CFO Advisory, Manager (GPS State & Local Gov't)

Cherry Bekaert Advisory•Richmond, VA

10d•Hybrid

About The Position

As an Accounting Advisory Manager, you will support the performance of engagements by managing and delivering timely and accurate governmental accounting including the implementation of new accounting standards, account reconciliations and financial statement closing procedures, financial statement preparation, and on-demand government accounting support. A significant portion of the work performed centers in and around solving a government’s accounting and financial reporting challenges from staffing or event driving needs at the state and/or local government. In addition to delegating/reviewing the work of more junior professionals, you will perform engagement activities, participate in discussions with clients, and assist with drafting deliverables.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting (preferred), Finance or other business discipline
Active or in-process CPA and/or Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM)
Minimum 4 years of public accounting experience performing external audit or consulting or 7 years of experience within a state, county or municipality’s finance/accounting department
Practical knowledge of relevant professional standards and regulations such as GASB
Prior experience auditing or assisting with the financial close for a governmental entity
Prior experience with internal controls including documentation and testing of controls
Excellent project management, analytical, interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills
Solid organizational skills especially ability to meet project deadlines with a focus on details
Demonstrated experience with Microsoft Office products including ability to analyze and summarize data through the use of formulas, pivot tables, and related add-ins in Excel
Ability to travel as needed up to 40%

Nice To Haves

Experience with GFOA’s ACFR Special Review Process or ACFR Preparation
Experience with implementation of GASB standards
Ability to troubleshoot and solve account reconciliation issues
Prior experience coaching and developing less experienced associates

Responsibilities

Planning, managing, and performing a variety of engagements including but not limited to: Account and Financial Close and Reconciliation Assistance, ACFR Preparation, Implementation of New Accounting Standards, Accounting Analysis Related to Compliance with Laws and Regulations, Ongoing Best Practice and High-Performance Government Accounting Support
Assessing and evaluating client accounting challenges, developing tailored advisory solutions and establishing the timeline and scope of engagements
Evaluating complex governmental accounting situations and determining the appropriate treatment under GAAP
Reviewing Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for accuracy and completeness against benchmarks such as GFOA’s ACFR review checklist
Identifying best practices or other recommendations in clients account reconciliation or other financial processes and develop and executive level report of the findings
Providing status updates to client leadership on the current status of tasks and any findings or recommendations identified
Overseeing firm objectives (engagement economics) and manage resources to ensure that established goals are met on each project assigned
Ensuring team is up to date on related governmental accounting pronouncements and industry developments and assisting with supervision of team members as assigned, including staff professional development, training, and performance evaluation utilizing firm developed tools and processes
Developing one or more areas of technical specialization and begin to serve as a technical consultant, both internally and externally
Developing content such as articles, podcasts, or webinars on governmental accounting matters to build brand recognition of GPS accounting advisory group
Serving as a trusted advisor to clients, identifying opportunities for expanded services
Developing outside relationships with a goal to foster long-term business development