Chief Accountant

Prince William County Public Schools; Manassas (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional educational institution in Virginia seeks a financial operations leader to oversee compliance with accounting regulations, manage external audits, and supervise the accounting team. The ideal candidate will possess a Bachelor's degree in accounting, a CPA, and five years of increasing responsibility in accounting. This role requires advanced knowledge of GAAP and the ability to effectively communicate financial information. Join the mission to support educational excellence through efficient financial management.

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years of experience in accounting or finance with automated systems.
• In-depth knowledge of GAAP and GASB regulations.
• Experience in supervising a financial reporting team.
• Experience with automated accounting systems and internal controls.

Responsibilities

• Oversee preparation of financial reports in compliance with GAAP and GASB.
• Manage external and internal audits.
• Develop financial policies and supervise the accounting team.
• Advise senior staff on accounting matters and train staff.

Skills

Knowledge of financial regulations

Advanced accounting skills

Ability to analyze financial systems

Leadership and management abilities

Effective communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting or business administration

CPA

CPFO preferred

Tools

Automated accounting systems

Job description

This position leads plans, organizes, and monitors financial and accounting operations to ensure compliance with accounting principles, regulations, and district financial policies; manages monthly and year-end closing activities; oversees and coordinates the preparation of Annual Comprehensive Financial Reports (ACFR) and other mandated reports; manages external annual audits; implements new accounting standards and formulates financial policies; advises senior staff on accounting and other financial matters; assists in the training and supervision of School Division staff on accounting policies, procedures, and automated systems; collaborates with departments and implements effective financial controls to support the district’s educational mission.

Essential Responsibilities Specific to this Job:

• Supervises and coordinates the preparation of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) in compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) standards.
• Supervises the preparation of the Annual School Report per requirements set forth by the Virginia Auditor of Public Accounts (APA).
• Oversees and coordinates the month-end and year-end financial closing process and ensures completion of monthly account reconciliation.
• Oversees the monthly fund financial analysis, presents financial information to stakeholders, and monitors revenues and expenditures to ensure fiscal responsibility.
• Provides timely and accurate financial information to the School Board, County, external and external auditors, other departments, and schools.
• Advise senior staff on accounting and other financial matters. Recommends changes to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of financial management operations.
• Coordinates and manages external audits, such as the division-wide annual audit and the Virginia Retirement System audit.
• Coordinates and implements internal controls to mitigate financial risks.
• Researches, interprets, and implements new governmental accounting regulations.
• Coordinates and manages the capital and controlled assets processes, including accounting and inventorying).
• Oversees capital projects accounting.
• Conducts complex financial and budget analysis. Identifies and resolves financial issues using professional and technical resources.
• Develops and maintains working relationships with school, county, and outside agency personnel.
• Supervises, manages, and evaluates the financial reporting team. Conducts training and staff development.
• May serve as primary backup supervisor of accounting services, as assigned.
• Perform other financial and accounting duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Behaviors:

• In-depth knowledge of the laws, ordinances, and regulations governing municipal financial matters.
• In-depth knowledge of governmental financial reporting and accounting best practices, internal controls, and federal grant regulations.
• Thorough knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and Governmental Accounting, Standards Board (GASB) regulations, and Internal Revenue Service codes relevant to current responsibilities.
• Ability to monitor and analyze, evaluate complex financial systems, and use automated reporting tools to write reports necessary in the operation of the accounting/finance functions within the School Division.
• Ability to develop and enforce accounting policies.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to lead a diversified team and manage tasks and personnel effectively.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Qualifications:

Minimum of bachelor's degree in accounting or business administration. Five years' increasing responsibility in accounting or finance with significant portion experience with automated accounting systems and some portion supervisory or leadership experience. CPA required. CPFO preferred.