BASIC FUNCTION: Under the direction of the Controller perform a wide variety of district-wide analyses and professional and complex technical accounting duties as assigned. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: The Financial Accountant I is distinguished from the Financial Accountant II in that the latter requires more experience, performs more difficult and complex budgetary and accounting duties, works independently and is required to demonstrate computer-related and accounting skills at a higher proficiency (see Licenses and Other Requirements). The Financial Accountant I performs professional budgetary and accounting duties and works under direction. REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES: (Incumbents may perform any combination of the essential functions shown below. This position description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, knowledge, or abilities associated with this classification, but is intended to accurately reflect the principal job elements). E = Essential Functions Under direction of the Controller prepare financial reports and evaluations. E Prepare and submit district-wide fiscal reports, schedules, statements, forecasts and claims as required by State, Federal and District guidelines, including those for specially funded educational programs. E Provide reporting to the State on attendance accounting. E Maintain general and/ or subsidiary ledgers and accounts. E Maintain appropriate financial documentation in order to efficiently draft reports. E Reconcile health and welfare benefits. E Reconcile balance sheet accounts. E Manage accounts receivable funding. E Analyze cash balances and fund requirements, prepare detailed cash forecasts. E Advise and assist the Controller in the financial administration of projects or accounts. E Provide information regarding the interpretation of laws, rules and regulations. E Conduct regular, internal audits to ensure that expenditures comply with contracts; identify and resolve discrepancies. E Assist in establishing and implementing financial policy revisions as necessary. E Coordinate with Financial Services Associates, Payroll Assistants, Accounts Payable Clerks, and Human Resources Generalists and Special Program administrators. E Analyze expenditures for accounting implications. E Prepare an accounting operating manual providing technical accounting advice. E Aggregate site level data on attendance accounting, instructional minutes, student body accounting, and bank accounts and audit prior to reporting. E Perform related duties as assigned. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: TRAINING, EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Any combination of education, training and/or experience equivalent to: a Bachelor’s degree with a major in accounting and one to three years full-time, progressively responsible experience in accounting. Supplemental coursework in use of computer-based accounting applications desirable. California school district accounting preferred. Customer service experience preferred. LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Valid California Driver’s License. Employment eligibility that may include fingerprints, Tuberculosis and/or other employment clearance. KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES: KNOWLEDGE OF: Generally accepted accounting principals and auditing standards. Laws, policies and procedures governing California public school finance. Public school accounting procedures and protocols. Encumbrance based budgeting. Use and leverage computer-based accounting applications. ABILITY TO: Work with paperless financial services systems. Exercise sound judgment and initiative in an environment of rapid change. Consistently meet and/ or exceed client expectations. Build highly-functioning relationships with managers both inside and outside of the Financial Services Division. Perform advanced quantitative analysis. WORKING CONDITIONS: ENVIRONMENT: Indoor office environment; fast-paced work, constant interruptions. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Hearing and speaking to exchange information in person and on the telephone; seeing to read, prepare, and proofread documents, perform assigned duties; sitting or standing for extended periods of time; dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard and other office equipment; kneeling, bending at the waist, and reaching overhead, above the shoulders and horizontally, to retrieve and store files and supplies; lifting light objects.