Accountant

Job Description

Job Description

Sussex Conservation District protects Sussex County’s soil, water, and natural resources. We are a governmental subdivision; our multi-million-dollar operation draws on federal, state, county, and private funding, and we are hiring an Accountant to own it end-to-end. We offer a dynamic, family-friendly work environment that values collaboration and professional growth.

What You’ll Do

You’ll maintain the general ledger on the accrual basis in accordance with GAAP, oversee accounts payable and receivable and fixed assets, manage cash flow planning, banking, and investment oversight, and develop internal controls that safeguard the District’s financial assets. You’ll own the payroll tax side—preparing and filing deposits and returns and ensuring compliance with federal and state requirements—and can process a biweekly payroll as backup to the staff.

Your work will include developing and monitoring the annual operating budget across all programs, with forecasts and variance analysis; ensuring grant and contract compliance under OMB Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200), with separate accounting and reimbursement requests for each award; and coordinating the annual financial statement audit, including the SEFA and supplementary schedules. You’ll report monthly and annually to leadership, the Board of Supervisors, the Finance Committee, and our funding agencies.

What We’re Looking For

Required: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field, and at least four years of professional accounting experience. Knowledge of governmental accounting, GAAP, and accrual-basis accounting; understanding of OMB Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200) and federal grant compliance; hands-on payroll tax experience, including preparing and filing deposits and returns, and the ability to process a biweekly payroll as backup; proficiency with accounting software (Sage, QuickBooks, or similar); and advanced Excel skills for financial analysis and reporting.

Preferred: Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license is strongly preferred but not required – we are looking for the right experience and reliability. CGFM or a similar governmental accounting certification; experience managing finance for a governmental subdivision, conservation district, municipality, or nonprofit; a background with federal contracts, grants, and audit requirements; and familiarity with conservation programs, natural resource agencies, construction or agricultural organizations. Experience with Sage is preferred.

Compensation & Benefits

We offer a competitive salary commensurate with experience, plus a comprehensive benefits package:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance with employer contribution

• State of Delaware pension plan and 401(k) with employer match

• Life insurance and short-term/long-term disability coverage

• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options

• Generous paid time off and holidays, and professional development support