Deadline: July 31, 2026
District/Organization: Ludington Area School District
Position/Type: Other, full time
Salary: Starting at $50,000 but actual salary based on individual’s experience
Ludington Area School District Central Business Office (CBO) Accounting Coordinator & Accounts Payable Specialist
Employment Terms: 12-Month, Full-Time Position
Reports To: Director of Business Services
Position Summary:
The CBO Accounting Coordinator & Accounts Payable Specialist is a key professional position within the Central Administration team. This individual performs advanced financial tasks, manages critical accounts payable operations, and coordinates key business office workflows, and serves as the primary face and voice of the central office. This position requires an advanced degree of financial acumen, strict management of confidential district records, and the ability to operate independently to ensure compliance with state accounting manuals and a professional welcoming demeanor while managing front desk operations.
Key Responsibilities & Essential Duties (Other duties may be assigned as directed)
1. Advanced Accounts Payable & Financial Control
- End-to-End AP Management: Direct the verification, coding, processing, and reconciliation of all district invoices, claims, and expense reports.
- Internal Controls: Audit purchase orders, expense reports, and receiving documents against established internal board policies and state compliance standards before processing disbursements.
- Vendor & Contract Systems: Oversee and maintain the district’s vendor system database, manage tax documentation (W-9s, 1099 processing), and handle professional correspondence regarding vendor payment audits.
- General Ledger & Journal Entries: Prepare, review, and post journal entries related to accounts payable allocations and general ledger updates.
- District Card Management: Administer the corporate credit card/purchasing card program, ensuring proper documentation, authorization tracking, and monthly ledger reconciliation.
2. Cash Management & General Accounting Support
- Bank Operations: Reconcile cash receipts, manage internal district funds, verify building-level deposits, and execute timely electronic and physical bank deposits.
- Financial Reporting & Analysis: Assist the Director of Business Services in preparing monthly financial reports, monitoring budget variances, and reviewing department expenditure histories.
- Annual Audit Lead: Act as a support point of contact for external auditors during annual financial reviews, organizing schedules, retrieving ledgers, and providing detailed transaction trails.
3. Reception & Front Desk Operations
- Front Desk Coverage : Serve as the first point of contact for visitors to the central administration office. Greet and direct guests, parents, vendors and staff to the appropriate departments.
- Phone Management: Answer, screen, and route incoming central office phone calls, providing accurate information or transferring callers to the correct personnel.
- Mail & Deliveries: Receive, sort, and distribute incoming mail, packages, and deliveries for central administration.
4. Operations & Administrative Coordination
- Systems Administration: Utilize and help manage the district’s automated financial software platform, troubleshooting system errors and optimizing digital workflows.
- Central Office Collaboration: Provide professional backup and collaborative support for payroll administration, benefits documentation, and general central office administration as needed.
- Regulatory Compliance: Maintain a current working knowledge of the Michigan Public School Accounting Manual (Bulletin 1022) to ensure accurate account code application.
Qualifications & Requirements
- Education: Minimum of an Associate’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a closely related field. A Bachelor’s Degree is preferred.
- Experience: 3–5 years of progressive experience in corporate accounting, accounts payable, or public sector/school finance operations.
- Technical Skills: Advanced proficiency with comprehensive automated ERP systems, financial databases, and professional spreadsheet tools (Advanced Excel or Google Sheets functions).
- Core Competencies: * Absolute discretion and integrity when handling sensitive labor, legal, or financial datasets.
- Exceptional analytical capacity and systemic problem-solving skills.
- Strong, clear professional communication skills tailored for interaction with vendors, building administrators, and board members.
Application Procedure
Interested candidates must submit a single, comprehensive PDF document via email to JoAnna Story, Director of Business Services at: [email protected].
Your application package must contain:
1. Formally written Cover Letter
2. Professional Resume
3. Three (3) professional references with contemporary contact info
4. College transcripts or technical certifications (if applicable)
Ludington Area School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
E-mail: [email protected]
