Accountant

Beaufort County; Beaufort (SC); On-site; USD 45,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health care

Dental

Vision

Retirement

Deferred compensation

Flexible spending accounts

Life insurance

Disability (long-term)

Disability (short-term)

Holidays

Vacation

Sick leave

Job summary

Beaufort County's Finance Department seeks qualified Accountants at levels I, II, or III to support financial operations, asset management, and reporting with GASB standards, ensuring compliance and integrity of the county's financial systems.

Duties include reconciling ledgers, posting journal entries, assisting with year-end close and audits, reviewing budgets, and guiding departments on complex standards; Accountant III adds ACFR leadership and technical guidance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration.
• Entry level requires no prior professional accounting experience for Accountant I.
• Progression to II requires 3+ years; to III requires 5+ years in governmental accounting.

Responsibilities

• Reconcile general ledger, balance sheet, and investment accounts.
• Prepare and post journal entries in accordance with GAAP and policies.
• Assist with year-end close and external audits.
• Accountant III only: lead or support ACFR preparation and provide guidance.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration

Job description

Beaufort County is seeking qualified and motivated professionals to join our Finance Department as Accountants at the I, II, or III level. These technical roles are essential to the financial operations of the County and contribute to effective fiscal stewardship, compliance with applicable laws and standards, and the integrity of the County’s financial reporting systems. Assignments will be based on experience and qualifications, with advancement opportunities available through demonstrated performance and leadership.

Duties may vary by level and may include, but are not limited to:

• Reconcile general ledger, balance sheet, and investment accounts.
• Maintain and verify inventory records of County-owned capital assets.
• Conduct internal audits of departmental asset inventories to ensure compliance with policy.
• Prepare and post journal entries in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and County financial policies.
• Assist with year-end close and support external audit processes.
• Ensure proper tracking, documentation, and disposal of capital assets.
• Generate timely and accurate financial statements and reports for internal and external use.
• Review budget-to-actual performance and assist in identifying and explaining variances.
• Support the implementation of applicable Governmental Accounting Standards Board Statements, including GASB 87 and 96.
• Identify and resolve financial discrepancies; recommend corrective actions.
• Accountant III only:
  • Lead or support the compilation of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR).
  • Provide technical guidance to County departments and finance staff.
  • Assist in the implementation of complex Governmental Accounting Standards Board standards.

Typical Qualifications

• Accountant I – Entry Level
  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration.
  • No prior professional accounting experience required.
  • Knowledge of accounting principles and willingness to learn governmental standards.
• Accountant II – Intermediate Level
  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration.
  • Minimum of three (3) years of professional experience in governmental or fund accounting.
  • Working knowledge of applicable Governmental Accounting Standards Board standards and generally accepted accounting principles.
  • Experience preparing reports, performing reconciliations, and supporting audits.
• Accountant III – Senior Level
  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration.
  • Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in governmental accounting.
  • Demonstrated expertise in compiling financial statements and ACFR preparation.
  • In-depth understanding of complex Governmental Accounting Standards Board standards and capital asset management.
  • Ability to lead projects and provide guidance to other financial personnel.

Supplemental Information

All applicants tentatively selected for a position with Beaufort County Council will be required to submit to urinalysis to screen for the illegal use of drugs and to a background check prior to appointment. Employment is contingent upon clearing both the drug screening and background investigation. Beaufort County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

We offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees including health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term & short-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave.

To learn more details, please visit the Beaufort County Human Resources website.