Senior Accountant

LAFOURCHE ARC; Thibodaux (LA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Lafourche Arc in Thibodaux, LA is seeking a Senior Accountant to lead cost reporting, budgeting, and variance analysis, aligning financial planning with the nonprofit’s mission. The role collaborates with directors to ensure accurate records and compliance with applicable guidelines.

The position requires a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and 3–5 years’ nonprofit experience (Master’s in Accounting preferred). Proficiency with accounting software and Microsoft Office is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting/Business Administration with 3–5 years’ nonprofit experience preferred.
• Knowledge of accounting and finance principles.
• Knowledge of data processing capabilities and use of accounting/payroll software and Microsoft Office.
• Knowledge of management and supervisory skills to assist in staff supervision.
• Knowledge of Medicaid and related regulations.

Responsibilities

• Analyze departmental and operating costs to identify trends, risks, and cost-savings opportunities.
• Develop and maintain cost accounting systems and procedures.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual cost reports for management review.
• Conduct variance analysis comparing actual costs to budgets and forecasts.
• Monitor overhead and operating expenses to support improvements.
• Lead the annual budgeting process and coordinate budgets across departments.
• Develop financial forecasts, rolling budgets, and long-range plans.
• Prepare budget presentations for executive leadership.

Skills

Cost analysis

Budgeting

Variance analysis

Forecasting

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting/Business Administration

Master’s degree in Accounting

Tools

Microsoft Office

Accounting software

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: THIBODAUX, LA 70301

Position Type: Full Time

SUMMARY

The Senior Accountant position is responsible for supporting financial decision-making through comprehensive cost reporting, budget development, variance analysis, and operational performance monitoring. Under the supervision of the Fiscal Services Director, the Senior Accountant will partner with leaders in the organization to improve financial efficiency, maintain accurate financial records, and provide actionable insights that help support the organization’s mission. The employee will need to be familiar with current and new regulations and guidelines relating to non-profit finance and accounting principles.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Analyze departmental and operational costs to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for cost savings.
• Develop and maintain cost accounting systems, methodologies, and procedures.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual cost reports for management review.
• Conduct detailed variance analysis comparing actual costs to budgets, forecasts, and prior periods.
• Evaluate overhead and operating expenses to support organizational improvements.
• Lead the annual budgeting process and coordinate budget preparation across departments.
• Develop financial forecasts, rolling budgets, and long-range financial plans.
• Monitor budget performance and provide recommendations for corrective actions when variances occur.
• Collaborate with department directors to ensure budget assumptions are accurate and aligned with the organization’s mission.
• Prepare budget presentations and supporting schedules for executive leadership.
• Assist the Fiscal Services Director with preparation of the financial and statistical reports as needed.
• Assists the Fiscal Services Director with coordination and preparation of financial audits as required by agency policy, governmental regulations, or other organizations. Prepares work papers and assists auditors in the annual financial and cost report audits.
• Cross train on other Fiscal roles to maintain knowledge of departmental processes and provide support when needed.
• Assist with planning and implementing changes in the accounting systems.
• Recommend changes in financial policies and procedures, as necessary.
• Monitors established internal controls to ensure proper compliance.
• Help maintain the agency’s computer system, internet, hardware and software as well as security issues that may occur.
• Attend meetings with the Directors, staff, and Board of Directors as needed.
• Assures that confidentiality of records is maintained.
• Comply with all of Lafourche Arc’s policies and procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assists in the preparation of cost reimbursement reports and other interim reports as may be required.
• Assists with planning and implementing changes in the accounting system.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assists the Fiscal Services Director in managing fiscal services staff.
• Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws.
• Responsibilities include training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university in the field of Business Administration with a major in Accounting and three to five (3-5) years’ experience preferably in a nonprofit setting and or A Master’s degree within Accounting.
• Knowledge of technical and professional principles and skills of accounting and finance.
• Knowledge of data processing capabilities and procedures, including the use of various accounting and payroll software as well as Microsoft Office.
• Knowledge of appropriate management and supervisory skills to assist in the supervision of the general accounting staff.
• Knowledge of requirements and regulations set forth by Medicaid and other related agencies.
• Ability to maintain good working relationships with co-workers, supervisor, management, and department head staff and various agency personnel.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

• Ability to read, analyzes, and interprets general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, recipients, customers, and the general public.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
• Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percentage and to draw and interpret graphs.

REASONING ABILITY

• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment.
• Ability to assess, project and plan for recipient needs.
• Ability to understand principles of behavior management.
• Ability to interpret state/federal/agency regulations.
• Ability to document concisely, accurately and timely.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Skill in operating a calculator.
• Skill in designing spreadsheets.
• Ability to prepare accurate financial statements at an intermediate level of complexity.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule. Work may require occasional weekend and/or evening work.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hand to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to sit; stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee must frequently lift and/or carry files weighing up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential function of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Normal office conditions. Noise level is low. Exposure to inside environmental conditions. Required to work extended periods of time at a computer monitor and to maintain attention to detail despite interruptions.

I acknowledge that I have read and been given a copy of this job description. It adequately represents the tasks of a Senior Accountant. Should I have any questions relating to my responsibilities, I will speak with my direct supervisor.