Senior Accountant

The City of Brighton Finance Department is looking for our next Senior Accountant! This role oversees capital asset and project/grant accounting, working closely with the Accounting Team, Budget & Performance Team, and Department Project Managers. This is also a technical accounting role and is responsible for portions of the annual audit and ACFR as well as managing audits from grantor agencies. The Accounting Team works collaboratively, supporting each other and cross-training to provide backup when needed.

Our ideal candidate has strong communication skills and is comfortable working with staff across the organization, helping them to understand the financial components of their projects. This involves presenting to groups when appropriate. A Senior Accountant operates with a high level of independence and is able to manage various projects and deadlines simultaneously. This individual will have knowledge of US GAAP as it applies to local governmental accounting and will have strong problem-solving skills with the ability to think critically and work through challenges towards solutions. A collaborative mindset and commitment to shared team success are key in this role.

DEFINITION

Under specified supervision, performs professional level accounting functions for the City of Brighton, which may include recording and reporting complex financial transactions, reviewing accounting records, and preparing financial statements and reports. Must be able to work successfully in a team-oriented atmosphere that provides accurate information and excellent customer service and human relations skills, which support the City of Brighton Mission and Values.

SENIOR ACCOUNTANT

Perform high-level work in the Finance Department with an emphasis on financial reporting and grant management. This position will research complex accounting treatment and provides recommendations for accurate reporting. Responsible for assistance in preparation of the annual audits and the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR). This position supports the Accounting Manager and maintains fiscal records and financial systems within the City. This includes but is not limited to fund accounting, grant administration, ??, auditing transactions, and special projects as assigned. This position will be cross trained in other areas of accounting to provide support to the team as needed.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED AND RECEIVED

Receives direction from the Accounting Manager. All positions do not have any formal supervisory roles.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

• General Responsibilities and Duties applicable to all levels
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, the public, other agencies, and external customers of the City.
• Provide guidance, training, and financial expertise to internal departments and others as needed in a collaborative manner on all financial matters and initiatives.
• Participate in overall City planning from a financial viewpoint.
• Implement governmental accounting principles and practices.
• Develop and implement accounting process modifications maintaining appropriate internal controls.
• Analyze situations quickly and objectively and determine proper courses of action to be taken.
• Maintain confidential information and handle sensitive or political situations with tact and diplomacy.
• Maintains documented procedures that are reviewed and updated regularly to support succession planning and staff development.
• Collaborate with external auditors during the annual financial audit.
• Provide support to other areas in the department as needed.
• Assists with period end closing procedures and prepares complex financial transactions, reports, and analyses.
• Research and interpret complex accounting scenarios and provide recommendations for accurate reporting and treatment based on the facts.
• Prepare, review, or approve journal entries, and other financial transactions.
• Track and administer various financial agreements.
• Maintains the capital asset register and related tasks associated with that function.
• Provide subject matter expertise as it relates to fiscal administration and compliance of grants from pre-award to post-award.
• Performs all financial related tasks associated with grants including but not limited to grant reconciliation, reporting, reimbursement requests, grant analysis, and audits.
• Support grant program managers from proposal to grant closeout.
• Ensure financial compliance with Federal and/or State regulations including grant awards and applicable regulations.
• Provide guidance to departmental staff regarding process effectiveness and perform internal audits as requested.