Senior Accountant

Senior Accountant

Under the direction of the Chief Deputy Comptroller or designee, the incumbent performs advanced and specialized professional accounting work involving the application of governmental accounting principles and the maintenance of the Clerk of Court's fiscal records. This position serves as a technical resource within the Finance & Accounting Department, with primary responsibility for complex accounting areas such as capital projects, 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 Chief Deputy Comptroller or designee through conferences, reports, and evaluation of results for adherence to established policies, procedures, and professional standards.

Essential Job Functions:

1. Oversees and performs reconciliation of Alachua County capital projects, ensuring accurate tracking of expenditures and funding sources.
2. Maintains continuous awareness of all active and in-progress projects throughout the fiscal year, including funding sources, budgets, and timelines.
3. Ensures expenditures are accurately recorded to the appropriate accounts and project numbers in accordance with adopted budgets, grant agreements, and governmental accounting standards.
4. 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.
5. Performs advanced financial analysis, including trend analysis, revenue forecasting, and expenditure monitoring to support organizational decision-making.
6. 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.
7. Assists in the preparation of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR), financial statements, and related disclosures and footnotes.
8. Evaluates and strengthens internal control systems to ensure compliance with policies, safeguard assets, and mitigate financial and operational risks.
9. Initiates and prepares accounting entries, reconciliations, and special analyses; identifies and resolves accounting discrepancies and reporting issues.
10. Makes recommendations for establishing or improving accounting procedures, policies, and internal processes to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and compliance.
11. Coordinates with other departments to develop and implement countywide accounting policies and procedures; provides training and guidance to staff on financial processes and compliance requirements.
12. Collaborates with the Budget and Procurement Manager in the development, monitoring, and amendment of the annual budget, including capital improvement planning.
13. Prepares and reviews a variety of financial, statistical, and operational reports for internal and external stakeholders.
14. Identifies opportunities to improve financial systems, reporting tools, and processes, including optimization of ERP systems such as New World ERP.
15. Provides backup support for key finance functions, including general ledger, payroll, accounts payable, and cash management, as needed.
16. May act on behalf of the Chief Deputy Comptroller in their absence on technical accounting matters.
17. Supports the Clerk's Office through timely and regular, in person attendance.
18. Performs other duties as required, including work as needed to cover absences or otherwise balance workload.
19. Supervises various staff within the Finance & Accounting Department to ensure adherence to adopted financial policies and procedures and GFOA & CCOC Best Practices.
20. Handles complaints, problems, or difficult situations in a professional manner, as well as enforces Clerk policies.
21. Maintains employee checklists; plans and recommends strategies to enhance employee skills and performances.
22. Reviews and approves staff members' timesheets.
23. Objectively evaluates the performance of each direct report.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

1. Ability to learn assigned agency tasks and comply with State Statutes, as well as the Clerk's Office procedures, policies, and Personnel Regulations.
2. Ability to establish and maintain effective and professional working relationships with coworkers, supervisors, government officials, and the general public.
3. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
4. Ability to always maintain a professional appearance and demeanor.
5. Ability to work a schedule based on organizational needs.
6. Ability to perform complicated mathematical calculations and analyses.
7. Ability to analyze and make sound recommendations on complex financial data and operations.
8. Ability to prepare clear, concise and comprehensive financial statements, reports, and other written material.
9. Ability to operate a computer and utilize advanced functions of Excel spreadsheet and other standard financial business software.
10. Ability to plan, organize, and supervise the work of others as well as to prioritize own work to meet deadlines.

Education and Experience:

Bachelor's degree in accounting or business administration from an accredited college or university, supplemented by 8 plus years of progressively responsible Florida governmental accounting experience. CPA or CGFO strongly preferred. Experience preparing or contributing significantly to an Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) is highly desirable. Experience with capital project accounting and grant administration is preferred. Must be proficient in computerized financial processing systems to include complex Excel and other software applications. Experience with government procurement practices and delivery preferred.

Physical Requirements:

Seeing: Constantly required to see at close range and at a distance; and have the ability to adjust focus associated with the constant use of computer monitors.

Hearing: Constantly required to hear, understand, and distinguish speech and/or other sounds.

Speaking: Constantly required to express ideas by means of the spoken word to the public and coworkers.

Standing/Walking: Constantly required to move about the department.

Lifting/Moving: Occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 25 lbs.

Pushing/Pulling: Occasionally required to push or pull carts.

Reaching: Occasionally required to reach overhead or at/below shoulder level.

Manual Dexterity: Constantly required to type and use office equipment.

Sitting: Constantly required to sit for long periods of time.

Working Conditions:

Indoor Office/Clerical Working Conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.