dollar-for-dollar match on the first 2% you contribute.
As an employee of Livonia Public Schools, you will be a part of a team working together in a positive work climate and a culture of mutual respect to support the successful education of children. You will also have the satisfaction of knowing you are a team member with Livonia Public Schools, which means you will have the following perks of employment available to you:- Medical insurance, including prescription drug coverage:
- The district’s contribution is the maximum allowed by Michigan law.
- Family coverage eligibility for employees working 30 hours or more per week.
- Single coverage eligibility for employees working 20 hours but less than 30 per week.
- Optional “cash in lieu” of medical insurance for those who qualify.
- Dental, vision, and life insurance:
- The district pays 100% of the premium for all employees.
- Long-term disability coverage:
- The district pays 100% of the premium for employees working 20 hours or more per week.
- Employee Assistance Program for employees and their eligible family members. This includes a completely confidential, short-term counseling service that utilizes a practical approach toward problem resolution and is available 7 days a week, with no cost to the employee.
- Paid holidays; earned vacation, sick, and bereavement days.
- Longevity pay.
- Paid “act of God” days, such as snow days.
Additionally, the children of employees working 20+ hours, living outside the district’s attendance boundaries, are eligible to attend Livonia Public Schools via schools of choice.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting or Finance preferred; other degrees/work experience may be considered
- Solid accounting and analytical skills with high attention to detail
- Self-directed; ability to work with minimal supervision
- Strong computer skills; proficient in developing and using high-level Excel spreadsheets
- Knowledge of or demonstrated ability to learn Michigan Public School Accounting Manual
- Excellent time management and organizational skills
- Evidence of ability to establish positive working relationships with all stakeholders
- Superior verbal and written communication skills
MAJOR FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Purchasing - Approve purchase orders, check request, receivers, employee reimbursements, and Amazon orders
- Review and post district credit card transactions
- Record and maintain fixed assets in the accounting system
- Provides guidance and support to staff and training in areas such as budgets, accounts, reports, and the use of District accounting software
- Prepare, assist and/or review bank reconciliations
Grants - Works with program staff to assist in the preparation of local, state and federal grant budgets
- Collaborates with district staff and grant award agencies in an ongoing manner to confer on and address grant management issues in a timely manner
- Monitors expenditure of grant funds, in conjunction with program staff, to ensure ongoing fiscal grant/budget compliance, proper cost allocation and full expenditure of funds by contract end date
- After every pay period, audits the grant budget expenditures and compares to the grant budget. Identifies, problem solves and reconciles discrepancies and keeps an accurate running record of expenditures and current balances
- Prepares and manages all reimbursement requests including reviewing general ledger to reconcile accounts receivables, outstanding claims and payments received
Payroll - Reconcile and process payroll for all district employees on a semi-monthly basis following the payroll processing checklist
- Review hourly time entry report for accuracy and work with various departments to correct any discrepancies
- Review and process any changes to wages or deductions as needed for salary adjustments, garnishments, benefit changes, etc.
- Calculate and process step/schedule changes, longevity payments, sick/vacation pay-outs, and severance payments in accordance with employee contracts
- Understand various provisions within employee contracts related to payroll in order to properly process special payments and help answer employee questions
Other - Learns and understands account code structure and apply that knowledge in daily duties including reviewing transactions for accuracy
- Performs semi-monthly, monthly, quarterly, and year-end reconciliations as assigned
- Provides guidance, support and training to district staff
- Perform business office processes with an eye for process improvements and ensure proper controls are in place to safeguard the district’s assets
- Assists in fiscal year-end and prepares audit schedules related to areas of responsibility
- Executes other duties and assumes other responsibilities as assigned by the Chief Financial Officer, Finance Manager or designee
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
The 52-week work year, salary, and fringe benefits will be commensurate with other non-union professionals with the Livonia Public Schools.
APPLICATIONS:
All applicants, including current LPS employees, must complete and submit an application through Applitrack which can be accessed through the Livonia Public Schools webpage. All applicants must also upload a cover letter, professional resume, and three current letters of recommendation to their online application. If not already on file, copies of educational documents (transcripts/certificates) must be uploaded. Position will remain open minimally through February 27, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. or open until filled.
The Livonia Public Schools School District prohibits unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity, and/or transgender status), national origin, age, height, weight, marital status, handicap, or disability in any of its educational programs or activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries and grievances regarding discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity, and/or transgender status), national origin, age, height, weight, and marital status-Director of Human Resources, 15125 Farmington Road, Livonia, MI 48154 at (734) 744-2566. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries and grievances regarding discrimination based on handicap or disability-Director of Student Services, 15125 Farmington Road, Livonia, MI 48154 at (734) 744-2524.