About the role
JOB SUMMARY
This Accounting Manager leads Clerk’s Accounting’s General Ledger & Bank Reconciliation function, overseeing accurate, timely, and compliant financial records for the Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Recorder. Responsibilities include managing bank and liability account reconciliations; directing month-end and year-end close processes; supporting annual audits; monitoring cash-handling controls; and maintaining strong internal controls. The position advises management, auditors, Information Technology, and other departments about safeguarding public funds and financial system integrity. The position supervises a team of accounting professionals responsible for daily cash audit and reconciliation procedures.
STARTING SALARY: $28.82 hourly/ $59,945.60 annually
JOB SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES
• Advanced knowledge of governmental accounting principles, GAAP, and GASB standards, including practices, procedures, methods, and theory.
• Advanced understanding of fund accounting and its application to public funds.
• Advanced knowledge of internal control frameworks and best practices, including the design, testing, and remediation of controls.
• Knowledge of applicable laws, statutes, policies, rules and best practices related to financial services operations.
• Knowledge of management principles, practices and procedures, including workforce planning, performance management, and employee development.
• Skilled in leading, coaching and developing professional accounting staff and building a high-performing team.
• Proficient in enterprise financial systems (Oracle Cloud Financials (Fusion) preferred), word processing, spreadsheet, and database software.
• Expert in bank reconciliation, general ledger accounting, month-end and year-end close, and financial reporting.
• Ability to collect, organize and analyze complex financial data, identify trends and variances, and develop sound conclusions and recommendations.
• Ability to plan, delegate, prioritize, and evaluate the work of staff to meet close and reporting deadlines.
• Ability to analyze and audit accounting, fiscal, payroll data and reports.
• Ability to design and develop advanced Excel models, schedules, summaries, and management reports.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and independent decision-making to resolve complex accounting issues.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing with staff, management, auditors, and external agencies.
• Ability to build collaborative relationships and maintain professionalism in a fast-paced public sector environment.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with a focus on accuracy and deadlines.
REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES
Note: The following duties are illustrative and not exhaustive. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. Depending on assigned area of responsibility, incumbents in the position may perform one or more of the activities described below.
• Plans, organizes, directs, and controls the operations of the General Ledger and Bank Reconciliation section, including workload, priorities, and staffing, to ensure timely and accurate completion of work.
• Directs and oversees the month-end financial close, including the close calendar, accruals, adjusting entries, and final review and sign-off of general ledger balances.
• Leads the team’s work in the year-end closing process and annual audits in coordination with the department Senior Accounting Managers.
• Ensures timely and accurate posting of transactions and the integrity of the general ledger.
• Directs the bank reconciliation function; reviews and approves reconciliations of all Clerk bank accounts and ensures timely resolution of out-of-balance conditions and reconciling items.
• Oversees bank portal inquiries and the verification of bank deposits; establishes and monitors auditing procedures to ensure compliance.
• Monitors and evaluates cash handling activities across the Clerk’s Office such as cash receipting, credit card processing, and cashier access; recommends and implements corrective actions.
• Reviews and approves journal entries, adjustments, and child support collection interfaces.
• Oversees the management and reconciliation of liability accounts, such as payroll liabilities, to ensure deposits to the accounts agree with disbursements from them.
• Oversees support for credit card transactions, including resolution of website difficulties, processing customer refunds, and user access administration.
• Evaluates the effectiveness of accounting systems and internal controls, identifies control gaps, and implements changes as needed.
• Maintains up-to-date written standard operating procedures (SOP) for all tasks assigned to the GL and bank reconciliation team. Monitors team compliance with written SOPs.
• Serves as a liaison to internal and external auditors; prepares and reviews audit schedules, coordinates responses to audit findings, and ensures audit readiness.
• Prepares, reviews, and presents complex financial analyses, reconciliations, and reports to management, explaining variances, trends, and accounting issues.
• Coordinates activities with other departments to ensure adequate flow of pertinent information, and provides advice and assistance on a variety of accounting matters.
• Serves as liaison and point of contact for Information Technology technical staff, other government agencies, and business units; partners with Information Technology on system problem resolution, enhancements, and upgrades.
• Provides functional expertise in resolving escalated process and system concerns; researches and resolves complex accounting discrepancies and inquiries.
• Manages and supervises accounting staff, including recommending hiring, promotion, and disciplinary actions, assigning and reviewing work, and training on accounting processes.
• Evaluates the performance of staff, providing regular coaching, feedback, and development to ensure effective and timely completion of assignments.
• Serves as backup for peers or management when needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field, plus five years of progressively responsible accounting experience, including general ledger and bank reconciliations, with at least two years in a supervisory role. A master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or Public Administration may substitute for two years of the required non-supervisory experience.
Or
Equivalent combination of education, training and governmental fund accounting experience that would reasonably be expected to provide the job-specific competencies noted above.
CERTIFICATION, LICENSE AND SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
A professional credential, such as Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license, Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM), Certified Public Manager (CPM), Certified Management Accountant (CMA), Certified Public Finance Officer (CPFO), Certified Government Finance Officer (CGFO), or Certified Treasury Professional (CTP) is encouraged but not required.
Experience in governmental accounting and Oracle Cloud Financials (Fusion) is desirable.
As part of the consideration for this position, eligible candidates will be required to take a written accounting assessment test.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The work is sedentary and requires exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects; may also require crouching, manual dexterity, hearing, kneeling, lifting, pulling, pushing, reaching, repetitive motion, speaking, standing, stooping, talking, visual acuity, and walking.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Work is performed in a dynamic environment that requires incumbent to be sensitive to change and responsive to changing goals, priorities, and needs. May require extended hours during peak periods, including month-end and year-end close, and audits. This position is fully on-site and requires regular presence in the office.
JOB CLASS
Unclassified – At-will Employees who serve at the pleasure of the Clerk and do not have appeal rights should they be demoted, suspended, or terminated.
CAREER PATH
• Senior Accounting Manager
• Senior Director
• Chief Deputy