Budget/Finance Specialist,

Budget/Finance Specialist Under general supervision, performs specialized budget and accounting duties for the Finance Department, reviews data, processes transactions and maintains records; provides customer services for MPS departments, and resolves questions on budgets, revenues and other financial transactions. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following: Processes specialized budget and accounting transactions for Finance Department; performs duties within scope of authority and training, and in compliance with MPS policies and quality standards; duties may vary according to job assignment. Performs specialized accounting functions, including processing accounts payable & receivable, processing purchase orders and invoices, grant fund accounting, journal entries and corrections, reconciling statements, monitoring budgets and expenditures, creating and approving position on-line forms and requisitions, creating and approving budget reallocations and balancing accounts. Serves as liaison for MPS schools and departments; provides technical support and approvals for budget, purchasing, and other financial issues; responds to requests for information, and researches files and records within the scope of authority; updates, retrieves and releases information according to procedures; refers matters requiring policy interpretation to supervisor for resolution. Reviews budgets for journal entries; verifies encumbrances, disbursements, and inter-departmental transfers; approves budget reallocations and journal entries. Conducts special research and analysis projects; summarizes data and generates reports; assists with development of budget reports and financial status reports. Maintains detailed accounting and bookkeeping records and filing systems; verifies data and enters into computer systems; codes documents, processes transactions, and updates accounts. Reviews source documents for compliance with rules and regulations; determines proper handling of accounting and technical transactions within designated limits; reviews and validates data. Checks documents for validity and accuracy of information; performs mathematical calculations; records, files and distributes related paperwork and documents; reports discrepancies. Maintains additional accounting and technical transaction databases as directed. Cross-trains in all budget and accounting duties; assists with training and cross-training of MPS staff. Provides guidance to department directors or managers and advises on proper budget set-up, appropriate use of funds, and department strategies for ensuring funds are used strategically. Performs detailed analysis on a monthly and/or quarterly basis on department budget vs actual reports to ensure department funds are spent according to allocation parameters and guidelines. Demonstrates courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with students, clients, visitors, and MPS staff; acts in a manner that promotes a harmonious and effective workplace environment. Enthusiastically promotes the Superintendent's goals and priorities in compliance with all policies and procedures; maintains absolute confidentiality of work-related issues, records and MPS information. Accesses highly confidential documents relating to the bargaining process, and maintains strict confidentiality of document content and meeting discussions. Minimum qualifications: Associate's Degree in Accounting, Business or Public Administration, or related field; AND two (2) years of financial administrative support experience; OR an equivalent combination of education, training and experience as determined by Human Resources.