Bookkeeper - Food Services

Department: Food Services and Nutrition | Reports To: Chief Financial Officer | FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Qualifications

• Minimum education level is a high school diploma with two to three years of secretarial/accounting/bookkeeping experience.
• Preferred: Associate degree in accounting, bookkeeping, or finance.
• Must have current government issued identification.

Schedule

8 Hours/230 Days (Support Staff Salary Scale, Grade 12). The terms of employment are based on full-time employment during the school year; conditions adjusted for part-time employees or those hired for less than an entire school year.

About the Role

Under the supervision of the Director of Food Service, this role involves maintaining sound financial records and ensuring compliance with reporting requirements to the SC Department of Education. Responsibilities include compliance with all district, state, and federal regulations and guidelines, processing free and reduced lunch applications, handling confidential files, and managing office operations.

Responsibilities

• Supports and upholds the mission, vision, and strategic goals of Lexington County School District One.
• Interacts, communicates, and collaborates effectively with all stakeholders.
• Establishes a safe, supportive, positive, and productive working and learning environment.
• Operates general office and technology equipment needed for daily activities.
• Maintains confidentiality regarding all employee and student information.
• Participates in all professional meetings and training sessions as required.
• Manages daily financial operations, including preparing bank deposits, troubleshooting credit card machine issues, and overseeing credit and collection procedures.
• Reconciles cashier daily balancing issues and serves as the primary point of contact for all cashier-related financial inquiries.
• Processes financial documents including Payment for Services Rendered (PSRs), substitute invoices, check requests, and travel reimbursements.
• Generates and issues invoices for external programs and manages monthly billing for Kindergarten and After School snack programs.
• Maintains student account integrity by processing account transfers, issuing refunds, and managing senior account close-outs.
• Serves as the primary support resource for parent questions regarding online payments and general account balances.
• Administers the Linq system by assigning user rights to Cashiers and Managers, and performing necessary close-out and opening procedures for the school year.
• Understands USDA Guidelines for School Food Nutrition, including the National School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, After School Snack Program, Community Eligibility Program, and Summer Feeding Programs.
• Updates and publishes Public Media Release for free and reduced-price meals.
• Reviews and understands the latest Income Guidelines from the USDA regarding eligibility requirements, including SNAP, TANF, and Medicaid.
• Processes meal applications and determines student eligibility in strict accordance with state and federal guidelines.
• Manages the Direct Certification process and handles inquiries regarding student statuses.
• Oversees the verification process for free and reduced applications and maintains accurate free and reduced percentage information.
• Updates and maintains student demographic and meal status information to ensure data accuracy.
• Prepares and uploads all necessary documentation for the yearly SCAPS audit and the Administrative Review (AR).
• Responds to all requests from the State Department and handles Level Data reporting requirements.
• Performs and reconciles End of Month (EOM) inventories and serves as backup support for procurement activities.
• Assists the Director of Food Service and Nutrition with compiling the annual budget.
• Compiles and submits comprehensive statistical and financial reports, including participation reports and the annual SLP4 Report to the State Department.
• Works closely with the State Department of Education and various state agencies to compile and report data, including all training requirements for food service staff.
• Provides assistance in financial areas, including procuring, entering, processing, and maintaining purchase orders and related information.
• Provides backup to other departmental staff as needed.
• Effectively uses personal computing devices and software applications for managing information and communication.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned by the Director of Food Service and Nutrition.

Skills

• Ability to perform duties with awareness of district requirements and board policies.
• Must be able to access reliable transportation.
• Knowledge of district policies, procedures, and activities related to the role.
• Ability to demonstrate proper maintenance, safe operation, and utilization of equipment and supplies.
• High standards of accuracy in performing duties.
• Ability to anticipate work and complete tasks without direct supervision.
• Strong ability to maintain confidentiality of employee and student records.
• Effective and professional communication with supervisors, coworkers, teachers, students, and the public.
• Proficiency in personal computer use, including word processing, email, spreadsheets, electronic file management, internet, and reporting software.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, staff, and the school community.
• Clear and concise oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to apply knowledge and current research and theory.
• Ability to organize and implement a flexible work schedule to meet reporting deadlines.
• Ability to self-monitor and manage multiple tasks while working individually or in a group.
• Ability to submit all requested reports and documentation in a timely manner.
• Ability to work extended hours and manage multiple demands from several people.
• Computer literacy required.

Physical Demands

• Occasionally lifts and/or moves up to 50 pounds, such as boxes of materials.
• Sometimes pushes/pulls items such as furniture or boxes of materials.
• Regularly required to sit, stand, walk, talk, listen, and/or reach with hands and arms.
• Specific vision abilities include close vision and distance vision.
• Occasionally works irregular or extended hours.
• Frequent use of a computer monitor and related equipment.

Work Environment

• Conducts duties in an office environment with no significant exposure to adverse conditions.
• Requires maintaining constant attention and meeting deadlines.
• Requires the ability to prioritize and effectively change tasks.
• Noise level varies from quiet to loud depending on the activity.