Chief Accountant - Central Accounting

City of Fort Lauderdale•Fl 33301, FL

3d•Onsite

About The Position

This is responsible financial, administrative and supervisory work of considerable difficulty assisting the Director of Finance, Controller or Treasurer by planning and directing the activities of professional and clerical staff in the management of the City's Central Accounting or Treasury Divisions and with financial reporting. Performs complex professional level accounting duties, including general ledger reconciliation, financial reporting, audit preparation, grant reporting and payroll. Performs complex financial analysis for various programs within the city; and performs a variety of professional accounting functions relative to assigned areas of responsibility. An employee in this class exercises considerable initiative and independent judgment in planning, installing, revising and maintaining accounting procedures and in the preparation of statements and reports. This job classification is included within the bargaining unit represented by Federation of Public Employees and therefore is subject to the terms and conditions of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the City of Fort Lauderdale and Federation of Public Employees. This is a Management Category III position which includes six (6) additional Management Vacation Days and a Vehicle Allowance of $250/month.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in Accounting or Finance.
Three (3) to five (5) years of progressively responsible accounting and/or fiscal management experience.
Three (3) years in municipal accounting and auditing
Two (2) years supervisory experience required.
Additional qualifying experience or completion of coursework at an accredited college or university in a job-related field, may substitute on a year-for-year basis for the required experience or education.

Nice To Haves

A Master's degree from an accredited college or university in accounting, finance, or business administration or any of the following professional certifications: Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Government Finance Officer (CGFO) designation, Certified Public Finance Officer (CPFO) designation, or Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM) designation.

Responsibilities

Plans, directs and supervises the work of professional and clerical accounting staff assuring work is performed in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), departmental guidelines and applicable regulatory requirements
Assists with internal and external audits, gathers and presents requested documents, and provides explanations of departmental policies and procedures
Ensures an accurate and timely month-end and year-end closing and in preparation of the City's Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR)
Approves journal entries, wires and other documents prepared by employees supervised
Analyzes existing organization and systems in order to develop and recommend new work procedures, controls and forms to promote efficient and effective operations for fiscal management.
Participates with the Information Technology Services Department in the design and development of, and acts as departmental liaison for procurement and implementation of financial management systems.
Prepares and reviews reports for upper management, policymakers, and other departments.
Performs related work as required
Assigned to the Central Accounting Division: Coordinates all requests and responses to external auditors regarding the ACFR
Participates in the development of citywide budgets, the departmental budget, and monitors citywide and capital expenditures during the fiscal year
Recommends to the Controller the establishment of new funds, accounts and policies to ensure compliance with laws, regulations and GAAP applicable to governmental agencies
Manages various accounting functions such as recording capital assets and pensions.