SUMMARY
The Senior Accountant position is responsible for supporting financial decision-making through
comprehensive cost reporting, budget development, variance analysis, and operational
performance monitoring. Under the supervision of the Fiscal Services Director, the Senior
Accountant will partner with leaders in the organization to improve financial efficiency, maintain
accurate financial records, and provide actionable insights that help support the organization’s
mission. The employee will need to be familiar with current and new regulations and guidelines
relating to non-profit finance and accounting principles.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be
assigned.
Analyze departmental and operational costs to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for
cost savings.
Develop and maintain cost accounting systems, methodologies, and procedures.
Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual cost reports for management review.
Conduct detailed variance analysis comparing actual costs to budgets, forecasts, and prior
periods.
Evaluate overhead and operating expenses to support organizational improvements.
Lead the annual budgeting process and coordinate budget preparation across departments.
Develop financial forecasts, rolling budgets, and long-range financial plans.
Monitor budget performance and provide recommendations for corrective actions when
variances occur.
Collaborate with department directors to ensure budget assumptions are accurate and
aligned with the organization’s mission.
Prepare budget presentations and supporting schedules for executive leadership.
Assist the Fiscal Services Director with preparation of the financial and statistical reports
as needed.
Assists the Fiscal Services Director with coordination and preparation of financial audits
as required by agency policy, governmental regulations, or other organizations. Prepares
work papers and assists auditors in the annual financial and cost report audits.
Cross train on other Fiscal roles to maintain knowledge of departmental processes and
provide support when needed.
Assist with planning and implementing changes in the accounting systems.
Recommend changes in financial policies and procedures, as necessary.
Monitors established internal controls to ensure proper compliance.
Help maintain the agency’s computer system, internet, hardware and software as well as
security issues that may occur.
Attend meetings with the Directors, staff, and Board of Directors as needed.
Assures that confidentiality of records is maintained.
Comply with all of Lafourche Arc’s policies and procedures.
Perform other duties as assigned.
ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Assists in the preparation of cost reimbursement reports and other interim reports as may be
required.
Assists with planning and implementing changes in the accounting system.
Performs other duties as assigned.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
Assists the Fiscal Services Director in managing fiscal services staff. Carries out supervisory
responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws.
Responsibilities include training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising
performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving
problems.
QUALIFICATIONS To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform
each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the
knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable
individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university in the field of Business Administration
with a major in Accounting and three to five (3-5) years’ experience preferably in a nonprofit
setting and or A Master’s degree within Accounting.
Knowledge of technical and professional principles and skills of accounting and finance.
Knowledge of data processing capabilities and procedures, including the use of various
accounting and payroll software as well as Microsoft Office.
Knowledge of appropriate management and supervisory skills to assist in the supervision of the
general accounting staff.
Knowledge of requirements and regulations set forth by Medicaid and other related agencies.
Ability to maintain good working relationships with co-workers, supervisor, management, and
department head staff and various agency personnel.
LANGUAGE SKILLS
Ability to read, analyzes, and interprets general business periodicals, professional journals,
technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business
correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond
to questions from groups of managers, recipients, customers, and the general public.
MATHEMATICAL SKILLS
Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers,
common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percentage and to draw and
interpret graphs.
REASONING ABILITY
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to
interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal
with several abstract and concrete variables. Ability to exercise independent judgment. Ability
to assess, project and plan for recipient needs. Ability to understand principles of behavior
management. Ability to interpret state/federal/agency regulations. Ability to document
concisely, accurately and timely.
OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Skill in operating a calculator.
Skill in designing spreadsheets.
Ability to prepare accurate financial statements at an intermediate level of complexity.
Ability to work a flexible schedule. Work may require occasional weekend and/or evening work.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those
that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform
the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The
employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hand to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with
hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to sit; stoop, kneel, or crouch. The
employee must frequently lift and/or carry files weighing up to 10 pounds. Specific vision
abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth
perception, and ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here are
representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential function of
this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities
to perform the essential functions.
Normal office conditions. Noise level is low. Exposure to inside environmental conditions.
Required to work extended periods of time at a computer monitor and to maintain attention to
detail despite interruptions.
I acknowledge that I have read and been given a copy of this job description. It adequately
represents the tasks of a Senior Accountant. Should I have any questions relating to my
responsibilities, I will speak with my direct supervisor.
