Accounting Manager

Position Summary

The Wisconsin State Fair Park (WSFP) is seeking an Accounting Manager. This position is responsible for assisting with WSFP’s financial management as well as day-to-day accounting activities. The ideal candidate will have extensive knowledge of GAAP for the State of Wisconsin and work with a wide variety of internal and external customers. Enthusiasm for and love of the State Fair is a must.

Under the general direction of the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), the incumbent serves a key role in financial oversight and reporting. They will evaluate policies and procedures in line with state statutes and guidelines, assist with leadership of WSFP’s financial management and finance team, identify and implement fiscal controls, create and analyze monthly financial budget reports, and assist the CFO and CEO as needed.

Work is performed with a high degree of autonomy subject to administrative review by the CFO.

Full-Time, permanent position in the unclassified service of the State of Wisconsin.

This unclassified position aligns with pay schedule-range 81-03 with a starting annual salary of $72,800 to $91,520, based upon qualifications. Overtime compensation may be awarded during certain periods of the year. This position includes a comprehensive fringe benefits package, including pension, health insurance, and paid time off.

This position is open to all qualified candidates who meet the outlined criteria.

Supervise and Manage Fiscal Operations

• Assist the CFO with planning, developing, implementing and reviewing sound financial policies and procedures
• Ensure the maintenance of fiscal and financial record systems in accordance with GAAP
• Perform monthly reconciliations in accordance with State Controller’s Office (SCO) reconciliation procedures
• Assist in preparing monthly financial statements and reports and recommend necessary changes to meet strategic goals
• Ensure adequate fiscal management controls in the financial system to monitor overall agency budget, expenditures and commitments
• Assist in developing the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) statements as well as the biennial budget
• Review contracts for various entities and organizations to ensure compliance with state statutes

Administration and Leadership of the Finance Department

• Plan, develop, prioritize, and implement operating policies for AR & AP to meet goals; review operations as necessary
• Conduct periodic performance evaluations and document performance formally in annual evaluations
• Conduct staff meetings and disseminate information as needed
• Provide leadership, training, and guidance to staff to help achieve goals
• Plan, develop and implement training for department managers and staff on financial policies/procedures
• Recruit, interview, hire and train necessary permanent staff for AR & AP
• Manage the State’s Asset Management module in People Soft
• Serve as WSFP Records Officer as it relates to records retention
• Assist with management of WSFP purchasing card program
• Perform other duties as assigned

Management of the WSFP Internal Operating Budget

• Help plan and implement WSFP’s operational budget for Board approval
• Conduct thorough analysis of financial variances and research solutions
• Review accounts payable transactions for appropriateness and compliance
• Review and analyze financial queries monthly and prepare accounting transactions to correct accounts
• Monitor monthly and year-to-date performance against budget goals
• Ability to explain financial aspects to staff of varying backgrounds

• Bachelor’s in Accounting or Finance from a four-year accredited college or university, preferred
• Five (5)+ years’ experience in responsible accounting and auditing;
  State of Wisconsin or fund accounting experience preferred
• Extensive knowledge of the state's budget and fiscal process, state statutes, federal regulations, and policies (preferred)
• Considerable knowledge of governmental accounting and budgeting, auditing and financial reporting principles, and GAAP
• Effective leadership skills and ability to empower staff
• Ability to work professionally with internal and external contacts…