Senior Staff Accountant

IBTS - Institute for Building Technology and Safety; Baton Rouge (LA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

IBTS - Institute for Building Technology and Safety is hiring a Senior Staff Accountant in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to support the financial operations of the newly incorporated City of St. George. The role involves preparing journal entries, assisting with financial reporting, and monitoring grant activities. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree or 5 years of relevant experience. Key skills include proficiency in Excel and accounting software. A valid Louisiana Driver’s License is required.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of experience in accounting, preferably in a governmental or nonprofit setting.
• Familiarity with fund accounting principles and governmental financial standards (GAAP/GASB).
• Hands-on experience preparing reconciliations, journal entries, and financial reports.

Responsibilities

• Prepare journal entries, reconcile accounts, and maintain general ledger transactions.
• Assist with monthly and annual closing processes and preparation of financial statements.
• Monitor and review financial data associated with state and federal grant programs.

Skills

Understanding of municipal budgeting and procurement processes

Strong attention to detail

Effective communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field

Tools

Excel

QuickBooks

Tyler Munis

Job description

The Institute for Building Technology and Safety (IBTS) is hiring a Senior Staff Accountant to support financial operations for the newly incorporated City of St. George, Louisiana. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the establishment of municipal financial systems by performing key accounting tasks, supporting grant reporting, and ensuring accurate and compliant financial practices. The Senior Staff Accountant will work under the direction of IBTS finance leadership to carry out a wide range of routine and technical accounting duties.

Responsibilities

Accounting and Financial Reporting

• Prepare journal entries, reconcile accounts, and maintain general ledger transactions in accordance with GAAP and GASB.
• Assist with monthly and annual closing processes and preparation of financial statements.
• Generate routine reports for internal use and external stakeholders, including budget‑to‑actual comparisons.
• Support the preparation of financial schedules and documentation for the annual audit.
• Other duties as assigned.

Budget and Financial Support

• Assist in tracking departmental expenditures and verifying budget compliance.
• Compile financial data and assist in preparing budget reports and forecasts.
• Maintain records for capital projects and restricted funds.

Grant Accounting

• Monitor and review financial data associated with state and federal grant programs.
• Prepare financial reports for grant‑funded activities in coordination with program staff.
• Ensure grant expenses are properly documented and compliant with funding guidelines.
• Support internal tracking of grant budgets, spending, and drawdown schedules.

Compliance and Internal Processes

• Follow established financial policies and procedures.
• Assist with implementation of new financial systems and software tools.
• Help document workflows and recommend process improvements to ensure accuracy and efficiency.
• Perform other duties as required by the Program Director and/or Finance Director.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field – or a minimum of five (5) years of directly relevant professional accounting experience may be substituted in lieu of a degree.
• 3–5 years of experience in accounting, preferably in a governmental or nonprofit setting.
• Familiarity with fund accounting principles and governmental financial standards (GAAP/GASB).Hands‑on experience preparing reconciliations, journal entries, and financial reports.
• Proficiency in Excel and financial software systems (e.g., QuickBooks, Tyler Munis, or equivalent).
• Must possess a valid Louisiana Driver’s License at the time of hiring.

Key Skills

• Understanding of municipal budgeting and procurement processes.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities under deadlines.
• Effective communication skills for working with both technical and non‑technical stakeholders.

Physical/Environmental Demands

• May require occasional attendance at evening meetings.

Personal Qualities

• Strategic/Innovative Thinking
• Professional and Effective Interpersonal Skills
• Delegation with Team Accountability
• Risk Evaluation/Management/Mitigation

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity and affirmative action employer that maintains a diverse and inclusive workforce. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or sexual orientation. This opportunity is open to Section S3 Residents. Veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.