Director of Accounting

Position Details

• Job
• Position Type: CENTRAL ADMINISTRATION
• Date Posted: 5/18/2026
• Location:
  
  Central Office

Reporting to the Senior Director of Finance, the Director of Accounting manages the accounting function of Portland Public schools, ensuring accuracy and reconciliation of all general ledger accounts, financial reports, and compliance with all Generally Accepted Accounting Practices (GAAP) and Governmental Accounting Standards Boards (GASB) standards.

• Monitors expenditures and revenues, performs monthly budget analyses, budget-to-actual comparisons, and projections of revenue and expenditures, including salaries and benefits, for the balance of the year and quantifies all budget variances.
• Establishes and monitors procedures which ensure timely and accurate reconciliations and efficient month, quarter, and year-end close processes.
• Prepares the filing of all financial reports for review by the Senior Director of Finance.
• Reviews and approves all journal entries and budget amendments.
• Reviews transactions for compliance with policy.
• Performs a variety of pre-audit tasks, cooperates with auditors, and provides information as directed.
• Provides information essential to the preparation, administration, and control of the budget to the Senior Director of Finance.
• Reviews and maintains the chart of accounts structure for all funds.
• Acts as liaison between City Finance and School Department on account reconciliation issues.
• Works with the accounts to ensure timely posting and proper accounting of payroll transactions and regular reconciliation of all payroll accounts.
• Responds to questions or requests for information pertaining to the budget.
• Reports to the Senior Director of Finance on the accounting affairs of Portland Public Schools and recommends changes and improvements as needed.
• Supervises, coaches, and develops, and conducts annual evaluations of two accountant positions.

• Considerable knowledge of accounting and expenditure control systems and procedures.
• Knowledge of GAAP and GASB accounting standards.
• Ability to analyze, evaluate, and interpret complex financial data and address accounting problems.
• Prioritizes work and meets various deadlines as necessary.
• Researches, organizes, and presents reports with appropriate recommendations.
• Maintains confidentiality in all district matters.
• Exhibits excellent customer service skills and proactively establishes and maintains effective working relationships.
• Communicates well, both orally and in writing.

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Accounting or Finance.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in an accounting position, including the supervision of personnel.
• Experience in government accounting is preferred.
• Maine State CHRC authorization is required (cost is $70.00 - more info here).

• Schedule:
  
  Full Year, Full Time (1.0 FTE)
• Location:
  
  Ideally based in Portland, but open to discussing hybrid or remote work options for highly qualified applicants who can work within Eastern Standard Time (EST).
• Assignment:
  Permanent
• Overtime:
  Not eligible for overtime
• Salary range: $110,000-$125,000
• Contract:
  
  Non-bargaining
• Benefits:
  Eligible for a generous benefits package as outlined here.

Portland Public Schools is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws.