Position Type: Hourly Technical Location: Educational Service Center Closing Date: Until Filled General Purpose of Job: Under the direction of the Accountant, Student Services, the Student Services Specialist is the project manager for district-wide initiatives including, but not limited to, electronic payment systems, on-line forms; conducts research and development on financial analytics, future trends, and makes recommendations relating to compliance and best practices. The Student Services Specialist designs workflow and functional strategies to increase departmental efficiency and effectiveness. This position oversees the coordinating, leading, and training of district employees in the Student Services operations in accordance with federal and state guidelines, and applicable legal parameters and requirements. Also, this position independently performs complex specialized functions related to accounting tasks, while maintaining the integrity of the Student Services Department. Responsibilities and tasks include: Provides training, and support to district staff and administration for a variety of customized and standard office software and database applications. Designs, develops, manages, and supports custom database/software applications. Design and generate customized reports and data files as necessary to meet the needs of the district and building administrators and staff, both verification and informational. Coordinate work associated with software implementations. Research and resolve complex and emerging issues. Coordinate the internal development and documentation of system workflow. Ensure optimal communication and interface strategies with multiple stakeholders. Improves processes and accounting systems including implementation and training of department staff and other users. Determine training needs and conduct training. Ensure project success by applying best practice tools and techniques. Develop project timeline and hold team members accountable for meeting deadlines. Provide verification and validation in support of new grant applications. Develop training implementation plan, system feedback, monitoring, and adjustments. Improves processes and accounting systems including implementation and training of department staff and other users. Determine training needs and conduct training. Ensure project success by applying best practice tools and techniques. Develop project timeline and hold team members accountable for meeting deadlines. Provide verification and validation in support of new grant applications. Develop training implementation plan, system feedback, monitoring, and adjustments. Responsible for developing, maintaining, and revising documentation of agreed upon department practices and procedures. Serve as a liaison between department and other stakeholder groups to coordinate the required flow of information and documentation. Manage problem resolution as needed, resolve problems or complaints, and assist Accountant, Student Services in resolving complex problems. Act as liaison between all stakeholder groups and Student Services team regarding system upgrades and enhancements. Provide training. instruction, and support to department users, including new software releases. Update users on new and existing systems features. Maintains written communication for clarity and verification of system and other supported software implementation. Ensure system efficiency and optimization. Request valid codes be set up for financial (UFARS) codes as needed. Year-end accounting entries development of various financial analysis. Coordinate month-end financial reports to budget managers. Continuously monitor integrity of Student Services data flows throughout the operating system. Performs internal audits to ensure data accuracy and validity. Provide recommendations for improvement of current accounting methodologies and practices. Keep current on trends or skills required of the work by tending training sessi ns, conferences, workshops, and seminars. Develop plans and initiatives relating to new process requirements and opportunities. Minimum qualifications include: Associate's degree or a two-year college or technical school certification or degree with emphasis in accounting, business administration, accounting or a closely related field and/or 5 years of professional accounting work experience of a like nature. Knowledge, skills, and abilities include: Knowledgeable in providing support and advice to administrators and other employees in accounting policies, procedures, state and federal requirements and regulations and accounting issues/actions. UFARS accounting practices and requirements. Enhanced knowledge of school district organization, functions, and operations; understand mission statement, and goals. Understanding of accounting functions and district operations as they pertain to accounting processing. Enhanced knowledge of the operation and applications used in maintaining accounting records, record retention, database maintenance requirements, compliance reporting, and administrative requirements pertaining to accounting programs and objectives. Ability to work in a fast-paced, high volume processing environment, significant attention to detail and accuracy, as well as strong verbal and written communication skills. Able to collaborate and consult with both internal and external stakeholders Excellent computer skills in Microsoft products, specifically Excel and ability to learn new program applications quickly. Demonstrated skills in accounting information system database management and recordkeeping. Excellent interpersonal and coaching skills; ability to work collaboratively with others. Evidence of understanding in working with data and issues that need a high level of confidentiality. Excellent organizational skills. Effective business analytics skills and techniques. Ability to interpret and apply complex laws, rules, policies, and regulations. Perform work assignments requiring attention to detail, precision and accuracy and in accordance with set deadlines under minimal direction and supervision. Principles of mathematics, including the ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide using decimals, percentages and fractions; ability to solve basic algebraic equations. Bargaining unit: Hourly Technical Salary: View salary grids for Classification 5 of the Hourly Technical Contract; Salary range: $24.40 - $31.48 Work schedule: Employees working 40 hours per week, 52 weeks, less 12 paid holidays Job type or FTE: Full-time Desired start date: Aug 1, 2024 Osseo Area Schools offers: Meaningful and impactful work Opportunities to grow professionally A variety of benefits and more Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: Osseo Area School District ISD 279 is an Equal Opportunity, and veteran-friendly employer. Osseo Area School District ISD 279 ensures equal employment opportunities regardless of race, creed, gender, color, national origin, religion, age, sexual orientation or disability. Osseo Area School District is committed to a workforce that reflects the diversity of the district and strongly encourages persons to apply who can strengthen our diversity. For more information, view the District s Equal Opportunity and Prohibition Against Discrimination, Harassment and Violence Policy. Veteran s Preference: If you are an eligible veteran, please submit a legible copy of your DD214 with your application. Accommodation: If you have a disability that requires an accommodation during the selection process, please email Human Resources at HR@district279.org or call 763-391-7007. Background Check Process Upon Conditional Offer: Background checks are conducted upon receiving a conditional offer. Employees must complete a background check and are responsible for the background fee. A passing background is required. Criminal convictions are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.