Senior Accountant

Town of Branford; Branford (CT); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Town of Branford is seeking a professional accountant to perform municipal accounting and financial reporting to support town operations and public accountability. The role ensures accurate general ledger management, prepares journal entries in the ERP system, and coordinates with the BOE and Tax Office for reconciliations and reporting.

A bachelor’s in accounting and 3+ years in municipal finance are preferred, with strong GAAP/GASB knowledge.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or related field.
• Three or more years municipal accounting experience preferred; equivalent combination considered.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP and GASB standards.
• Experience with ERP financial systems.

Responsibilities

• Plan and organize work according to fiscal year; reconcile general ledger accounts.
• Enter and post financial transactions, including journal entries, in ERP system.
• Maintain chart of accounts for Town funds and BOE‑related funds.
• Prepare journal entries and payment requests for internal service funds.
• Perform monthly bank reconciliations for multiple municipal accounts and resolve discrepancies.
• Prepare adjusting and standard monthly journal entries for the financial system.
• Reconcile BOE activity with Town general ledger; coordinate with BOE staff.
• Coordinate with Tax Office on reconciliations and adjusting entries.
• Maintain and update the capital asset inventory to GASB 34.
• Assist in preparing financial reports and schedules; support annual audit.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

Municipal accounting

Financial reporting

Journal entries

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or related field

Tools

ERP system

Spreadsheet software

Job description

This position performs professional accounting and financial reporting functions in support of municipal operations. This position ensures accurate financial records, compliance with applicable laws and regulations, and timely reporting of financial information for internal management, elected officials, auditors, and the public.

Essential Job Functions

• Plans and organizes work in accordance with the fiscal year schedule; maintains and reconciles general ledger accounts in compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) standards.
• Enters and posts financial transactions, including journal entries, into the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP[JA1]) system as needed.
• Maintains the chart of accounts for Town funds and assigned Board of Education (BOE[JA2])‑related funds administered through Town accounts.
• Prepares all required journal entries and/or payment requests for internal service funds, including but not limited to, Self‑Insurance, Workers’ Compensation and Heart & Hypertension funds, and other internal service funds as assigned.
• Performs monthly bank reconciliations for multiple municipal accounts, including Town General Fund, Board of Education (BOE) General Fund, tax, trust, and investment accounts; researches outstanding checks, voided items, and bank exceptions; resolves discrepancies in accordance with established procedures and through coordination with appropriate stakeholders.
• Prepares adjusting, correcting, and standard monthly journal entries for entry into the financial system.
• Performs monthly reconciliations between BOE activity and Town general ledger records; coordinates with BOE staff to research and resolve variances.
• Collaborates with Tax Office staff to perform monthly reconciliations between the tax system and the general ledger; researches discrepancies and prepares adjusting or corrective entries as required.
• Maintains and updates the capital asset inventory for the Town and Board of Education to ensure accuracy, proper classification, and compliance with GASB 34.
• Assists in preparing financial reports and schedules.
• Supports annual audit by preparing bank reconciliation schedules, cash confirmations, and other required documentation.
• Maintains organized financial records in accordance with records retention policies.
• Recommends enhancements to accounting systems and internal control processes to improve efficiency and compliance.

Other Functions

• Performs similar or related work as required, directed or as situation dictates.
• Participates in required training and ongoing professional development as required. Supports cross‑departmental efforts by assisting colleagues as needed to uphold a unified and effective public service mission.
• Assists other departments, offices, or staff as needed to promote a team effort to serve the public.
• Attends occasional night meeting when directed.

Work Characteristics

Performs responsible duties requiring independent judgment and initiative in planning and organizing office operations. Carries out a wide range of specialized accounting and administrative responsibilities requiring extensive knowledge of automated and manual accounting systems, budgeting techniques, and the appropriate application of fund accounting to meet mandated performance criteria and support effective office operations.

Supervision

Works under the general direction of the Director of Finance or his/her designee.

Minimum Required Qualifications

Education, Training and Experience:

The required qualifications are typically obtained through a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or a closely related field, along with three (3) or more years of municipal experience preferred; however, an equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant work experience will also be considered.

Special Requirements:

• Must be able to travel to Town facilities and meetings.
• Must be able to successfully complete background check, which may include a drug test.

Knowledge, Ability and Skill:

Knowledge: Thorough knowledge of governmental accounting principles; thorough knowledge of computerized financial systems and spreadsheet applications used in municipal finance; working knowledge of generally accepted government accounting principles, including GASB standards; knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations applicable to municipal finance operations; knowledge of municipal budget procedures; knowledge of municipal operations, cash management, and investment practices.

Ability: Ability to maintain detailed and accurate records using data processing systems; ability to learn and apply new computer technologies; ability to collect, organize, analyze, and interpret complex financial data; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with town staff and officials; ability to manage multiple priorities and meet established statutory deadlines.

Skill: Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to work effectively with others and maintain positive working relationships with various groups; high level of proficiency in the use of office computers and financial software applications; skill in numerical analysis, calculation, and attention to detail; skill in using standard office equipment; ability to manage multiple assignments concurrently.

Work is performed in moderately noisy or quiet office conditions. Coordination, reporting, and presentations are conducted in conference rooms and larger meeting spaces. Attendance at meetings with various departments is required.

The position requires the operation of telephones, computers, copiers, fax machines, and other standard office equipment.

Frequent contact occurs with vendors and municipal departments, including department staff, bank officials, auditors, other municipal finance personnel, with occasional contact with the general public.

Communication is in person, by telephone, fax, email, or in meetings and requires clear, professional, and resourceful interaction to resolve issues and achieve accurate results.

Errors in judgment or omissions could result in delays, rework, monetary loss, or legal ramifications.