Accounting Manager

REDWOOD CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

Accounting Manager

RCSD takes pride in our dedicated workforce and strong connection with our students, families, and community. Our highly skilled team of professionals provides a safe, supportive, rigorous, and inclusive environment for all learners. We seek staff who share this vision and are committed to student success across all abilities, ethnicities, cultural identities, LGBTQ+ youth, and multilingual learners.

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the direction of the Director of Fiscal Services, the Accounting Manager plans, organizes, and oversees the District’s accounting operations to ensure accurate financial reporting, regulatory compliance, and sound fiscal stewardship. This position provides technical leadership across general ledger management, budget monitoring, financial reporting, and the supervision of accounting staff. The Accounting Manager serves as a key resource to district leadership on financial matters, internal controls, and compliance with California school district accounting standards.

Classification: Classified Management

Work Year: 12 Months

Reports To: Director of Fiscal Services

FLSA Status: Exempt

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The following duties are representative but not exhaustive. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.

• Oversees all accounting operations including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll accounting, and general ledger maintenance in compliance with California Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and the California School Accounting Manual (CSAM).

• Prepares, reviews, and presents monthly financial reports, budget-to-actual analyses, and fund balance statements for district leadership and the Board of Education.

• Supports the year-end close process, including preparation of working papers and schedules for the Unaudited Actuals and serves as a key liaison to external auditors under the direction of the Director of Fiscal Services.

• Supports the development and monitoring of the District's annual budget, including providing financial data, account analysis, and reconciliations to inform multi-year projections, under the direction of the Director of Fiscal Services.

• Ensures compliance with applicable federal, state, and local fiscal requirements by maintaining accurate coding, reconciling restricted funds, and meeting reporting obligations including LCAP, Proposition 98, and categorical program submissions.

• Maintains and monitors internal controls to safeguard district assets and ensure the integrity of financial data.

• Oversees and ensures accurate coding of expenditures to appropriate object codes, funds, and program cost centers in alignment with district and state requirements.

• Supervises, trains, and evaluates accounting staff; fosters a culture of accuracy, continuous improvement, and professional growth.

• Serves as a subject matter expert for the district’s ERP/financial system (e.g., Frontline ERP), including supporting user training and system integrations.

• Coordinates financial reporting for special programs, grants, and categorical funds, ensuring accurate drawdowns, reconciliations, and timely submissions.

• Assists the Director of Fiscal Services in the preparation of board agenda items, financial certifications (1st and 2nd Interim Reports), and state-required reports (SACS).

• Responds to fiscal inquiries from site administrators, department heads, and external agencies in a timely and professional manner.

• Supports the District’s technology modernization and financial systems initiatives as directed by the Director of Fiscal Services.

• Performs related duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a closely related field required. Additional qualifying experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.

• A minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible accounting or fiscal management experience, preferably in a California K–12 school district or public agency setting.

• Experience with SACS reporting, California School Accounting Manual (CSAM), and state/federal categorical program accounting strongly preferred.

• Experience supervising or mentoring accounting staff preferred.

• Familiarity with ERP/financial systems used in California K–12 districts (e.g., Escape Online) is highly desirable.

KNOWLEDGE OF

• California school district accounting standards, CSAM, SACS chart of accounts, and GAAP as applied to governmental entities.

• State and federal fiscal compliance requirements, including restricted fund accounting, Prop 98, LCAP, and grant management.

• Financial reporting cycles, budget development, and multi-year financial projections.

• Payroll processes and their intersection with accounting and benefits administration in a public agency context.

• Internal controls, audit preparation, and sound financial stewardship principles.

• Modern financial management systems and data management practices.

• Applicable provisions of the California Education Code, Government Code, and Public Contract Code relevant to school district finance.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Strong analytical skills with a high degree of accuracy in financial recordkeeping and reporting.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate financial information clearly to non-financial staff and administrators.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace, particularly Excel and Google Sheets (e.g., pivot tables, VLOOKUPs, financial modeling), and familiarity with data visualization tools.

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, meet statutory deadlines, and adapt to changing fiscal or regulatory requirements.

• Strong leadership and supervisory skills with the ability to build and sustain a high-performing accounting team.

• Collaborative work style with the ability to build trust with site administrators, department heads, labor partners, and external agencies.

• Commitment to equity, transparency, and the responsible stewardship of public funds.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

• Valid California Driver’s License required.

• Current Tuberculosis (TB) clearance required.

• Fingerprint clearance (DOJ/FBI) required for school personnel.

• CPA license or School Business Management Certificate (SBMC) is desirable but not required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described are representative of those an employee must meet to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Hearing and speaking to exchange information in person and by phone or video.

• Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard and standard office equipment.

• Sitting or standing for extended periods of time.

• Seeing to read a variety of printed and electronic materials.

• Occasional lifting of objects up to 25 pounds.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Office environment.

• Frequent interaction with district staff, external auditors, and state/county agencies.

• Occasional evening meetings to support Board of Education presentations or budget workshops.

• Deadline-driven environment, particularly during budget preparation, interim reporting, and audit periods.