Senior Accountant

Date Posted	November 24, 2025
Industry	General Accounting
Job Status	Full-time
Salary	Not Specified
Website	https://www.psdri.net/

Description:

Senior Accountant

FLSA Status: Non-union, Non-Exempt, 12-month position

ABOUT US:

The Pawtucket School Department is committed to providing every student with equitable access to high-quality education and supportive school environments. We serve a diverse student population and are focused on fiscal responsibility, operational efficiency, and student-centered success. We are seeking a mission driven Senior Accountant to join our Finance Team and contribute to the financial integrity of the district.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Senior Accountant plays a critical role in supporting the daily operations of the Business Office. This role is responsible for general ledger maintenance, financial reporting, budget monitoring, grant compliance, and audit preparation in alignment with GAAP and public sector standards.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Prepare, review, and analyze monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements

Maintain general ledger, including journal entries, reconciliations, and year-end closings

Manage accounts payable/receivable processes and ensure timely disbursements and collections

Assist in developing and monitoring the annual district budget

Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local fiscal regulations and reporting requirements

Oversee financial activity and reporting for federal, state, and local grants, including school food services

Monitor compliance with RI Department of Education’s Uniform Chart of Accounts (UCOA)

Support payroll, purchasing, and fixed asset management as needed

Coordinate and support annual external audits, preparing schedules and responding to inquiries

Analyze financial variances and trends; recommend improvements to fiscal controls

Collaborate with departments and school leaders to ensure proper use and oversight of funds

Train applicable staff on accounting processes and changes in procedures

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Professional financial position that requires a thorough knowledge of GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles), computerized accounting systems and the application of the general ledger as they apply to fund accounting in a non-profit environment

Working knowledge of budget development, accounting and reporting expenditures of all federal, state and local awards

Proven experience in maintaining confidentiality

Proven experience in organizational and leaderships skills with an emphasis to detail, consistency, and accuracy

Ability to develop policy documents and procedure manuals

Skilled in working with complex data, utilizing formulas, functions and import tools.

Proven experience communicating effectively, both orally and in writing with governmental, state and local agencies and vendors

Proven experience in decision making using independent judgment and initiative to resolve problems in a timely manner

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration (with Accounting concentration)

Minimum 3 years of experience in municipal, nonprofit, or fund accounting

Strong knowledge of GAAP and fund accounting principles

Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel

Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills

Ability to manage multiple priorities independently and meet deadlines

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

ECPA or Master’s in Accounting/Finance

5+ years of accounting experience, including 2+ years in a senior or supervisory role

Experience with public sector, school district, or municipal finance

Familiarity with MUNIS or similar financial software

Experience with Rhode Island’s Uniform Chart of Accounts

Exposure to database or systems administration

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Primarily office-based with occasional visits to school buildings

Frequent standing, sitting, and walking; occasional lifting (up to 25 lbs.)

Prolonged screen time and verbal communication required

WHAT WE OFFER:

Competitive salary and benefits package

Enrollment in Rhode Island Employees’ Retirement System (ERSRI)

Paid holidays, vacation, and sick time

Ongoing professional development opportunities

A collaborative, mission-driven team environment

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS: 

Full PSD compensation package.

Year-round position

Hours 8:00AM – 4:00PM

THIS JOB SPECIFICATION SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED TO IMPLY THAT THESE REQUIREMENTS ARE THE EXCLUSIVE STANDARDS OF THE POSITION.  INCUMBENTS MAY BE REQUIRED TO FOLLOW ANY OTHER INSTRUCTIONS, AND TO PERFORM ANY OTHER RELATED DUTIES AS MAY BE REQUIRED BY THE SUPERVISOR.

Apply

https://www.applitrack.com/psdri/onlineapp/default.aspx?all=1