STAFF ACCOUNTANT

La-Crosse-County-; La Crosse (WI); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

La Crosse County in Wisconsin is seeking a professional accountant in the Finance Department. You will assist in preparing the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, review budgets, and support external audits, reconciliations, and financial analyses.

The role requires a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting (or an Associate’s with accounting experience) and proficiency with Microsoft Office and accounting systems. Public sector experience is a plus, and the county offers an inclusive work environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting; or Associate’s Degree in Accounting with accounting experience.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products.
• Experience with financial reporting, budgeting, and audits.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the preparation of the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) including balance sheet, income statement, cash flow statements, notes, MD&A, and other supplementary information.
• Assist in the preparation of the Popular Annual Financial Report.
• Assist in preparation of State and Federal award schedules for the County Single Audit; review and reconcile data.
• Assist in review of the annual budget and prepare schedules and reports for department and Board review.
• Prepare schedules and data for external audits and maintain fixed asset records in the ERP system.
• Perform reconciliations for cash, receivables, prepaid balances, liabilities, and other accounts; investigate abnormalities.
• Support other fiscal staff and respond to ERP-related questions; participate in training and professional development.

Skills

Analytical skills

Planning & organizing

Communication

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's or AA in Accounting

Tools

Microsoft Office

ERP/accounting systems

Job description

Posted Tuesday, August 25, 2026 at 6:00 AM

Welcome to La Crosse County — Where Your Work Truly Matters

Every day, our unique teams contribute to our vision of a community that is vibrant, safe, and resilient. Whether you're supporting families, safeguarding natural resources, maintaining infrastructure, or delivering essential services, your work here creates real impact for the people who live, work, and visit our county.

What You’ll Gain by Joining Us

• A Future You Can Count On: Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS), one of the most respected pension programs in the nation.
• Reliable, Affordable Coverage: Countywide insurance plans plus growing access to local, no-cost care options for everyday health needs.
• Time Off That Works For You: You’ll have two dedicated banks of vacation and sick time, giving you the freedom to plan real downtime when you need it—and the peace of mind to take care of yourself when you’re under the weather.
  • Start earning vacation and sick time your very first day
  • Bank up to 2× your annual vacation accrual
  • Build up to 150 sick days as a full time employee

A Place Where Everyone Belongs

We believe our workforce should reflect the community we serve. We’re committed to fostering a culture of respect, inclusion, and belonging—because diverse perspectives lead to better outcomes for everyone.

Overview

FLSA: Exempt This is a professional accounting position in the Finance Department. Employee in this class performs accounting functions on a professional level assisting the Auditor/Finance Director. Employee in this class works under moderate supervision utilizing professional skills acquired through appropriate academic training and experience in carrying out assigned tasks within guidelines as established by the Auditor/Finance Director. Works as part of the Finance team in all areas of accounting and budgeting. Uses independent judgment in carrying out assigned duties within established guidelines and policies. Essential Job Functions

Essential Leadership Functions

Act with Integrity and Build Trust

• Demonstrate mutual respect, humility, and honesty in all interactions
• Speak up appropriately, even when expressing unpopular viewpoints
• Actively listen and remain open-minded to diverse perspectives

Drive for Results

• Set clear goals and objectives to motivate self and others to achieve outcomes
• Seek new opportunities to improve processes and drive sustainable results
• Hold self and others accountable through consistent evaluation and monitoring

Develop Talent and Effective Teams

• Foster a collaborative environment that encourages knowledge sharing and growth
• Provide mentorship and support to help self and others reach full potential
• Recognize and leverage diverse strengths within self and team

Lead with Vision and Strategy

• Understand and communicate a compelling vision that aligns with organizational goals
• Develop and execute comprehensive strategies to achieve long-term objectives
• Connect daily work to the bigger picture, inspiring self and others to contribute meaningfully

Lead with Paradoxical, Critical, and Agile Thinking

• Navigate complex situations by considering multiple perspectives
• Adapt quickly to changes and uncertainties in the work environment
• Make critical decisions using analytical skills, experience, and input from others

Build and Maintain Effective Relationships

• Communicate and collaborate effectively with stakeholders across the organization
• Influence others through coaching, consulting, and team-minded thinking
• Develop and sustain partnerships that create positive outcomes for all stakeholders

Cultivate Community Engagement and Provide Excellent Service

• Understand and address the needs and concerns of the community
• Drive initiatives that create positive impacts beyond the organization
• Show self-awareness and manage emotions effectively in challenging situations
• Seek and respond constructively to feedback, even in the face of setbacks
• Balance empathy with accountability when leading self and working with others

Essential Job Functions

Assist in the preparation of the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report including balance sheet, income statement, cash flow statements, notes to the financial statements, statistics, management discussion & analysis (MD&A), and supplementary information.

