Chief Accountant

City of Plant City•City Hall, FL

About The Position

The Chief Accountant performs highly responsible professional and technical work involving the planning, organization, coordination, and management of accounting and financial reporting activities within the finance department. The position provides technical supervision to ensure practices comply with governmental accounting requirements imposed by the State and other governing bodies. The role maintains the City’s general accounting system in accordance with the Florida Department of Financial Services Bureau of Local Government’s Uniform Accounting System. It oversees financial management systems and accounting functions, supports process and reporting improvements, prepares financial analyses and reports, and coordinates system upgrades and implementation of accounting modules. The Chief Accountant also develops and monitors internal controls, supervises and guides accounting staff, and oversees month-, quarter-, and year-end close activities, the annual audit, and preparation of the Annual Financial Report. The position manages, supervises, and evaluates personnel as assigned. Employees may be required to work before, during, or after emergencies and may be temporarily assigned duties, locations, or schedules outside their normal scope to meet the needs of the City and its citizens.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in accounting or a closely related field from an accredited four-year college or university.
Five years of progressively responsible government finance and accounting experience, including three years in a supervisory capacity.
Must be bondable.
Possess a valid Florida Driver License and be insurable by the City’s current insurance provider.
Complete National Incident Management System (NIMS) training according to job duties and responsibilities within one year of employment.
Knowledge of Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) pronouncements and governmental accounting standards.
Knowledge of governmental internal controls and auditing standards.
Knowledge of modern management principles and practices.
Knowledge of computer systems pertaining to accounting and financial management.
Knowledge of budgeting and financial reporting systems.
Ability to plan, organize, and motivate personnel.
Ability to analyze financial data and discern underlying management problems.
Ability to maintain effective working relationships with directors, employees, and other agencies.
Ability to exercise sound judgment in financial management, evaluating situations, and making decisions.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with individuals and groups.
Ability to prepare complex reports.
A combination of education, training, and experience may be considered at the City Manager’s discretion.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in accounting or a closely related field.
Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Government Finance Officer (CGFO) certificate.

Responsibilities

Participate in formulating accounting policies and procedures, monitor implementation, evaluate effectiveness, and recommend changes to systems and controls.
Maintain and monitor the City’s general accounting system in accordance with the Florida Department of Financial Services Bureau of Local Government’s Uniform Accounting System.
Oversee the City’s financial management system and work with departments to improve financial processes and reporting.
Prepare special reports and financial analyses for management.
Review financial data, including bond documents, monthly financial reports, actuarial reports, and funding requests, for compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
Evaluate and recommend technology solutions that improve efficiency, internal controls, and financial reporting.
Coordinate financial system upgrades, testing, and implementation of new accounting modules.
Develop, implement, and monitor internal controls to safeguard City assets.
Guide and consult with supervisory, professional, and clerical accounting staff; evaluate subordinate staff performance and provide guidance and training.
Oversee the accuracy and completeness of general ledger and subsidiary ledger functions, including fixed assets, general accounting, accounts receivable, accounts payable, notes and bonds payable, cash and investments, payroll, employee benefits, and utility billing.
Oversee schedules, year-end closing entries, work papers, reports for external auditors, completion of the City’s annual audit, and preparation of the Annual Financial Report.
Work collaboratively with the City’s external auditors and provide financial data.
Participate in administrative meetings to provide technical guidance.
Perform month-end and quarter-end closing and prepare quarterly and annual financial reports.
Provide leadership, guidance, training, and supervision to accounting staff to support effective performance, accuracy, and operational effectiveness.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Manage, supervise, and evaluate personnel as assigned.
Work before, during, or after emergencies and, when needed, perform duties outside the normal scope of the position, location, or work schedule.