Staff Accountant

This position performs responsible professional, administrative work managing and monitoring the Leon County Sheriffs Office financial transactions. Under the general direction of the Accounting and Budget Manager, the Staff Accountant performs professional accounting work in preparation, maintenance, review, processing and auditing of financial records and reports in a fund accounting environment. This position ensures that agency transactions are recorded and maintained in the accounting records in accordance with both Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) standards and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP); federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations; and applicable Leon County Sheriffs Office policy and procedure. Work involves development of accounting procedures and monitoring of budgetary and financial data to meet the needs of the agency. Independent professional judgment is required. Duties may also include computerized processing, maintenance, reporting and analysis of complex financial records. Employees are responsible for one or more major fiscal functions, such as budgeting, contracts, grant reporting, financial system, special projects and financial reporting. Assignments are made orally and/or in writing and work is reviewed through audits, reports, conferences, observation and results obtained. This position requires a considerable amount of discretion, initiative, analysis and the use of independent judgement. This position adheres to the agency core values of honesty and integrity, accountability, teamwork, trust and respect and commitment to excellence. To be successful in this position, the employee must demonstrate competency in financial procedures, have a willingness to learn and research, effective time management skills, advanced analytical and financial skills, general communication skills (both written and oral), inter-personal skills, customer service and problem-solving skills. Starting salary above minimum may be considered for exceptionally well qualified candidates.

1. Responsible for providing the highest level of professional accounting service to LCSO by maintaining necessary accounting records and analysis to meet GAAP, GASB, Florida Sheriffs Association Manual, State of Florida Uniform Accounting Systems Manual, and policy requirements.
2. Provide timely and accurate financial information or summary of accounting activities in order to maintain a sound financial control environment.
3. Monitor revenue and expense accounts to detect significant variances and research cause and potential adjusting entries.
4. Assist in the month-end, quarter-end and year-end close processes as well as annual financial statement audit, including preparing information and/or analysis.
5. Assist in providing accreditation unit with proof of compliance documentation as directed/required, ensuring that the documentation is accurate, complete, and meets the accreditation requirements for proof of compliance.
6. Identify departmental efficiency opportunities and share with Management in order to improve technology systems and/or processes.
7. Validate key internal control points are working efficiently and effectively through documented reviews.
8. Reconcile due to/due from accounts, bank reconciliations and interfund cash as well as other balance sheet accounts as assigned on a monthly basis.
9. Prepare required financial grant reporting on determined frequency accurately and timely.
10. Review all receipts to ensure accurate and timely reporting in revenue accounts.
11. Review payables for accuracy and timeliness of payments and proper recording of expenses.
12. Review reconciliations to ensure accuracy and timeliness and follow-up on unreconciled differences to ensure timely clearing.
13. Assist the Manager with update of chart of accounts and related information as needed and in accordance with the State of Florida Uniform Accounting System Manual.
14. Assist in maintaining financial system accounting structure and opening\closing fiscal year.
15. Keep abreast of any new or changing regulatory guidance and/or requirements (e.g., GAAP, GASB, FSA Manual, State of Florida Uniform Accounting Systems Manual, etc.).
16. Assist in preparing monthly budget to actual projections, financial statements and\or management reporting and discuss as applicable.
17. Complete, update and submit all assigned work in an accurate and timely manner.
18. Maintain an accurate and up-to-date tracking system to ensure deadlines are met in a timely manner.
19. Communicate with Manager status of completing critical due dates and notify if any challenges have arisen in meeting approaching critical due dates.
20. Respond to supervision, guidance, direction, and feedback in a receptive manner and in accordance with agency policies.
21. Promote a strong sense of teamwork and a commitment to mentoring others.
22. Develop technical and behavioral skills to enhance individual professional development as well as the overall expertise.
23. Continuously improve knowledge and skills by participating in training classes and seminars designed to enhance leadership skills, knowledge, and abilities or to fulfill specific job specific requirements.
24. Perform other related duties as assigned by the Manager and/or Chief Financial Officer.
25. Consolidates and reconciles all fund accounts and receipts, and if required, generate an accurate financial statement in accordance GASB standards.
26. Prepare, consolidate and analyze financial statements by fund and makes recommendations for appropriate and effective corrective action if budgetary parameters are not consistent with state statute requirements.
27. Conduct internal audits and external monitoring as required to determine compliance with applicable laws, rules and regulations, and to ensure the reliability, accuracy and completeness of applicable agency records.
28. Coordinate documents and proof required for accreditation and financial audits.
29. Ensure that systems used for financial and budgetary operations provide for adequate and reasonable internal accounting control, and that processed, recorded and reported transactions have suitable audit trails.
30. Prepare and maintain journal entries as required/directed and input accurate data in journal entries.
31. Provide training regarding budgeting and finance as needed to agency members.
32. Communicate and prepare financial presentations to all levels of management including Command Staff.
33. Assist in preparation of budget or financial estimates for grants as well as cost analysis related to contracts, RFPs and RFQs.
34. Ability to work independently with minimal guidance.
35. Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing.
36. Ability to prepare and present clear, accurate, concise, and objective written and oral reports.
37. Ability to adhere to the standards and principles of the agency's core values and professionally represent the agency.
38. Ability to report to work timely, consistently and as scheduled.
39. Ability to perform all functions of the job classification without posing a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals in the workplace.

• Bachelors Degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field; OR
• Four (4) years of experience in accounting, or financial analysis; OR
• Equivalent combination of education and/or experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job as those listed above; AND
• Finance or Accounting experience within a government environment and proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite preferred.

• Must be able to lift, push, carry or pull a minimum of 25 pounds independently.
• Work is primarily performed in a secure office environment. Position may require travel to attend various meetings and functions related to performance of tasks.