Accountant II

Mississippi Department of Corrections; Jackson (MS); On-site; USD 55,000 - 77,000; Full time

Job summary

The Mississippi Department of Corrections is seeking an Accountant II to join our on-site team in Jackson, MS. In this full-time role, you will perform intermediate accounting tasks, prepare journal entries, reconcile accounts, monitor budgets, and support financial reporting for assigned programs.

You will assist with monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting, ensure compliance with state policies, and help audits by providing documentation and explanations.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated proficiency in journal entries, account reconciliation, and financial statement preparation.
• Experience with governmental or public sector financial regulations and budgeting processes.
• Strong skills in accounting software and standard office applications (spreadsheets, word processing, databases).
• Ability to analyze financial data, identify discrepancies, and communicate findings clearly to stakeholders.
• Solid organizational and time-management abilities to manage deadlines and maintain documentation.
• High ethical standards, attention to detail, and confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills for cross-department collaboration and audits.
• Preferred: bachelor’s degree in accounting/finance and prior governmental/corrections experience.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and review journal entries and reconcile accounts.
• Monitor budgets and expenditures for assigned programs or cost centers.
• Assist with monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting.
• Ensure compliance with state and departmental accounting policies.
• Support audits by providing documentation and explanations for transactions.
• Analyze variances and maintain accurate records in the accounting system.
• Process invoices and reimbursements; coordinate with staff to resolve discrepancies.
• Contribute to process improvements and strengthening internal controls.

Skills

Journal entries

Account reconciliation

Budgeting

Financial reporting

Data analysis

Internal controls

Confidentiality

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting

Tools

Accounting software

Spreadsheets

Word processing

Database tools

Job description

Company Description

The Mississippi Department of Corrections is a state law enforcement agency responsible for the custody, care, and rehabilitation of individuals under correctional supervision. The department oversees correctional facilities and community-based programs, focusing on public safety and accountability. Team members work within a structured environment that follows established policies, regulations, and financial controls. The agency offers opportunities for public service–oriented professionals to contribute to efficient and compliant operations. Employees are expected to uphold ethical standards and maintain accurate records in support of its mission.

Role Description

The Accountant II is a full-time, on-site position located in Jackson, MS. This role is responsible for performing intermediate-level accounting tasks, including preparing and reviewing journal entries, reconciling accounts, and monitoring budgets and expenditures for assigned programs or cost centers. The person in this role will assist with monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting, ensure compliance with state and departmental accounting policies, and support audits by providing documentation and explanations for financial transactions. Daily responsibilities include analyzing variances, maintaining accurate financial records in the accounting system, processing invoices and reimbursements, and coordinating with program and administrative staff to resolve discrepancies. The Accountant II also contributes to process improvements, supports internal controls, and helps ensure timely, accurate financial information for decision-making.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated proficiency in general accounting practices, including journal entries, account reconciliation, and financial statement preparation.
• Experience working with governmental or public sector financial regulations, budgeting processes, and compliance with established policies and procedures.
• Strong skills in using accounting software and standard office applications (e.g., spreadsheets, word processing, and database tools).
• Ability to analyze financial data, identify discrepancies or trends, and communicate findings clearly to both financial and non-financial stakeholders.
• Solid organizational and time-management abilities, with capacity to manage multiple deadlines and maintain accurate documentation.
• High ethical standards, attention to detail, and commitment to maintaining confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills for collaborating with colleagues across departments and responding to audit and reporting requests.
• Preferred qualifications may include a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field, and prior experience in a governmental or corrections environment.