Finance and Accounting Manager

North Port, FL; North Port (FL); On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of North Port is seeking a qualified Finance Director to lead the Accounting Division, oversee the preparation of financial statements, and coordinate with external auditors. This role ensures accurate accounting records and compliance with GAAP and GASB standards.

Primary responsibilities include supervising staff, managing month-end/year-end closes, and supporting the annual budget process. A bachelor's degree in accounting or related field is required, with a master’s preferred and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, business administration, or related field is required.
• Five years of progressively responsible professional governmental finance experience, including two years supervising staff.
• CGFO or CPA certification is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day operations of the Accounting Division, including GL, AP, AR, and financial reporting.
• Supervise staff, conduct evaluations, provide training and professional development.
• Oversee month-end and year-end close, prepare financial statements and reconciliations.
• Maintain accounting systems and implement technological enhancements as needed.
• Establish internal controls, policies, and procedures compliant with regulations.
• Oversee revenue, expenditures, assets, and liabilities classifications.

Skills

Accounting principles

Public administration

GAAP/GASB knowledge

Leadership/ supervision

ERP systems

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting or related field

Master's degree preferred

CGFO or CPA certification preferred

Tools

ERP systems

Accounting software

Excel

Job description

Manages the Accounting Division and oversees the maintenance of accounting and financial records, preparation of financial statements, coordination with external auditors, and production of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report. Work is performed under the direction of the Assistant Finance Director.

• Manages the Accounting Division's day-to-day operations, including general ledger maintenance and monitoring, accounts payable, accounts receivable, cash receipts, and financial reporting.
• Supervises and mentors Accounting Division staff; conducts performance evaluations; provides training and constructive feedback; and supports professional development.
• Oversee month-end and year-end close processes, including the preparation and analysis of financial statements, reconciliations, and journal entries for all City funds.
• Maintains accounting systems and implements technological enhancements as needed.
• Establishes and maintains internal accounting controls, policies, procedures, and principles that comply with regulatory requirements.
• Oversee the classification of revenues, expenditures, assets, and liabilities.
• Analyzes ongoing cash-flow needs and evaluates beneficial banking services and products.
• Serves as the liaison to the City’s investment advisor to identify appropriate investment opportunities.
• Executes bank transfers, investment transactions, and other treasury decisions approved by the Assistant Finance Director.
• Monitors investment portfolio performance against established benchmarks.
• Audits and reconciles accounts and funds, including subsidiary and control accounts, to ensure accuracy and compliance, and establishes new accounts as necessary.
• Participates in developing the Division's annual budget and provides relevant financial input.
• Reviews and interprets laws and regulations affecting fiscal policies and procedures.
• Recommend and implement procedural changes to improve efficiency.
• Prepares journal entries, month-end entries, corrections, and adjustments as necessary.
• Prepares audit workpapers, maintains supporting documentation, and assists external auditors to ensure audits are completed accurately and timely.
• Prepares and analyzes financial statements and reports using accounting applications and spreadsheets on a monthly, quarterly, semiannual, and/or annual basis.
• Serves as a subject-matter expert and provides Senior Business Managers and other appropriate staff with explanations and guidance on financial and accounting matters.
• Conducts research and pursues continuing education to interpret and apply GAAP and GASB standards, maintain current governmental accounting expertise, and remain informed about developments in financial reporting.
• Demonstrates knowledge of ERP implementation processes and actively participates in the City's GFOA ERP consulting and implementation initiative.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

(These essential job functions are not to be construed as a complete statement of all duties performed. Employees will be required to perform other related duties as assigned, including City-directed work assignments in the event of a declared emergency.)

• Knowledge of accounting principles, practices, and procedures, including governmental accounting, and the ability to apply that knowledge effectively.
• Knowledge of public and business administration and personnel management.
• Knowledge of laws and regulations governing the receipt, expenditure, and accounting of governmental and enterprise funds.
• Proficiency in using computers for data entry, word processing, spreadsheet preparation, and other accounting functions.
• Ability to organize work and communicate effectively.
• Ability to analyze complex financial transactions, records, and reports.
• Ability to prepare complete and accurate complex accounting statements and reports.
• Ability to perform detailed work involving written or numerical data and complete mathematical calculations rapidly and accurately.
• Ability to exercise considerable independent judgment under the direction of the Assistant Finance Director.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, officials, and the public.

Education and Experience:

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in accounting, business administration, or a related field is required. A master's degree is preferred.
• Five (5) years of progressively responsible professional experience in governmental finance or a related field, including at least two (2) years of supervisory experience, is required. CGFO or CPA certification is preferred.

(A comparable amount of relevant training, education and/or experience may be substituted for the above qualifications.)

Licenses and Certifications:

Must possess a valid State of Florida Class E driver's license.