Accountant

Posted: 08/25/2025

The Fergus Falls School District is seeking a full-time Accountant to support the financial services of our district office. 

This position will work year-round, 234 days.  The compensation package includes health insurance, life insurance, 403b contribution, long term disability, and retirement benefits through the Public Employees Retirement Association-PERA, along with sick and personal leave with an annual salary in the range of $57,000 - $73,000 (actual compensation may vary based on experience, skills, education and performance).

The Fergus Falls School District is located in the beautiful Lakes Country of west central Minnesota in Otter Tail County; and is currently comprised of four elementary schools serving grades Pre-K-5, the Prairie Wetlands Learning Center serving grades 4-5, one secondary school that provides education to our middle school and high school students (grades 6-12), a K-12 online school, and an Area Learning Center. The District employs nearly 500 staff and serves an enrollment of over 3000 students. Additional information can be found at www.fergusotters.org
 
To be considered for this position, an applicant’s file must include the completed online application and the following uploaded documents:

  • A cover letter indicating reasoning and interest in the position
  • A current resume
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • A copy of the candidate’s unofficial transcript(s)
The online application is available here: 
https://www.applitrack.com/fergusfalls/onlineapp/default.aspx

JOB SUMMARY:
The accountant plays a critical role in the coordination, monitoring, and analysis of the district’s financial information. This position supports data-driven decision-making through timely and accurate oversight of data, reconciling accounts, preparing reports and managing budgets.  The accountant works closely with fiscal staff, vendors, department leaders and administration, and provides backup coverage for the Accounts Receivable Associate.
 
QUALIFICATIONS:
1.     Bachelor’s degree in accounting, business or related field.
2.     Three to five years of experience in the accounting field in either a business or school environment.
3.     Knowledge of accounting principles, regulations, and best practices.
4.     Proficiency in accounting software and Microsoft Excel.
5.     Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
6.     Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
7.     Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
8.     Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the school board may deem appropriate and acceptable.
 
RESPONSIBILITIES:
The tasks listed below are not intended to limit other tasks that might reasonably be assigned as necessary:
  1. Work with internal staff and external vendors to process purchase orders; ensure that the correct accounting codes are used.
  2. Enter accounts payable invoices and manage the overall process to ensure that invoices are paid on time; this includes creating payment disbursements via check, ACH, and wire. 
  3. Oversee expenditure activity – track against budgets, create journal entries as needed, prepare monthly reports for department heads, create account codes for compliance with UFARS, and related tasks. 
  4. Reconcile credit card receipts to credit card bill; monitor credit card for fraudulent activity.
  5. Update and maintain special education expenditure data in SEDRA; reconcile SEDRA and UFARS data at least quarterly.
  6. Compile and analyze data and essential information related to financial processes.  Ensure timely preparation of reports and summaries in compliance with monthly, annual, or other assigned deadlines. 
  7. Conduct reconciliation of balance sheet accounts.
  8. Assist in the preparation and entry of year-end journal entries for the reconciliation of various accounts and program budgets.
  9. Actively participate in audit processes including generating reports and assisting with information requests. 
  10. Assist with preparation of program budgets, grant documents, and file submissions ensuring accurate and timely compliance with state and federal initiatives and funding stream requirements including but not limited to ADSIS, Title programs, CTE, E-rate, and transportation reporting.
Application deadline: Open until filled
We invite qualified candidates who are passionate about accounting and finance to apply for this rewarding position.  
Start date: As soon as possible 
 
Accommodation: If you have a disability that requires accommodation during the selection process, please email HR at agriffin@fergusotters.org or call 218-998-0544, ext. 9010.
Background Check 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 not an automatic bar to employment.  Each case is considered on its individual merits and the type of work sought.  Making false statements or withholding information during the hiring process will cause you to be barred from employment or removed from employment.
Veteran’s Preference: Eligible veterans as defined by Minnesota Statute 197.447 may claim Veterans Preference during the hiring process. A DD214 and required supporting documentation must be included with the employment application to receive preference.

The Fergus Falls Public School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Educator, who fully and actively supports equal access for all qualified applicants, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability status, Genetic Information or Testing, Family & Medical Leave, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law, and prohibits retaliation against individuals who bring forth any complaint, orally or in writing, to the employer or the government, or against any individuals who assist or participate in the investigation of any complaint, or otherwise oppose discrimination.
 
Fergus Falls Public Schools are a tobacco-free workplace.