Senior Accountant

About the role

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.

Responsibilities

• 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) system as needed;
• Maintains the chart of accounts for Town funds and assigned Board of Education (BOE)-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;
• Affirms 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.

Requirements

• 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.

Skills

• 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.

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.

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.