Assistant Chief Accountant

The City of Livonia is seeking a detail-oriented finance professional to join our team as the Assistant Chief Accountant, a vital leadership role responsible for safeguarding the fiscal integrity of our "Families First" community through accurate financial reporting, robust internal controls, and grant compliance.

About Us:
The City of Livonia is a safe, well-planned community of 36 square miles in southeast Michigan. Our population of about 95,000 residents places us as the ninth-largest city in the state. Livonia enjoys a strategic location second to none in the region, with easy access to the I-96 and the I-275 expressways. Close-knit neighborhoods and strong community spirit have long been hallmarks of Livonia. The City’s motto proclaims, "Families First," and Livonia has successfully maintained its friendly, hometown atmosphere while keeping a strong emphasis on public safety, parks, and public services.

About the Job:
Under the supervision of the Chief Accountant, the Assistant Chief Accountant supports the management of the City’s accounting operations and ensures accurate and timely financial reporting. This position assists in supervising accounting staff, maintaining internal controls, preparing financial reports, and coordinating audits. The Assistant Chief Accountant plays a key role in daily operations, special projects, grant compliance, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Illustrative Examples of Work:

• Assist in overseeing the daily operations of the accounting division, including payroll, accounts payable/receivable, general ledger maintenance, water administration, and fixed asset accounting.
• Prepares and reviews journal entries, account reconciliations, and financial schedules to support monthly and year-end closings.
• Assists in the preparation of interim and annual financial statements and reports.
• Supports the annual audit function, including preparation of work papers and coordination of tasks assigned to other staff members.
• Manages grant accounting and reporting, including the preparation and maintenance of the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA), ensuring compliance with Uniform Guidance and all applicable federal grant requirements.
• Assists the Chief Accountant in maintaining and updating the City’s chart of accounts to ensure accurate classification, consistency across departments, and alignment with financial reporting standards and operational needs.
• Collaborates with departments to provide financial data, resolve discrepancies, and support budget development and monitoring.
• Contributes to the identification and implementation of process improvements and financial system upgrades.
• Participates in the development and implementation of internal controls and accounting policies.

About You:

• Must be a citizen of the United States or resident alien with the right to work in the United States.
• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a closely related field, from an accredited college or university.
• Minimum of two years of full-time paid work experience related to governmental accounting.
• Leadership and supervisory experience in a finance or accounting environment.
• Proficiency with accounting software and computer applications.
• Ability to help ensure compliance with GAAP, GASB, and applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
• Knowledge of governmental accounting principles and financial reporting.

Benefits:

• Paid time off - Employees receive vacation and sick time based on their years of service. New employees accrue vacation and sick time at a rate of eight hours per month. Upon completion of the six-month probationary period, employees are also entitled to four personal business days each year.
• 14 paid holidays per year.
• Medical benefits - Medical and prescription drug coverage is offered through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. An employee has the choice between four plans and pays a monthly premium determined annually during each open-enrollment period which is in January of each year. New employees are eligible for medical coverage the first of the month following 30 days of employment.
• Dental & Vision - Dental and vision insurance are also available for regular employees through Delta Dental and EyeMed, respectively. The employee pays a monthly premium determined annually during each open-enrollment period which is in January of each year. New employees are eligible for these insurances the first of the month following employment.
• Retirement Health Savings Plan - The City has established a Retirement Health Savings Plan for employees to assist with healthcare related costs in retirement. The Employee contributes 2% of their pay and the City contributes $100 per paycheck to this Plan. The City’s contributions and earnings on those contributions are vested after four years of service.
• Additional benefits information will be provided as candidates move through the interview process.