Senior Accountant

Senior Accountant

The Town of Cave Creek is seeking a highly skilled Senior Accountant to perform advanced accounting and financial reporting duties under the direction of the Finance Director or designee. This position plays a key role in ensuring compliance with governmental accounting standards (GAAP/GASB), Town policies, and internal controls.

The Senior Accountant leads and performs critical functions of the monthly and year-end close process, including balance sheet reconciliations, general ledger review, and financial reporting. This role also serves as a technical lead and performs work in areas such as general ledger accounting, capital assets, grant accounting, and revenue and expenditure management.

In addition, the position supports audit coordination and the preparation of the Town's Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR). The ideal candidate is comfortable working independently on complex assignments while also contributing to day-to-day accounting operations.

About You

You are an experienced accounting professional with a strong background in municipal or government accounting and a commitment to accuracy and accountability. You are adaptable and resourceful with a commitment to accuracy, efficiency, and continuous improvement. You build strong working relationships, contribute to team success, and consistently deliver high-quality results.

You bring:

• At least 4–5 years of progressively responsible accounting experience, including recent hands-on general ledger work.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP/GASB and fund accounting principles.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage priorities in a deadline-driven environment.
• A collaborative approach and willingness to support team needs at all levels.

At the Town of Cave Creek, we hire motivated, talented individuals who have a passion for what they do, while possessing the ability to fulfill our mission and uphold our values.

Position Purpose

The Senior Accountant performs advanced professional accounting work in support of the organization's financial operations, ensuring accuracy, transparency, and compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). This position is responsible for complex financial analysis, general ledger oversight, preparation of financial statements and reports, and coordination of audit activities. The Senior Accountant serves as a key resource for departmental staff and leadership, providing technical guidance, strengthening internal controls, and supporting sound financial decision-making. This role operates with a high degree of independence, judgment, and confidentiality while contributing to the integrity and efficiency of the organization's financial systems and processes.

Examples of Duties

The ideal candidate will possess a working knowledge of accounts payable, payroll, billing, sales taxes, municipal finance and fund accounting. The candidate will perform the duties and responsibilities which may include, but are not limited to, any combination of the following:

• Lead and perform monthly and year-end close processes, including reconciliations, accruals, and journal entries.
• Maintain and review general ledger activity to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with GAAP/GASB, and prepare journal entries as necessary.
• Review weekly accounts payable batches.
• Review biweekly payrolls.
• Prepare financial statements, reports, schedules, and audit-ready documentation for internal and external use.
• Coordinate and support the annual financial audit and ACFR preparation, including audit schedules, notes, and disclosures.
• Manage and reconcile capital asset records, including additions, disposals, depreciation, and physical inventory.
• Reconcile bank accounts, investments, and debt-related transactions.
• Prepare and file sales and use tax reports.
• Complete and manage grant accounting, reporting, and compliance requirements.
• Research and resolve accounting discrepancies, complex transactions, and reporting issues.
• Evaluate and strengthen internal controls; participate in internal audits and recommend process improvements.
• Proactively perform research when questions and issues arise; contribute and collaborate with Finance management and staff to develop solutions.
• Draft written procedures for Finance Department processes for review.
• Provide technical guidance and training to departments on accounting procedures and financial systems.
• Participate in financial system maintenance, upgrades, testing, and process automation efforts.
• Collaborate with internal departments, vendors, auditors, and regulatory agencies.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Typical Qualifications

Minimum Education, Training or Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of progressively responsible accounting experience, preferably in a municipal or government setting.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree or CPA designation is preferred.

An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of governmental accounting, fund accounting, GAAP, and GASB standards.
• Experience with financial reporting, audits, and ACFR preparation.
• Understanding of capital asset accounting, leases/SBITA, and internal controls.
• Proficiency in financial systems and advanced Excel (pivot tables, formulas, data analysis).
• Ability to analyze financial data, identify issues, and recommend practical solutions.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Effective communication skills and ability to work collaboratively across departments.
• High level of integrity, accuracy, and attention to detail.

Supplemental Information

Supervision – Responsibility for the Work of Others

While this position has no formal supervisory responsibilities, the incumbent may serve in a lead capacity and provide guidance to other staff.

Physical Demands of Essential Functions

Work Type: Primarily sedentary with some light lifting of weights up to 20 pounds. Walking: Short distances around office building. Standing/Sitting: Most of the work will be accomplished in a sitting position. Stooping/Bending/Reaching: Frequently required. Vision: Adequate to perform the essential functions for the position. Hearing/Speech: Must be able to perceive and understand vocal communication and convey information verbally via the telephone and in person. Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination: Sufficient to operate a variety of office equipment such as computer, calculator and copier. Manual Dexterity: Moderate to high in order to produce the volume of work required of the position. Work Environment Indoor office setting. Use of Machines, Tools and Equipment This position requires frequent use of a personal computer, calculator and similar office equipment on a routine basis. Remarks The above position description is intended to describe the duties of an employee in general terms and does not necessarily cover all the duties or potential assignments of the employee although all work will be consistent with the essential job functions. Equal Opportunity Employer The Town of Cave Creek provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.