Chief Accountant - Central Accounting

POSITION SUMMARY

This is responsible financial, administrative and supervisory work of considerable difficulty assisting the Director of Finance, Controller or Treasurer by planning and directing the activities of professional and clerical staff in the management of the City's Central Accounting or Treasury Divisions and with financial reporting.

Performs complex professional level accounting duties, including general ledger reconciliation, financial reporting, audit preparation, grant reporting and payroll. Performs complex financial analysis for various programs within the city; and performs a variety of professional accounting functions relative to assigned areas of responsibility. An employee in this class exercises considerable initiative and independent judgment in planning, installing, revising and maintaining accounting procedures and in the preparation of statements and reports.

This job classification is included within the bargaining unit represented by Federation of Public Employees and therefore is subject to the terms and conditions of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the City of Fort Lauderdale and Federation of Public Employees.

This is a Management Category III position which includes six (6) additional Management Vacation Days and a Vehicle Allowance of $250/month.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Essential functions are the basic job duties that an employee must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation. The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. The omission of a function does not preclude management from assigning essential duties not listed herein if such duties relate to the position.

• Plans, directs and supervises the work of professional and clerical accounting staff assuring work is performed in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), departmental guidelines and applicable regulatory requirements
• Assists with internal and external audits, gathers and presents requested documents, and provides explanations of departmental policies and procedures
• Ensures an accurate and timely month-end and year-end closing and in preparation of the City's Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR)
• Approves journal entries, wires and other documents prepared by employees supervised
• Analyzes existing organization and systems in order to develop and recommend new work procedures, controls and forms to promote efficient and effective operations for fiscal management.
• Participates with the Information Technology Services Department in the design and development of, and acts as departmental liaison for procurement and implementation of financial management systems.
• Prepares and reviews reports for upper management, policymakers, and other departments.
• Performs related work as required

Assigned to the Central Accounting Division:

• Coordinates all requests and responses to external auditors regarding the ACFR
• Participates in the development of citywide budgets, the departmental budget, and monitors citywide and capital expenditures during the fiscal year
• Recommends to the Controller the establishment of new funds, accounts and policies to ensure compliance with laws, regulations and GAAP applicable to governmental agencies
• Manages various accounting functions such as recording capital assets and pensions.

JOB REQUIREMENTS, PREFERENCES & WORK ENVIRONMENT

Bachelor's Degree in Accounting or Finance.Three (3) to five (5) years of progressively responsible accounting and/or fiscal management experience. Three (3) years in municipal accounting and auditing Two (2) years supervisory experience required. Additional qualifying experience or completion of coursework at an accredited college or university in a job-related field, may substitute on a year-for-year basis for the required experience or education. If claiming Veterans' Preference, you must attach a copy of the DD214 Member 4 form (or other supporting claim documents) to your on-line application.
Preferences:
A Master's degree from an accredited college or university in accounting, finance, or business administration or any of the following professional certifications:

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA),
• Certified Government Finance Officer (CGFO) designation,
• Certified Public Finance Officer (CPFO) designation, or
• Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM) designation.

As public servants, employees may be required to work immediately before, during, and/or after an emergency. All employees must be available and able to work assigned shifts as determined by their Department Heads.

PHYSICAL STANDARDS REQUIRED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
The position is generally sedentary. Employees sit most of the time but may walk or stand for brief periods of time.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

HOW TO APPLY & SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Applicants who qualify will be subject to an extensive selection process and screening program, which may include, but not be limited to evaluation of training and experience; written test; interview; employment record, background check; medical examination; and drug screen. The expected duration of the selection process varies by position.

The City of Fort Lauderdale is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, inclusive employer and a Drug Free Workplace. The City of Fort Lauderdale does not discriminate based on age, citizenship status, color, disability, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. Veterans' preference per Florida law.

For technical support with your application, contact GovernmentJobs.com from 9 am to 9 pm EST, Monday to Friday, at (855) 524-5627 or emailsupport@governmentjobs.com .



The City of Fort Lauderdale offers a comprehensive benefits package to all regular full-time employees including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and short-term disability insurance.

Click here for an overview of employment information including our benefits package.

Say "Hello" to the City of Fort Lauderdale and Say "Goodbye" to Your Student Loan!Under the U.S. Department of Education's Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, the remaining balance on your student loan may be forgiven after you have made 120 qualifying monthly payments while working full-time at the City of Fort Lauderdale. Click here for more information or to see if you qualify.

In addition to the competitive benefits package and salary, the City of Fort Lauderdale participates in the Florida Retirement System (FRS) which offers an investment option and a pension option and requires a 3% contribution from employees. All new City of Fort Lauderdale employees are automatically enrolled in FRS. Click here to view additional information on the Florida Retirement System.

Closing Date/Time: 7/2/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

• 

• City of Fort Lauderdale

• (954) 828-5300

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