Director of Accounting

Jefferson Parish is seeking a dynamic, highly motivated leader who can work effectively and collaboratively with the Parish Administration, Jefferson Parish Council, Department Heads, as well as other Local, State and Federal governmental agencies and public officials. The Department of Accounting is responsible for providing accurate up-to-date financial reports and ascertaining that expenditures of all Parish departments are within the limitation of the adopted budget. The Director supervises approximately 20 employees and oversees an annual operating budget of approximately two and one half million dollars.

The Director’s duties and responsibilities include but is not limited to the following:

• Develop, administer and utilize an accounting system to ensure proper recording, measuring and reporting of financial activity.
• Prepares and issues financial reports or oversees and approves report preparation.
• Reviews all accounting matters to ensure compliance with all governmental accounting principles, policies and procedures.
• Drafts and circulates various Parish-wide Policies over payroll, accounting, and other financial procedures.
• Oversees biweekly payroll process for 16 separate entities.
• Reviews and approves all direct expenditure and travel and training purchase orders.
• Responsible for preparation and issuance of the December 31-year-end Parish Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) including related footnotes, schedules, and corresponding Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA).
• Reviews and approves department requests for purchase orders; verifies account numbers and availability of funds.
• Ensures payment of Parish accounts payable and other matters.
• Coordinates annual external audit and assists other departments as needed in responding to audits by grantors, Internal Audit Department, and the Jefferson Parish Office of Inspector General.
• Attends Council meetings and other meetings as needed or required.
• Meets with Parish administrators, Council members and other department personnel to resolve accounting problems.
• Responsible for development and administration of a system of fixed assets control and accounting for all fixed assets owned by the parish.
• Responsible for all Parish accounts, books, vouchers, and documents of all public money received and disbursed relative to its revenue, debt and fiscal affairs which are not required by law to be kept by some other person.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE:

The ideal candidate is a visionary offering leadership capabilities and a proven track record of successful interactions with members of the public, employees, and elected officials. Qualified candidates will have a four- year degree in accounting, business administration, finance, economics, computer sciences or a related field with at least three years’ work experience; OR Ten years of significant experience in the field of governmental accounting OR a licensed certified public accounting with ten years of professional work experiences. Additionally, the successful candidate shall possess and maintain a valid Louisiana Driver’s License or have the ability to secure one within ten (10) working days of hire.