Accounting Specialist

Company Description

Position Overview 

The Accounting Specialist  will be responsible for the development and maintenance of an integrated system of financial services including accounting, budgeting, contract management, and policy development. This role will also support the review, analysis, evaluation of contract and vendor management programs. The position reports to the Director of Finance.

Who we are:

KIPP St. Louis is a part of a national network of free, open-enrollment, public charter schools offering a choice to families and children in St. Louis city. As the largest charter school system in the city, we are driven and committed to our mission and vision.

Mission: Together with families and communities, we create joyful, academically excellent schools that prepare students with the skills and confidence to pursue the paths they choose—college, career, and beyond—so they can lead fulfilling lives and build a more just world.

Vision: Every child grows up free to create the future they want for themselves and their communities.

KIPP St. Louis currently educates over 2,000 students and boasts hundreds of alumni. Today, our St. Louis network consists of three elementary schools, two middle schools, and a high school.

Job Description

Position type: Full time, 12 month exempt

We invite you to serve in the following capacities:

Finance 

• Develop and deliver operational training on procurement, fundraising, purchase cards, requisitions, and travel logistics.

• Collaborate within the Finance Department to create training on budget management, travel, cash handling, and finance-related policies.

• Support schools in managing school-level budgets and ensure compliance with financial policies.

• Collect and analyze financial data to generate reports and maintain accurate records.

• Analyze financial, procurement, and material data against standards and requirements.

• Backup AP Specialist

• Manage homeless transportation, receipt,invoicing and payments.

• Partner within the department to manage fixed assets effectively.

Vendor and Procurement 

• Reconcile purchasing programs, including Purchasing Cards, Amazon, and Staples Commercial Accounts.

• Advise staff on policies and procedures for procurement tools and oversee compliance.

• Develop and deliver training materials for onboarding and refresher training for staff.

• Collaborate with Operations to establish technical criteria for vendor evaluation related to goods and services.

Acquisitions & Contract 

• Guide school and regional staff on purchasing procedures to ensure compliance.

• Audit purchase orders and workflows to maintain policy adherence.

• Educate staff on how effective use of purchase orders supports budget management.

• Oversee simplified purchasing procedures and ensure effective execution.

• Create systems for preparing and managing solicitations, Requests for Proposals (RFQs), awards, and contracts with project managers. 

• Lead special projects as assigned.

This job posting/description may not cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Qualifications

What you bring to the table: 

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration; Master’s degree desired 

• Three years work experience accounting/finance background; education industry experience is a plus

• Strong project management experience; strong organizational skills and attention to detail

• Strong communication and relationship-building skills

• Excellent organizational, planning and implementation skills. Always think multiple steps ahead. Forward thinking is a highly desired attribute.

• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word, and Google Suite 

• Ability to establish relationships and communicate effectively with multiple stakeholders

Preferred skills and qualifications include:

• Preparation of training materials

• Ability to effectively communicate policy and procedures

• Understanding of department level budget management

• Reconciliation of credit cards, billing statements, etc.

• Learn and internalize organizational workflow for improved productivity

• Ability