Senior Accountant

As a professional accountant, the position performs general accounting and grant accounting functions, including audits, financial analysis, budgeting, receipts, payroll, inventory, payables, and purchasing for the Jackson County Department of Transportation. Assists the Managing Director in preparing the annual budget, and strategic financial forecasts. 

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QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: Required Bachelor’s Degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or field. Equivalent work experience related to governmental accounting may be considered in lieu of education requirements as determined by the Managing Director of the Department of Transportation.

Experience: A minimum of three to five years of professional fund or governmental accounting experience. Experience managing subordinates and work related to cost accounting in a governmental setting is preferred. Additional experience with grants accounting is also desired. At the discretion of the Managing Director, an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Other Requirements: Possession of a valid Michigan Driver’s license. Certified Public Accountant is preferred.

Relevant Skills/Specialized Equipment Knowledge:
• Strong leadership skills and ability to train, inspire, and motive cross-functional teams to achieve objectives.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to effectively convey financial concepts to diverse audiences.
• High level of dependability, maturity, confidentiality, and courtesy.
• Take responsibility for accuracy, quality, and timely completion of work under stringent deadlines.
• Ability to use sound judgment and discretion being ethical and highly motivated.
• Ability to problem solve effectively, efficiently manage time, and thrive in a time sensitive and highly demanding work environment.
• A commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
• Excellent computer skills, related software and program skills, and technology skills are required. Demonstrate advanced skills in word processing, presentations, spreadsheets, and database management.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

As a member of the Jackson County Department of Transportation (JCDOT) senior management team reporting to the Managing Director, and in close coordination with the County Finance Director, this position maintains the Department’s Act 51-based accounting system. Prepares recommendations for the Managing Director relative to all financial matters to ensure the implementation of sound fiscal practices as well as compliance with County Board of Commissioner policies, procedures, and standards. Manages and monitors the Department’s financial software system, including its implementation and training of all users. Proactively recommends and implements changes to accounting and audit functions to ensure compliance with best management practices and governmental accounting standards.

1. Leads and supervises the daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual accounting and financial operations of JCDOT. Ensures the timely completion of all required financial reports and accounting duties. Assists with supervising and evaluating work performance of accounting staff in coordination with the Senior Human Resources Manager.

2. Provides proactive financial leadership by preparing analyses and recommendations for the Managing Director and County Finance Director to make final fiscal decisions that support sound fiscal management and ensure compliance with County Board of Commissioners (BOC) policies, procedures, standards, and applicable laws and regulations.

3. Under the direction of the Managing Director, leads the development and preparation of the Department’s annual operating and capital budgets; performs ongoing fiscal monitoring by tracking actual expenditures, analyzing budget variances, and comparing financial performance to approved and amended budgets on a monthly and quarterly basis.

4. Works closely with the Managing Director to prepare and maintain cash flow analyses by monitoring historical and projected expenditures. Serves as custodian of the Department’s funds, including receipting cash and checks and preparing deposits with the County Treasurer. Assists the Managing Director and County Finance Director with cash management and other related financial requirements.

5. Leads the preparation and submission of the annual Act 51 financial report to the County Board of Commissioners and the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), as required by Act 51, Public Acts of 1951.

6. Leads coordination efforts with internal and external auditors to facilitate completion of annual audit requirements. Prepares records and supporting document necessary for the auditors.

7. Leads coordination and administration of the State Trunkline Maintenance Contract with MDOT, including preparation of monthly reports and invoices; oversees and leads the coordination of the annual audit conducted by MDOT’s auditors.

8. Conducts periodic internal audits and financial analyses of selected accounts, revenues, or expenditures; prepares special reports as directed by the Managing Director. Leads quality assurance and internal control efforts and develops, implements, and maintains internal audit procedures.

9. Prepares periodic financial reports and statements required by federal, state, and local agencies. Provides financial data, reports, and analyses to the Managing Director, County Finance Director, and County management upon request.

10. Leads the administration and monitoring of grant funds and programs, including establishing and implementing procedures for distribution, reimbursement, compliance, and reporting. Participates in grant writing and financial analysis as requested.

11. Performs fiscal and calendar year close-out activities, including the reconciliation of all revenues, expenditures, and grant activity.

12. Oversees fixed asset accounting systems, including establishing procedures, maintaining records, and managing the fixed asset module within the financial software system.

13. Oversees all Departmental accounts payable functions, including receiving and routing vendor invoices, assisting the stockroom with purchase order verification, reviewing invoices for accuracy and propriety, ensuring correct account coding, and confirming that duplicate or past-due payments are not processed. Performs final review of all payables prior to payment.

14. Processes vendor invoices and payments within the financial software system, charging the general ledger, processing and balancing weekly check runs, coordinating bi-weekly payroll remittance checks, and distributing checks and supporting documentation to appropriate departments or vendors.

15. Develops, implements, and maintains accounting procedures related to receipting, payables, receivables, invoicing, internal controls, and audit compliance. Proactively recommends improvements to ensure compliance with best management practices and in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) requirements, and applicable state and federal regulations.

16. Prepares and issues IRS form 1099s for vendors and service providers; responds to inquiries, provides duplicate forms and processes corrections or adjustments when required.

17. In collaboration with the Senior Human Resources Manager, leads implementation, administration, and ongoing monitoring of the financial software system. Coordinates system training for users and assist with troubleshooting and system-related issues.

18. Provides guidance and assistance to employees and other County departments regarding accounting practices, financial procedures, and system use.

19. Maintains the general ledger, including year-end closing entries and audit-related adjustments. Updates and leads the development of new ledger accounts.

Other Functions

20. Attends seminars, conventions, and professional meetings related to accounting and financial management. Collaborates with other road agencies to research and evaluate best practices.

21. Reviews professional publications, journals, and regulatory guidance to remain current on accounting standards, governmental reporting requirements, and industry trends.

22. Performs other duties and special projects as assigned by the Managing Director and/or County Finance Director.
 

SALARY COMMENSURATE WITH EXPERIENCE; BENEFITS EFFECTIVE DATE OF HIRE!

This is an exempt level position with excellent benefits, including health, life, disability, paid time off and PAID HOLIDAYS, effective date of hire!

CORE BENEFITS (provided at no cost): $30,000 Life Insurance, $30,000 AD&D; Long-Term Disability; Wellness Benefits; Employee Assistance Program; Paid Holidays; Paid Time Off (based on length of service); Paid bereavement leave; Education Assistance of up to $3,000 annually.

OPTIONAL BENEFITS (cost share required): Medical, Prescription, Dental, Vision; Optional Life Insurance for employee, spouse and dependent children; Short-Term Disability; Flexible Spending Accounts (Medical and/or Dependent Care); Health Savings Accounts; Consumerism Card; Legal Shield & ID Shield.

Benefit eligible employees opting out of the County's health plan with proof of other coverage are eligible for a $3,000 Cash-In-Lieu of Insurance benefit.

Full time employees are offered an Employer match of up to 5% in our Defined Contribution/401a Plan with voluntary contributions to our 457 Plan and greater than two times the employee contribution to our Retirement Health Savings Plan (RHS). The Employee contribution for the RHS Plan is $900 annually with an employer contribution of $2,050 annually.

For full benefit details, go to https://www.mijackson.org/439/Employment-Benefits