Accountant II

Accountant II

The Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) is seeking an Accountant II for the Office of School Financial Services (OSFS). The Accountant II is a seasoned position responsible for providing services and assistance to public school districts, stakeholders, and other staff. Service includes, but is not limited to, the following:

• Process monthly payments for school districts.
• Provide guidance to school districts.
• Administer programs under the OSFS such as:
  Chickasaw Cession, Critical Shortage Loans, Critical Shortage Moving Expense, Education Enhancement Funds: EEF Buildings and Buses, EEF Teacher Procurement Cards, Mississippi Student Funding Formula, National Board Certification Reimbursements, Master Lease, School Business Manager License, and School District Indirect Cost Applications and Rates.
• Manage and interpret district-submitted data, coordinate required state and federal reporting, and use data-driven indicators to identify at-risk districts before operational failures occur.
• Ensure invoices are paid in a timely manner and resolve all issues that may arise.
• Prepare requisitions for goods or services.
• Prepare requests for quotes, qualifications, applications, or other services.
• Perform other related duties as assigned. (This is a Non-State (X-16) position).

What you'll need to be successful:

• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, particularly with Pivot Tables & V-Lookups; ability to learn new software.
• Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, Financial Accounting Manual for School Districts, State of MS Purchasing Law, and Fixed Assets strongly preferred.
• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced work environment.
• Ability to manage competing demands and unexpected events.
• Ability to work independently with attention to detail.
• Ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong research skills such as problem solving, critical thinking, and taking notes.
• Self-starter and able to quickly learn.
• Self-initiative to ask for and offer help when needed.
• Follow instructions, take responsibility for your actions.
• Willingness to occasionally work long hours.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree, preferably in business administration, accounting, finance, or related field.
• Three (3) to five (5) years of related experience.
• Experience in the school district business office, such as Assistant Business Manager, Accountant, Payroll Clerk, etc.