Chief Accountant

City-of-Jefferson; Jefferson City (MO); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Jefferson is seeking a Chief Accountant to lead accounting, budgeting, and financial reporting for a medium-to-complex fiscal program. You will supervise accounting staff, ensure GAAP compliance, and coordinate with external auditors.

The role requires directing the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) development, managing internal controls, and supporting the annual adopted budget. Strong supervisory and communication skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or related field.
• Five years of work experience in public accounting or auditing.
• Knowledge of grants and fixed assets; supervisory experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Directs accounting, budgeting and financial reporting activities and audit compliance.
• Reviews and updates accounting procedures; assists in developing the annual budget and CAFR.
• Liaison between independent auditors and the City; supervises accounting staff and coordinates fiscal activities.
• Implements and evaluates accounting systems including accounts receivable/payable, cash, and payroll controls.
• Audits invoices, payrolls, contracts, expenditures and tax reports; prepares or coordinates budget documentation.

Skills

Leadership

Auditing

GAAP knowledge

Financial reporting

Budgeting

Staff supervision

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or related field

Job description

The City of Jefferson is currently accepting applications for Chief Accountant within our Finance Department. This position directs the accounting, budgeting and/or financial reporting activities and audit compliance of a medium and complex fiscal program. Supervises or participates in the devising, installation, evaluation and modification of a variety of accounting systems necessary to the operation and control of fiscal activities. Reviews and updates procedures and forms; assists in developing the annual budget; develops the comprehensive annual financial statements; prepares complex operational statistical and fiscal reports for management; and maintains a detailed system of cost accounting. Supervises staff of accountant, accounting assistants, technicians and others. Makes decisions and exercises independent judgment within established procedures.

Compiles, develops, and publishes the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) to support the city's financial disclosure obligation in accordance with General Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) including compliance with Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB).

Liaison between independent auditors and the City.

Assists or personally coordinates and supervises the functions of a medium and complex fiscal program. Assists fiscal and program managers in the planning, development and implementation of fiscal systems, controls, and related administrative activities. Supervises and coordinates the activities of accounting personnel engaged in the maintenance, control and auditing of a variety of accounts and funds.

Implements and evaluates a variety of complex accounting systems including accounts receivable, accounts payable, cash control, property control, appropriation distribution and fund accounting. Directs and evaluates the needs for the auditing of fiscal activities and related administrative functions within the program. Evaluates accounts, reports, procedural instructions, source documents, financial information systems, records of transaction and internal control systems for adequacy and effectiveness.

Audits invoices, purchase orders, payrolls, expense accounts, contracts, and expenditures.

Audits payroll to ensure proper internal control; including preparing and reconciling the payroll monthly/quarterly/yearly tax reports, such as Form 941 (Federal Withholding and Social Security Taxes), Form 941 MO (State Withholding Taxes), Employment Security wage Report and Magnetic Media, and the yearly W-2's.

Prepares or coordinates the fiscal documentation in support of the agency or facility budget.

Assists with compiling and publishing the city's Annual Adopted Budget.

Provides consultation and technical assistance to departments.

Physical: Ability to sit for extended periods. Ability to read computer screens for extended periods.

Mental:Ability to develop, implement and maintain accounting systems, procedures and methods. Ability to evaluate Federal and State legislation for its impact on fiscal activities and determine effective courses of action. Ability to interpret complex statistical and financial information. Ability to direct and supervise a professional and technical staff engaged in a variety of fiscal activities. Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing. Ability to make sound decisions.

Requires a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Accounting or a related field and five years of work experience in public accounting or auditing. Knowledge of grants and fixed assets, along with previous supervisory experience, is preferred.