Accounting Manager (Aviation)

Job ID: Broward County Aviation Department – Accounting Manager (Capital Projects)

About the Role

The Broward County Aviation Department, which manages Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport and North Perry Airport, seeks an experienced Accounting Manager to oversee Capital Projects. This role manages the budget, accounting/reporting, and financial activities for the Aviation Department's capital projects and capital assets. Responsibilities include budget compilation, financial and business analysis, long-term strategic planning, and preparation of expense and cash forecasts. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker with a high degree of accuracy, strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel. Experience in airport finance, accounting, and rate-setting practices is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Plans, coordinates, and directs the preparation of quarterly and annual financial statements; manages staff to ensure compliance with accounting and reporting standards, department deadlines, and goals.
• Supervises the maintenance of the general ledger for all funds, including monthly reconciliations, reviewing and monitoring account activities and balances, and the monthly financial closing process.
• Manages accounting functions such as recording capital assets, accounts payable, payroll review, cash receipts deposits, grant billings, filing of sales tax and water tax returns, and promotional reports.
• Coordinates audits performed by public accounting firms and serves as the primary contact for financial audits.
• Directs staff in analyzing data and providing financial and statistical information to support contract negotiations, comparisons, and management decisions.
• Acts as a liaison with customers and other County agencies; assists with understanding published tariffs, explaining revenue contracts, and processing requests and credits.
• Develops and maintains complex rate configurations in computerized accounting systems for tariff implementation, billing, and revenue reporting.
• Manages revenue collection activities, including scheduling collection letters, follow-up procedures, accounting for bad debt, and securing approval for penalty waivers.
• Monitors revenue contracts for compliance with terms and conditions, such as customer reporting, minimum guaranteed amounts, and security deposit provisions.
• Ensures accuracy of financial and accounting information through analytical reviews and compliance with standards and procedures.
• Coordinates and assists in the preparation and review of the annual operating and capital budget, and presents the budget to appropriate authorities.
• Represents the Finance Director and/or Assistant Director in interdepartmental contacts on fiscal issues.
• Assists in developing and implementing the County's financial accounting systems to ensure accuracy and compliance with policies and regulations.
• Oversees, coordinates, prepares, and submits the Aviation Department’s Annual Capital Budget and five-year Plan.
• Identifies and obtains multiple funding sources such as grants, Passenger Facility Charges (PFCs), bonds, and cash to fund capital projects.
• Provides financial oversight of approximately 300 active capital projects totaling $3.2 billion across three Aviation Capital Funds, ensuring compliance with GAAP and federal, state, and local government policies.
• Administers Federal and State grants, including applications, agreement execution, reimbursement drawdowns, financial and progress reports, close-outs, Single Audit, and compliance management.
• Manages approximately 40 grants annually with a total value of over $400 million, requiring comprehensive knowledge of the Airport Improvement Program and Grant Assurances.
• Applies for, manages, and reports Passenger Facility Charges (PFC) revenues and expenses, requiring specific knowledge of PFC program regulations and assurances.
• Serves as the primary financial contact for the FAA, FDOT, and TSA local Airports District Offices.
• Ensures adequate project cash flows and provides information for investment purposes.
• Prepares external and internal reports on capital projects’ budgets, actual expenses, and funding sources for the FAA, FDOT, and senior Aviation staff.
• Prepares the annual audited PFC Report and asset-related notes in BCAD’s audited financial statements and the County’s Consolidated Annual Financial Report (CAFR).

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in accounting, business, finance, or a related field; or a Bachelor’s degree and coursework qualifying for the CPA Examination.
• Four (4) years of experience in governmental accounting, auditing, or a closely related field, including four years of supervisory experience.
• Advanced knowledge and understanding of financial accounting, internal controls, and financial management.
• High proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Ability to maintain authorization to drive a County vehicle and possess a valid Florida driver’s license during employment.
• Ability to obtain/maintain Security Identification Display Area (SIDA) access with Customs and Border Protection Seal and airfield driving privileges.
• Must undergo a ten (10) year work history verification, criminal background check (including fingerprinting), and comply with Federal Aviation Administration requirements.
• Must maintain a professional work atmosphere by interacting courteously with the public, vendors, contractors, and fellow employees.
• Compliance with the County’s Drug-Free Workplace Policy and Federal Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988.
• Must undergo a Criminal History Records Check (CHRC) and Security Threat Assessment (STA) for SIDA Badge per TSA regulations.

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in accounting, business, finance, or a related field (preferred).
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) (preferred).
• Accredited Airport Executive Certification (AAE) or Airport Certified Employee (ACE) (preferred).
• Certified Management Accountant (CMA) (preferred).
• Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) (preferred).
• Budgeting and forecasting experience (preferred).
• Capital asset management experience (preferred).
• Airport Improvement Program Grant experience (preferred).
• Passenger Facility Charge (PFC) experience (preferred).
• 1+ years of PeopleSoft Financials experience (preferred).

Skills

• Business Insight: Applies knowledge of business and the marketplace to advance organizational goals. Communicates how team efforts impact the broader organization.
• Financial Acumen: Interprets and applies key financial indicators to make informed business decisions. Guides the team in making astute financial decisions.
• Manages Complexity: Analyzes complex, high-quantity, and contradictory information to solve problems. Encourages innovative thinking in ambiguous situations.
• Directs Work: Provides direction, delegates tasks, and removes obstacles to ensure efficient workflow. Measures team progress and addresses shortfalls.
• Optimizes Work Processes: Focuses on continuous improvement and resolves process breakdowns to prevent recurrence.

Benefits

• Eleven (11) paid holidays each year.
• Vacation (Paid Time Off): 2 weeks per year.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Up to $2,000 annually.
• Up to 40 hours of Job Basis Leave for eligible positions.
• Paid Parental Leave.
• Health Benefits:
  • High-Deductible Health Plan – bi-weekly premiums: Employee $10.90 / Family $80.79. Includes a County-funded Health Savings Account of up to $2,000 annually.
  • Consumer Driven Health Plan – bi-weekly premiums: Employee $82.58 / Family $286.79.
• Florida Retirement System (FRS) – Pension or Investment Plan.
• 457 Deferred Compensation: County matches up to $2,000 a year.