Public Sector Accountant II: Budget & Audit Support

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

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.