Finance Specialist

Summary

Head Start is a comprehensive preschool program for low income children and their families. Head Start provides children, including those with special needs, with services that actively encourage and promote social, emotional, intellectual (school readiness skills), physical growth and development. Head Start fosters good health through well child checks and dental exams, current immunizations, nutrition and lead risk assessments. Parent involvement is one of the cornerstones of the program and parents have many and varied opportunities to participate in their child's education and development. Support services are available for families including social services, mental health and disability services, and transportation.

Administered by Knoxville-Knox County Community Action Committee (CAC). 

CAC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, creed, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital or Veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status.

Duties

• Maintain and monitor the collection of staff time and attendance data, including use of sick and paid leave; compare written timesheets to HR timekeeping software; prepare payroll reports for submission to CAC and Knox County; review payroll checks for accuracy and print individual work time reports for distribution to employees with checks for signature receipts; and assure all signature forms are returned and filed with payroll reports.
• Maintain contact with center and office personnel regarding supply requests to assure staff have supplies necessary to implement work responsibilities.  Research requests to assure cost effectiveness.  Prepare orders to assure materials are ordered, delivered, and received.
• Monitor and communicate (with staff and/or vendors as necessary) regarding the use and status of phones, time clocks and other office machines, etc.
• Participate in  Child Care WAGE$ Tennessee employment and salary verifications.
• Maintain CDL funds and documentation required for staff compliance with Head Start and DOT standards.
• Assist in the completion of program inventory to assure equipment is tracked and maintained.
• Cross training required – fiscal operations:
• Complete procurement and purchasing procedures for Head Start goods and services in compliance with Head Start, CAC and Knox County requirements, and enter required data confirming obligations of Head Start and related budget accounts in financial software; copy and distribute signed purchasing documents as required and maintain originating copies of requisitions, FPOs, and contracts for backup up documentation for completed transactions.
• Prepare payment requests, assuring the accuracy of invoices (comparing with purchasing documents, delivery receipts, and purchase authorizations), and checking account numbers; copy and distribute signed payment requests with attached required supporting documentation; update computer information regarding transactions; attach payment information to purchasing information, maintaining hold files pending receipt of checks and completion of transaction.

Requirements

• Degree in Business Management, Accounting, or related field - (substantial Head Start experience in fiscal processes can be considered in lieu of degree)
• Previous working experience with payroll
• In depth knowledge of general accounting principles and payroll principles
• Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to set priorities effectively
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in completing tasks
• Exceptional  written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team, with a proactive and problem- solving mindset
• Demonstrated ability to handle confidential information with discretion and professionalism 
• Data entry skills
• Proficient in using Office software (e.g., Word and Excel) 
• Valid Driver's License
• Vehicle for work related travel
• Ability to pass criminal background check (fingerprint, vulnerable person's registry, etc.)
• Ability to read, write, and speak English
• Legally eligible to work in the US 

Benefits

• Free health insurance for the individual
• Dental and vision insurance
• Free life insurance equivalent to one year’s salary (up to $50,000)
• Retirement contributions by the employer equivalent to 6% of one's salary after one year of employment
• Over three weeks of paid leave for winter break, spring break, holidays, etc.
• Paid Sick Leave
• Deferred Compensation Plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible spending account
• Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Employer
• Overtime pay over 40 hours