Chief Accountant

Performs highly responsible, professional, and technical work involving administrative and supervisory duties in planning, organizing, coordinating, and managing accounting and reporting activities within the finance department. This position provides technical supervision of practices consistent with governmental accounting requirements imposed by the State and other governing bodies.

The following duties are illustrative and not exhaustive. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

• Participates in formulating accounting policies and procedures, and monitors their implementation; evaluates effectiveness, and recommends changes to systems and controls.
• Maintains and monitors the general accounting system for the City in accordance with the Uniform Accounting System of the Florida Department of Financial Services Bureau of Local Government.
• Oversees the City’s financial management system and works with departments to improve financial processes and reporting.
• Prepares special reports and financial analysis for management.
• Reviews financial data, such as: bond documents, monthly financial reports, actuarial reports, and funding requests to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Evaluates and recommends technology solutions that improve efficiency, internal controls and financial reporting.
• Coordinates financial system upgrades, testing, and implementation of new accounting modules.
• Develops, implements, and monitors internal controls to safeguard City assets.
• Provides guidance and consultation to supervisory, professional, and clerical accounting staff on specific accounting functions; evaluates the performance of subordinate staff providing guidance and training to ensure effective and timely completion of assignments.
• Oversees the accuracy and completeness of accounting functions in the general ledger and subsidiary ledgers including fixed assets, general accounting, accounts receivable, accounts payable, notes and bonds payable, cash and investments, payroll, employee benefits, and utility billing.
• Oversees the preparation of schedules, year‑end closing entries, various schedules, work papers, reports for the external auditors, completion of the City’s annual audit, and preparation of the Annual Financial Report.
• Works collaboratively with and provides data with financial data to the City’s external auditors.
• Participates in administrative meetings to provide technical guidance.
• Performs month‑end and quarter‑end closing and prepares quarterly and annual financial reports.
• Provides leadership, guidance, training, and supervision to accounting staff to ensure effective performance, accuracy, and operational effectiveness.
• Other duties as assigned.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to carry out each essential duty or responsibility satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities; education and/or experience; and certificates or licenses required in order to fill the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

• Knowledge of Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) pronouncements and governmental accounting standards
• Knowledge of governmental internal controls and auditing standards.
• Knowledge of modern management principles and practices.
• Knowledge of computer systems pertaining to accounting and financial management.
• Knowledge of budgeting and financial reporting systems.
• Ability to plan, organize, and motivate personnel.
• Ability to analyze financial data and…