Assist in the preparation of the Popular Annual Financial Report.

Assist in preparation of schedules of State and Federal Awards for the County Single Audit by reviewing, reconciling, and compiling necessary data.

Assist in review of the annual budget for the County. Prepare schedules, reports, and line item detail necessary for department and Board review.

Prepares State and Federal reports as needed, including but not limited to Municipal Finance Report (Form A), Levy Limit Worksheet, Apportionment Worksheet, and Data Collection Form (DCF).

Prepares workpapers required for all external audits. Maintains fixed asset record entry in ERP system.

Reviews, approves and posts departmental journal entries.

Prepares reconciliations for account balances including but not limited to cash, accounts receivable, prepaid balances, fixed assets, accounts payable and liability accounts and investigate abnormalities. Performs other general accounting duties for the Finance Department and other departments, as needed.

Audits grant reporting submissions for multiple Federal and State programs. Assists in the review of County payroll related reports.Performs fiscal duties for departments that don't have fiscal staff. Responds to departmental questions regarding ERP software use and other accounting issues.

Participates in ongoing training, attend conferences and seminars to maintain knowledge of current laws, rules and regulations pertaining to relevant financial matters. Assists Finance Director, Senior Accountants, Purchasing Manager, or other financial staff with various projects.

Develops complete and accurate financial reports and analysis to be utilized by the Auditor/Finance Director, Senior Accountants, and other County leaders.Develops reports and queries including importing and exporting data from various information systems. Prepares new reports and analysis that are simpler in nature.

Audits departmental "certificates of insurances" files. Audits departmental petty cash accounts.

Performs other internal audits of financial processes and controls, as assigned.

This is a public service position, and employee is required to be courteous, cooperative and respectful at all times, with the public and clients. Also establishes and maintains a courteous, cooperative and respectful working relationship with other employees, supervisors, and public o﬋ficials.

Physical demands: Large percentage of time is spent sitting at desk, using talking, judgment, hearing, near vision, fingering for computer keyboarding and calculators, reading, writing. Handles papers and manuals, etc., lifts files, storage boxes, copy paper and other office materials. Sits, stands, bends and reaches intermittently throughout the day. Occasionally travels to other offices or sites for meetings.

Related Job Functions

May provide professional consultation in accounting matters to other departments and agencies of the County as may be requested and authorized. This job description is not intended to encompass every job duty or responsibility but is only illustrative. This position is required to perform other duties as may be assigned or required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Strong analytical ability to solve technical problems.

Knowledge of governmental accounting and budgetary procedures.

Knowledge of Microsoft Office products.

Knowledge of computerized accounting systems.

Knowledge of GASB Standards.

Ability to plan, organize, and prioritize work.

Ability to follow oral and written instructions.

Ability to complete multiple tasks and projects within deadlines.

Ability to maintain effective working relationships with County officials and employees .

Ability to communicate effectively with County and state officials.

Ability to understand state and federal requirements as they apply to County government.

Ability to communicate with tact and diplomacy, both verbally and in writing.

Ability to work as a contributing team member in a professional manner.

Ability to maintain confidentiality and safeguard sensitive information.

Training, Experience and Other Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in Accounting; or Associate’s Degree in Accounting with accounting experience.

Proven proficiency and expertise with all Microsoft Office programs Experience in financial record-keeping including accounts payable, accounts receivable, cash receipting, and account reconciliation.

Excellent organizational and analytical skills. Meticulous attention to detail.

May consider other combination of experience and training that provides the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the job duties.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We’re proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to building a workforce that reflects the community we serve.

Need an Accommodation?

If you require a disability-related accommodation at any stage of the hiring process, reach out to Human Resources at [e-mail] — we're here to help.

Ready to Apply?

Submit your application through our online career site. Please double-check your materials before submitting them; complete applications help us move quickly and give every candidate fair consideration.