Kayla Jones

Core Responsibilities

• Process accounts payable transactions and ensure timely payment of vendor invoices and district obligations.

• Maintain accurate records of financial transactions, including journals, subsidiary ledgers, and general ledger accounts.

• Review financial records for accuracy and resolve discrepancies as needed.

• Reconcile bank accounts and coordinate with financial institutions to resolve account issues.

• Prepare cash receipt summaries and assist with month-end and year-end financial reporting.

• Compile, maintain, and organize financial records and supporting documentation for audits and compliance purposes.

• Assist in preparing financial statements, budget amendments, income statements, and reports for district administration and school board presentations.

• Maintain strict confidentiality of financial, employee, and district information.

Selected Accomplishments

• Led the district's transition from paper-based and spreadsheet-driven financial processes to the Ascender financial management system, improving efficiency, accuracy, and real-time access to financial information.

• Successfully migrated and maintained 11 monthly bank reconciliations within Ascender, bringing accounts current and ensuring timely month-end reconciliation processes.

• Modernized Activity Fund accounting procedures by eliminating manual spreadsheet tracking and implementing transaction-level accounting within Ascender.

• Achieved complete entry and reconciliation of all current-year Activity Fund transactions, providing campuses and student organizations with improved financial transparency and reporting capabilities.

• Improved visibility into financial activity by enabling detailed tracking of individual deposits, receipts, and expenditures for campus organizations.

• Collaborated with campus staff to strengthen understanding of budgeting, revenues, expenditures, and proper accounting procedures through ongoing communication and training.

• Implemented improved month-end closing procedures to ensure revenues and expenses are recorded in the appropriate accounting period, increasing reporting accuracy and compliance.

• Identified, researched, and corrected discrepancies in appraisal district disbursements, recovering funds and strengthening financial oversight.

• Managed large-scale financial data conversion and cleanup efforts while maintaining daily accounting operations and reporting requirements.

• Demonstrated initiative and leadership by independently identifying process gaps, developing solutions, and establishing more efficient financial workflows during organizational transitions.

• Manage federal, state, and local grant awards throughout the grant lifecycle, ensuring compliance with funding requirements, district policies, and reporting deadlines.

• Oversee monthly grant drawdowns and reimbursement requests, ensuring accurate and timely receipt of grant funds.

• Monitor grant expenditures and budgets to ensure funds are utilized appropriately and remain within approved allocations.

• Reconcile grant funding activity and maintain detailed supporting documentation for audits, compliance reviews, and financial reporting.

• Collaborate with district administrators and program directors to track grant spending, budget amendments, and funding availability.

• Assist with grant closeout procedures and preparation of required financial reports for funding agencies.

• Strengthened internal controls and accountability for grant-funded programs through improved tracking, documentation, and reporting processes.

Additional Leadership & Financial Management Experience

• Serve as a key financial resource for the Payroll Department by coordinating and processing bank transfers, ensuring timely and accurate movement of funds.

• Partner with the Child Nutrition Department to prepare financial reports, analyze expenditures, and provide accounting support for operational and compliance needs.

• Act as the primary financial liaison for the SELCO Department, facilitating communication, financial transactions, budget monitoring, and reporting requirements.

• Administer and oversee all district purchasing and company credit card programs, including card issuance, transaction monitoring, reconciliation, compliance, and employee support.

• Develop and deliver training for newly hired campus secretaries and receptionists on district financial procedures, accounting systems, cash handling, purchasing protocols, and compliance requirements.

• Provide ongoing coaching and support to district staff to ensure adherence to financial policies, internal controls, and best practices.

• Collaborate across multiple departments to improve financial processes, strengthen accountability, and enhance operational efficiency throughout the district.

• Recognized as a trusted resource for financial guidance, process implementation, and staff development across district operations.

• General office administration including scheduling, placing orders and filing

• Managed customer accounts to streamline payment collection and maintain financial accuracy.

• Performed daily reconciliation of bank deposits and credit card transactions to maintain financial integrity.

• Managed high-volume phone lines to ensure efficient communication and customer service.

• Organized and scheduled meetings for management to streamline project discussions and team objectives.

• Reviewed and documented travel expenses, facilitating timely reimbursement and budget management.

• Monitored and replenished office supply inventory to support daily business functions.

• Delivered exceptional customer service, ensuring client satisfaction and loyalty.

• Reviewed and processed client account information to ensure accuracy.

• Analyzed inventory data and prepared detailed reports for monthly distribution to enhance operational efficiency.

• Supported accounts receivable and accounts payable functions through accurate administrative and financial assistance.

• Generated detailed expense reports to facilitate budget management.

• Managed reconciliation of incoming and outgoing product inventory to ensure accuracy and efficiency.
• Executed systematic scanning and classification of substantial paperwork volumes to maintain efficient record-keeping.
• Provided training and support to new team members to ensure effective integration into the team.