Accounting Manager

Portsmouth School Department Portsmouth School Department
- Portsmouth, Rhode Island Open in Google Maps

Portsmouth School Department Portsmouth School Department
- Portsmouth, Rhode Island Open in Google Maps

This job is also posted in Rhode Island State DOE Consortium Job Board

Job : 5891832

Final date to receive applications: Aug 26, 2026 11:59 PM (UTC)

Posted: Aug 19, 2026 12:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Immediately

Title: Accounting Manager

Reports to: Director of Finance

Supervises: Payroll and Accounts Payable/Accounts Receivable

Position Type: Full Time

Work Year: 12 Month Year

Job Summary:

The Accounting Manager manages the daily financial operations, accounting functions, and internal controls for the School Department. Under the general direction of the Director of Finance, the Accounting Manager ensures compliance with Rhode Island General Laws, Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) regulations, the Uniform Chart of Accounts (UCOA), and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). This role oversees key financial areas, including general ledger maintenance, accounts payable, accounts receivable, grant accounting, and payroll processing.

The Accounting Manager plays a critical role in fiscal year-end closing, annual municipal audits, and budget preparation, providing accurate and timely financial reporting to support the district's educational mission.

• Oversees the accuracy and integrity of the general ledger, including journal entries, account reconciliations, and trial balances.
• Ensures account coding for all local, state, and federal revenues and expenditures strictly comply with the Rhode Island Uniform Chart of Accounts (UCOA).
• Responsible for monthly general ledger close and revenue/expenditure reporting and analysis.
• Prepares monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements for the Director of Finance and School Committee.
• Prepares and submits all reports required by the Division of Municipal Finance Transparency Portal.
• Responsible for monthly balance sheet account reconciliations, including accounts payable, food service and payroll cash accounts.
• Responsible for Federal /State Grant accounting, reporting, reimbursement requests and audit compliance.
• Responsible for Student Activity Funds accounting, reporting, oversight and policy/procedure development.
• Responsible for all aspects of the of the department payroll function.
• Approves and signs off on accounts payable invoices/check runs, ensuring proper purchase order (PO) matching and encumbrance tracking.
• Assists the Director of Finance in forecasting revenue, estimating department expenditures, and building the annual district budget.
• In coordination with the Finance Director, completes and submits annual Housing Aid forms and Asset Protection Plan to the RIDE School Building Authority.
• Provides support for special projects as needed.
• Works collaboratively with Operations Manager on National School Lunch Program operations, accounting/reporting and for free and reduced lunch enrollment.
• Works collaboratively with Operations Manager on Student Transportation operations, bus company oversight and busing policies and procedures.
• Serves as a key point of contact for external auditors and compiles required documentation and work papers.
• Attendance at evening School Committee and/or Town Council meetings may be required.
• In coordination with the Director of Finance, supervises, trains, and evaluates business office staff.
• Other duties as required by the Director of Finance or Superintendent.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in accounting, finance or related business field required.

• Five years of experience in accounting, budgeting and forecasting desirable.

• Experience in a Rhode Island public educational or related not-for-profit setting preferred.

• Experience administering/accounting for monies awarded under federal and state grants.

• Previous management experience preferred.

• Three years of experience in payroll processing strongly preferred.

• Strong oral and written communication skills.

• Proven ability in financial management.

• Strong computer skills and proven project management experience…