Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind (FSDB)

Director of Accounting

BOT (Board of Trustees)

Position Number 48008438
Department: Comptroller’s

PENDING RECLASSIFICATION

Who are we?

FSDB is a state public school available at no cost to eligible pre-K and K-12 students who are deaf or hard of hearing, blind/visually impaired or deafblind, including boarding and transportation services. FSDB is nationally recognized for its comprehensive educational services, designed for the unique communication and accessibility needs of students. FSDB also provides educational outreach programs for children ages 0-5 and their families. The FSDB experience provides students with the edge to do more, be more, and achieve more.

How you will make an impact

This position reports directly to the Comptroller of FSDB and is responsible for the management and supervision of the staff accountants in Accounting. Exercises independent judgment in formulating or assisting in the formulation of policies and procedures that have significant impact on the personnel and administration of Accounting. Acts on behalf of the Comptroller when Comptroller is absent within set limitations.

• Acts as leading financial accountant and is responsible for all entries made into the accounting system of record (FLAIR/PALM) in accordance with GAAP and GASB. Independently audits and enters journal entries in compliance with FSDB policies, internal accounting policies/procedures, manuals, and Board of Trustees policies. Keys voucher payments into FLAIR/PALM. Monitors Accounting projects to guarantee proper distribution of funds and associated reporting. Monitors and audits budget allocation reporting. Maintains appropriate accounting logs and records. reconciles receiving reports, audits invoices and reconciles discrepancies with staff and vendors. Oversees processing of FSDB warrants and Accounts Payable/Accounts Receivable transactions. Compiles appropriate data and produces monthly financial statements and budget status reports.
• Supervises staff accountants in Accounting, provides instruction and guidance to staff accountants as needed in accordance with applicable policies, manuals, and directives as approved by the Comptroller and required by the State of Florida. Responsible for hiring, separating, disciplining staff, and annual evaluations. Seeks guidance from Comptroller in resolving new or unusual problems.
• Closely supports the annual financial audit with guidance from the Comptroller.  Complies with requests from Auditor General staff, internal auditors and independent CPA's for information for annual and other audits. Explains policies and procedures to staff and auditors. Assists accounting staff in operational and accounting policies and procedures. 
• Reviews PECO and Regular expenditures daily for accuracy and consistency. Reconciles monthly funds expenditures across all funds. Resolves discrepancies and advises Comptroller of unusual issues.
• Independently analyzes operational procedures, seeks to resolve conflicts, and makes recommendations to the Comptroller. As needed, develops new policies and procedures with approval from Comptroller. Works closely with Comptroller in instituting new policies, procedures, and practices.
• Acts as primary backup to the Comptroller within set limitations. Works collaboratively with Comptroller and departments across campus as needed while ensuring compliance with policies and procedures.
• Other duties, as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of proper accounting methodologies under GAAP, GAAS, and authoritative pronouncements of FASB and GASB;
• Knowledge of fund accounting and use of fund accounting software; Knowledge of internal control concepts;
• Knowledge of Florida Statutes and Florida Administrative Code; Understands and manages long term accounting impacts of transactions;
• Skilled in customer service support towards internal and external customers;
• Skilled in the use of spreadsheet, word processing and database software;
• Skilled in the use of a calculator, personal computer, digital copier/scanner, and telephone;
• Knowledge of the methods of data collection;
• Ability to supervise people;
• Ability to prioritize workload;
• Ability to prepare financial statements and reports;
• Ability to prepare and maintain a variety of accounting records;
• Ability to prepare financial statement workpapers and schedules;
• Ability to analyze and interpret complex accounting data;
• Ability to understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies and procedures relating to an accounting program;
• Ability to research and interpret accounting literature, rules, and pronouncements;
• Ability to communicate effectively;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others;
• Ability to work independently;
• Ability to utilize problem-solving techniques;
• Ability to attain sign language proficiency level in accordance with FSDB O.P.P.1.24;
• Ability to complete training and administer skills acquired during CPR;

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting

Preferred

Sign Language Requirements

Applicants who are selected for hire will be required to attain an Survival Plus proficiency in sign language within four years of hire.

Please note: The Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind provides education to acquire sign language skills.

Hiring Salary Range 12 month position: $62,429.18 - $69,929.18 annually. (paid biweekly over 26-pays) This range is inclusive of verified experience and education.

Hours 

Monday – Friday; 8:00am to 4:30pm

Vision

FSDB will prepare each student for a lifetime of success.

Mission

The mission of FSDB is to utilize all available talent, energy, and resources to provide free appropriate public education for eligible sensory impaired students of Florida. As a school of academic excellence, the school shall strive to provide students an opportunity to access education services in caring, safe, unique learning environment to prepare them to be literate, employable, and independent lifelong learners. The school shall provide outreach services that include collaboration with district school boards and shall encourage input from students, staff, parents, and the community. As a diverse organization, the school shall foster respect and understanding for each individual. (Section 1002.36, Florida Statutes)

Values

Integrity & Respect – The FSDB community is a cohesive group that serves with honor, care, kindness and responsibility.

Safety & Security – The FSDB community is committed to the protection and well-being of stakeholders.

Innovation – The FSDB community welcomes change and embraces a continuous improvement mindset to encourage new methods to solve problems and foster creativity and growth.

Trust – The FSDB community is committed to high quality services and accountability through honest, reliable and consistent actions.

Our benefits include:

• Automatic enrollment into the Florida Retirement System.
• Medical insurance coverage is $90 per pay period for family coverage; $25 per pay period for employee only.
• Life insurance $25,000 is provided by the state at no cost to you for all FTE positions. Employees may purchase additional coverage.
• Low-cost supplemental benefit packages that include dental, vision, and much more.
• Professional development opportunities and ability to learn American Sign Language on campus at no cost.
• Tuition waiver program – earn up to 6 credit hours per semester at state universities.
• Biweekly accrual of (8.15) hours of annual leave and two (2) hours of sick leave.
• Nine paid holidays and one Personal Holiday each year.

How You Will Grow

FSDB provides staff members with opportunities to grow professionally, enhancing their ability to support students' growth. School- and state-required training and skills development is offered both online and in-person for academic and non-academic staff members.

Condition of employment

Applicants under consideration for employment at the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind will be required to complete background investigation.  Fingerprints will be taken and sent to the Florida Department of Law enforcement and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for a background check of your criminal history record(s) at the state and national level.

Nearest Major Market: Jacksonville