Senior Accountant

Advanced Accounting Position Under the direction of the Financial Services Director, the incumbent performs advanced and specialized professional accounting work involving the application of governmental accounting principles and the maintenance of the City's fiscal records. This position serves as a technical resource within the Finance Department, with primary responsibility for complex accounting areas such as capital projects, grant accounting, financial reporting, and audit coordination. Work requires a high degree of accuracy, independent judgment, and initiative. The incumbent exercises considerable discretion in carrying out assignments and may provide guidance to other finance staff. Work is reviewed by the Financial Services Director through conferences, reports, and evaluation of results for adherence to established policies, procedures, and professional standards. Oversees and performs reconciliation of City capital projects and grant-funded activities, ensuring accurate tracking of expenditures and funding sources. Maintains continuous awareness of all active and in-progress projects throughout the fiscal year, including funding sources, budgets, and timelines. Ensures expenditures are accurately recorded to the appropriate accounts and project numbers in accordance with adopted budgets, grant agreements, and governmental accounting standards. Ensures compliance with applicable federal and state grant requirements, including reporting, allowable cost verification, and audit readiness. Assists in managing cash and investments; monitors cash flow and balances; performs analysis of general ledger accounts, fund operations, and financial projections; ensures timely payment of all debt service obligations; and assists with year-end closing activities. Performs advanced financial analysis, including trend analysis, revenue forecasting, and expenditure monitoring to support organizational decision-making. Leads preparation of audit schedules and supporting documentation for the annual external audit; serves as a primary liaison with external auditors and ensures timely and accurate responses to audit requests. Assists in the preparation of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR), financial statements, and related disclosures and footnotes. Evaluates and strengthens internal control systems to ensure compliance with policies, safeguard assets, and mitigate financial and operational risks. Initiates and prepares accounting entries, reconciliations, and special analyses; identifies and resolves accounting discrepancies and reporting issues. Makes recommendations for establishing or improving accounting procedures, policies, and internal processes to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and compliance. Coordinates with other departments to develop and implement citywide accounting policies and procedures; provides training and guidance to staff on financial processes and compliance requirements. Collaborates with the Budget and Procurement Manager in the development, monitoring, and amendment of the annual budget, including capital improvement planning. Prepares and reviews a variety of financial, statistical, and operational reports for internal and external stakeholders. Identifies opportunities to improve financial systems, reporting tools, and processes, including optimization of ERP systems such as OpenGov. Provides backup support for key finance functions, including general ledger, payroll, accounts payable, and cash management, as needed. May act on behalf of the Financial Services Director in their absence on technical accounting matters. Bachelor's Degree in accounting or business administration from an accredited college or university, supplemented by 46 years of progressively responsible governmental accounting experience. MBA or CPA strongly preferred. Experience preparing or contributing significantly to an ACFR. Experience with capital project accounting and grant administration. Must be proficient in computerized financial processing systems to include complex Excel and other software applications. Experience with OpenGov desirable. Experience with government procurement practices and delivery highly desired. Professional comparable work experience may be substituted year for year for education requirements. This position may be considered "Mission Critical" and may be required to report to duty before, during, and immediately after a civil emergency. The City of Stuart is a tobacco-free/vaping-free workplace. All applicants must attest that they have not used tobacco or nicotine products for the preceding 3-month period from the date of application. Candidates chosen for positions with the City of Stuart must undergo pre-employment screening to include verification of their non-use of tobacco or nicotine products in order to be considered for employment. The City of Stuart is An Equal Opportunity Employer ADA/VP/DFWP/TFWP. #J-18808-Ljbffr