Government Accountant

Spherion; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A financial services firm is seeking a Government Accountant in Atlanta, Georgia. This role involves performing accounting and reconciliation functions for government clients, maintaining financial records, and ensuring compliance with GAAP and GAAS standards. Candidates need strong analytical, communication, and organizational skills, along with the ability to manage multiple priorities. CPA or CPFO certification is preferred, making this an excellent opportunity for professionals in the field.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Ability to communicate effectively at various levels.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Record financial transactions in client accounting systems.
• Prepare monthly bank reconciliations.
• Assist in financial report preparation.

Skills

Knowledge of GAAP

Executive communication skills

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Adaptability

Education

Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

Certified Public Finance Officer (CPFO)

Job description

The Government Accountant performs day-to-day accounting, bookkeeping, and reconciliation functions for state and local government clients. This position executes transactional accounting work under the direction of senior staff and engagement managers, ensuring client financial records are accurate, timely, and compliant with applicable governmental accounting standards.

About the Role

This role involves various accounting tasks that support government clients in maintaining accurate financial records and compliance with standards.

Responsibilities

• Record day-to-day financial transactions in client accounting systems, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll entries, and general ledger postings.
• Process vendor invoices, purchase orders, and payment requests in accordance with client internal controls and procurement policies.
• Maintain subsidiary ledgers and ensure balances tie to the general ledger on a recurring basis.
• Assist with cash receipts processing and revenue posting for tax collections, fees, fines, and intergovernmental receipts.

Bank Reconciliations

• Prepare monthly bank reconciliations for all client operating and restricted fund accounts.
• Identify, research, and resolve reconciling items including outstanding checks, deposits in transit, and bank errors.
• Document and escalate unresolved variances to senior staff with clear supporting detail.
• Assist in preparation of monthly and quarterly financial reports for client management and governing bodies.
• Prepare standard journal entries, adjusting entries, and closing entries under senior staff direction.
• Support annual audit preparation by organizing workpapers, schedules, and supporting documentation.

Compliance & Documentation

• Maintain organized electronic and physical files in compliance with client records retention policies.
• Follow established internal control procedures and flag potential compliance issues to senior staff.
• Assist with grant tracking and expenditure documentation as directed.

Experience

• Proven knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), and
• Generally Accepted Auditing Standards (GAAS)
• Demonstrated executive level written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent analytical and organizational skills.
• Ability to adapt to a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment while managing multiple priorities.
• Ability to effectively communicate, cooperate, and collaborate with multiple levels of employees, government officials, and government agencies

Licensing/Certification

• Must possess (or obtain within 30 days of hire) and maintain a valid Georgia or South Carolina driver
• Preferred: Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Public Finance Officer (CPFO).