Chief Accountant

Salary: $76,603.00 - $119,141.00 Annually
Location : City Hall, 300 West Main Street, Grand Prairie, TX
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 2026-00144
Department: Finance
Division: Accounting
Opening Date: 05/12/2026
Closing Date: 6/26/2026 5:00 PM Central


Job Summary
The purpose of this position is to support the Finance department by supervising and managing accounting staff, ensuring accurate recording of transactions and financial reporting. This role requires a strong working knowledge of a variety of accounting processes, allowing the effective oversight and management of daily functions such as general ledger, payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, grants, fixed assets, and lease accounting. Additionally, responsibilities include preparing both comprehensive and special purpose financial statements, audit schedules, and offering guidance to direct reports and other external departments regarding Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). The duties within this position, as well as the approach to customer service, are rooted in the City's philosophy and values and require a blend of technical expertise, leadership skills, and strategic thinking. Other duties may be assigned as needed to further support the department and its objectives.

Essential Job Functions
This information is intended to be descriptive of the key responsibilities of the position. The following examples do not identify all duties performed by any single incumbent.


This position has responsibilities that require lifting up to 10 pounds on occasion.

• Oversee an assigned group of Finance Department staff that may include Sr. Accountant(s), Accountant(s), Accounts Payable Staff, Payroll Coordinator(s), Grant Coordinator(s), and/or Customer Care Representative(s).
• Represents Finance Department in assigned areas of oversight to serve as a Workday lead and liaison both internally and for other departments (i.e. HR, IT, Management Services).
• Serves as subject matter expert in assigned areas of oversight to ensure accuracy and consistency with all laws and policies.
• Provides technical guidance and direction to Accounting and Payroll staff on GAAP and IRS requirements; reviews accounting activity and reconciliations for completeness and accuracy.
• Reviews and approves journal entries prepared by staff in assigned areas to ensure proper accounting of public funds, including grant funds.
• Lead for communications, follow up and completion of assigned month-end and year-end close processes.
• Prepares year-end reconciliations and completes various journal entries and annual audit schedules as assigned.
• Ensures assigned staff receives support and training for working knowledge, skills and professional development in their respective areas of responsibility.

• Provides recommendations for resolving issues and enhancing procedures, processes, and accountability concerning financial matters across all City departments.
• Develops, implements, and monitors internal controls and accounting procedures to safeguard public funds and ensure compliance with applicable regulations, policies, and accounting standards.
• Ensures compliance with GAAP, GASB, federal and state regulations, City policies, and internal procedures.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree or combination of experience and education required.
  • Experience: Five years of related experience with at least two to three years in a lead or supervisory role. Working knowledge of Workday FDM, Experience working in city government preferred.
  • Licenses : Texas Class C Driver's License.
  • Certifications Required: CPA or CGFO preferred.

01


What is the highest level of Education obtained?

• Some high school, no diploma or GED
• High School Diploma/GED
• Some College, no degree
• Technical or Trade School (Did not complete)
• Technical or Trade School (Completed)
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree
• Doctorate Degree

02


What best describes your experience supervising accounting or finance staff?

• No supervisory experience
• Less than 2 years supervising staff
• 2-3 years supervising accounting/finance staff
• More than 3 years supervising accounting/finance staff

03


What best describes your experience working in a governmental or municipal finance environment?

• No experience
• Less than 2 years
• 2-5 years
• More than 5 years

04


What certifications do you currently possess?

• None
• CPA
• CGFO
• Both CPA and CGFO

05


Do you have experience processing payroll?

• Yes
• No

06


How many years of experience do you have in payroll accounting?

• No experience
• Less than 2 years
• 2-5 years
• More than 5 years

07


How many years of experience do you have in grant accounting?

• No experience
• Less than 2 years
• 2-5 years
• More than 5 years

08


How many years of experience do you have in asset/lease accounting?

• No experience
• Less than 2 years
• 2-5 years
• More than 5 years

Required Question