Senior Accountant
Job Description - Governmental Agency
Position Summary
The Senior Accountant performs advanced professional accounting work in support of the agency's financial operations, reporting, budgeting, auditing, and compliance functions. This position is responsible for maintaining accurate financial records, preparing complex reconciliations and financial reports, supporting grant and fund accounting activities, and ensuring compliance with applicable governmental accounting standards, internal policies, and federal, state, and local regulations.
The Senior Accountant works independently on complex assignments, assists with the preparation of annual financial statements and audits, provides technical guidance to accounting staff, and supports sound fiscal management across the agency.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The duties listed below are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities.
1. Prepare, review, and analyze journal entries, account reconciliations, general ledger activity, and financial reports for accuracy and compliance.
2. Maintain and reconcile general ledger accounts, subsidiary ledgers, bank accounts, investment accounts, grants, capital assets, and other assigned financial records.
3. Assist with month-end, quarter-end, and year-end closing processes, including preparation of schedules, accruals, adjusting entries, and supporting documentation.
4. Prepare financial statements, budget-to-actual reports, expenditure reports, revenue reports, and other management reports for internal and external use.
5. Support the preparation of the agency's annual financial statements, audit schedules, and Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, if applicable.
6. Coordinate with external auditors by preparing requested documentation, responding to inquiries, and assisting with audit resolution.
7. Monitor and account for governmental funds, special revenue funds, enterprise funds, capital project funds, grants, and restricted funding sources, as applicable.
8. Ensure compliance with generally accepted accounting principles, Governmental Accounting Standards Board requirements, agency policies, grant requirements, and applicable laws and regulations.
9. Review and analyze financial transactions to ensure proper coding, classification, authorization, and documentation.
10. Assist with budget development, budget monitoring, forecasting, and financial analysis for agency departments or programs.
11. Prepare and submit required federal, state, local, and grant-related financial reports.
12. Maintain fixed asset records, including additions, disposals, depreciation, reconciliations, and related reporting.
13. Assist with payroll accounting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, procurement, revenue collection, and cash management functions as needed.
14. Identify accounting discrepancies, research issues, recommend corrective action, and implement approved process improvements.
15. Develop and maintain internal accounting procedures, desk manuals, schedules, and documentation of financial processes.
16. Provide guidance, training, and technical support to accounting staff, program staff, and department personnel regarding accounting procedures and financial reporting requirements.
17. Participate in the implementation, testing, and improvement of financial systems, accounting software, and internal controls.
18. Maintain confidentiality of financial, personnel, vendor, and agency records.
19. Perform other related duties as assigned.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
The successful candidate should have knowledge of:
- Governmental accounting principles, fund accounting, and financial reporting practices.
- Generally accepted accounting principles and Governmental Accounting Standards Board standards.
- Budgeting, auditing, internal controls, and financial analysis.
- General ledger accounting, reconciliations, journal entries, and year-end closing procedures.
- Grant accounting, restricted funds, and compliance reporting.
- Financial systems, spreadsheets, databases, and accounting software.
- Federal, state, and local regulations applicable to public-sector finance.
The successful candidate should have the ability to:
- Prepare accurate and timely financial reports, reconciliations, and analyses.
- Interpret and apply accounting standards, policies, procedures, and regulations.
- Analyze complex financial data and identify discrepancies or trends.
- Exercise sound judgment and maintain a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
- Organize, prioritize, and manage multiple assignments with deadlines.
- Communicate clearly and professionally, both verbally and in writing.
- Work independently and collaboratively with internal departments, auditors, vendors, and external agencies.
- Maintain confidentiality and demonstrate integrity in handling public funds and sensitive information.
- Provide guidance and support to junior accounting staff.
Minimum Qualifications
A typical qualifying background would include:
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a closely related field.
- Four or more years of progressively responsible professional accounting experience.
- Experience with governmental accounting, fund accounting, grant accounting, or public-sector finance is preferred.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and financial management systems.
An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered.
Preferred Qualifications
- B.S. Accounting, M.S. Accounting, Certified Public Accountant, Certified Government Finance Officer, Certified Public Finance Officer, or similar professional certification.
- Experience working for a local or state agency, school district, special district, or other governmental entity.
- Experience preparing audit schedules, financial statements, or Annual Comprehensive Financial Reports.
- Experience with ERP or governmental accounting systems.
- Knowledge of federal grant compliance and reporting requirements.
Physical Requirements and Work Environment
Work is generally performed in a standard office environment. The position requires prolonged periods of sitting, using a computer, reviewing financial records, and communicating with staff and external parties. The employee may occasionally be required to lift or move files, boxes, or materials weighing up to 5 pounds.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
Core Competencies
- Accountability and integrity
- Accuracy and attention to detail
- Communication and collaboration
- Compliance and internal control awareness
- Public service orientation
- Initiative and professionalism
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
This employer is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable law. The agency is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable laws.
Disclaimer
This job description is intended to describe the general duties and requirements of the position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive statement of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the role. Duties may be modified at the discretion of the agency based on operational needs.
Pay: $68,199.87 - $82,133.17 per year
Work Location: In person
