Staff Accountant

POSITION: STAFF ACCOUNTANT

FLSA STATUS: EXEMPT

REPORTS TO: CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

STARTING PAY RANGE: $48,105 - $61,002

Children's Trust of Alachua County is seeking a Staff Accountant to support the Finance department by maintaining accurate general ledger records, completing account reconciliations, supporting month‑end and year‑end close, and helping ensure compliance with governmental and nonprofit accounting standards. With the Assistant Controller overseeing broader accounting operations and the part‑time AP/Payroll Specialist handling routine invoice and payroll processing, this position focuses on core accounting, analysis, reporting, and control functions.

Serving as a key member of the Finance team, the Staff Accountant helps ensure the timely, accurate, and compliant stewardship of public funds while providing backup support to other team members as needed. The role requires strong attention to detail, adaptability, and the ability to thrive in a small‑office environment with broad accounting responsibilities.

MISSION STATEMENT

The Children’s Trust of Alachua County funds and supports a coordinated system of community services that allows all youth and their families to thrive.

VISION STATEMENT

Facilitate equitable access and opportunities for all children, youth and families in Alachua County to ensure every child reaches their maximum potential.

STAFF ACCOUNTANT KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

General Ledger & Accounting Operations

• Maintain the general ledger and ensure accurate, timely recording of all financial transactions.
• Prepare and post journal entries, accruals, and adjusting entries.
• Reconcile bank, investment, prepaid, deferred, and other balance sheet accounts.
• Review account coding, supporting documentation, and transaction details prepared by the AP/Payroll Specialist, and resolve discrepancies as needed.
• Assist with monthly, quarterly, and year-end close activities.
• Maintain organized accounting records and supporting schedules for assigned accounts.
• Serve as backup for AP, payroll, and related processing functions during absences or peak workload, as assigned.
• Assist with maintaining vendor and employee payment support documentation as needed.

Financial Reporting & Analysis

• Prepare schedules, reports, and analyses for monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting.
• Assist with preparation of management reports, Board materials, and reports required by the county, state, and other oversight entities.
• Analyze budget-to-actual variances, account trends, and other financial results.
• Maintain reporting templates, spreadsheets, and supporting workpapers.
• Assist with cash flow monitoring and financial forecasting, as assigned.
• Provide recommendations to improve accuracy, efficiency, and financial reporting processes.
• Coordinate with leadership on questions related to accounting results, reporting timing, and financial documentation.

Budgeting, Grant, and Taxing District Support

• Assist with development of the annual operating budget and budget amendments.
• Monitor expenditures and revenues against approved budgets, particularly taxing district and restricted funds.
• Track grant revenues, reimbursements, and related expenditures, as applicable.
• Support compliance reporting related to county funding agreements and other restricted funding sources.

Compliance, Audit, and Internal Controls

• Ensure compliance with GASB and applicable governmental, nonprofit, and funding requirements.
• Assist with preparation of annual financial statements, audit schedules, and workpapers.
• Support documentation retention, public records requests, and transparency requirements.
• Assist in maintaining and improving internal controls, accounting procedures, and finance department workflows.
• Participate in cross‑training and process improvement efforts to support continuity within the Finance team.

Financial Reporting and Operational Support

• Assist with preparation of internal financial reports and fiscal analyses.
• Provide documentation requested during audits and compliance reviews.
• Participate in fiscal problem‑solving and troubleshooting activities.
• Assist with provider contract budget reviews.
• Support annual budget development and Truth‑in‑Millage (TRIM) activities, as assigned.
• Cross‑train on finance department functions and provide backup support during employee absences.
• Maintain confidentiality of financial and organizational information.

Decision-Making Authority

The Staff Accountant has authority to:

• Prepare journal entries, reconciliations, and financial schedules within established procedures.
• Review transaction support and request clarification or missing documentation from staff or vendors.
• Analyze financial data and identify discrepancies, variances, or potential control issues.
• Recommend corrections to account coding, reporting, or reconciliation items.
• Track and monitor budget activity, grant support, and restricted funds within assigned responsibilities.
• Escalate unresolved accounting issues or control concerns to the Assistant Controller or CFO.

The Staff Accountant does not have authority to:

• Approve payments, payroll, or journal entries outside established approval limits.
• Execute or modify contracts.
• Commit organizational funds.
• Approve budgets or funding decisions.
• Supervise employees.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field preferred.
• Equivalent combinations of education and relevant accounting experience may be considered.

Experience

• 2–4 years of progressively responsible accounting experience preferred.
• Experience with general ledger accounting, reconciliations, and financial reporting.
• Experience with governmental, nonprofit, special district, or public‑f funding accounting preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of accounting principles, financial recordkeeping, and internal controls.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and accounting software systems.
• Ability to work collaboratively with the Assistant Controller, AP/Payroll Specialist, and other staff.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.
• Ability to adapt quickly as priorities shift in a small team environment.
• Ability to support process improvements and cross‑training initiatives.

Physical Demands

The physical demands are representative of those necessary to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Duties primarily involve prolonged sitting, computer use, and occasional movement throughout the office. Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

Work is primarily performed in a climate‑controlled office environment with a moderate noise level. Occasional travel to meetings or other work locations may be required.

This job description may not be inclusive of all assigned duties, responsibilities, or aspects of the job described and may be amended at any time at the sole discretion of the Children’s Trust of Alachua County.