Chief Accountant

Job Summary:

This position leads plans, organizes, and monitors financial and accounting operations to ensure compliance with accounting principles, regulations, and district financial policies; manages monthly and year-end closing activities; oversees and coordinates the preparation of Annual Comprehensive Financial Reports (ACFR) and other mandated reports; manages external annual audits; implements new accounting standards and formulates financial policies; advises senior staff on accounting and other financial matters;

assists in the training and supervision of School Division staff on accounting policies, procedures, and automated systems; collaborates with departments and implements effective financial controls to support the district’s educational mission.

• Supervises and coordinates the preparation of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) in compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) standards.
• Supervises the preparation of the Annual School Report per requirements set forth by the Virginia Auditor of Public Accounts (APA).
• Oversees and coordinates the month-end and year-end financial closing process and ensures completion of monthly account reconciliation.
• Oversees the monthly fund financial analysis, presents financial information to stakeholders, and monitors revenues and expenditures to ensure fiscal responsibility.
• Provides timely and accurate financial information to the School Board, County, external and external auditors, other departments, and schools.
• Advise senior staff on accounting and other financial matters. Recommends changes to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of financial management operations.
• Coordinates and manages external audits, such as the division-wide annual audit and the Virginia Retirement System audit.
• Coordinates and implements internal controls to mitigate financial risks.
• Researches, interprets, and implements new governmental accounting regulations.
• Coordinates and manages the capital and controlled assets processes, including accounting and inventorying).
• Oversees capital projects accounting.
• Conducts complex financial and budget analysis. Identifies and resolves financial issues using professional and technical resources.
• Develops and maintains working relationships with school, county, and outside agency personnel.
• Supervises, manages, and evaluates the financial reporting team. Conducts training and staff development.
• May serve as primary backup supervisor of accounting services, as assigned.
• Perform other financial and accounting duties and responsibilities as assigned.

• In-depth knowledge of the laws, ordinances, and regulations governing municipal financial matters.
• In-depth knowledge of governmental financial reporting and accounting best practices, internal controls, and federal grant regulations.
• Thorough knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and Governmental Accounting, Standards Board (GASB) regulations, and Internal Revenue Service codes relevant to current responsibilities.
• Ability to monitor and analyze, evaluate complex financial systems, and use automated reporting tools to write reports necessary in the operation of the accounting/finance functions within the School Division.
• Ability to develop and enforce accounting policies.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to lead a diversified team and manage tasks and personnel effectively.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Minimum of a bachelor's degree or equivalent in accounting or business administration. CPA required. Five years' increasing responsibility in accounting or finance; three to five years with complex automated accounting systems; some portion supervisory or leadership experience.