Chief Accountant Print (https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/charlottesville/jobs/newprint/5033592) Apply  Chief Accountant Salary $84,504.96 - $105,854.87 Annually Location Charlottesville (22902), VA Job Type Regular Full-Time Job Number 250700019 Department Finance Department Division Finance - Administration Opening Date 08/06/2025 Closing Date 8/28/2025 5:00 PM Eastern Bargaining Unit N/A + Description + Benefits + Questions General Summary The Chief Accountant performs advanced professional and complex technical financial work to plan, supervise, coordinate, and review highly complex accounting work and systems to ensure city finances are conducted according to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and meeting the standards of reporting. Reports to the Comptroller. To learn more about the City's Finance Department and its operations, please visit: https://www.charlottesville.gov/218/Finance The preferred hiring range for this position is between $84,504.96 - $105,854.87 Ann ually . Starting offer is based on applicable education, experience, and internal equity. This is a full-time, exempt, position which provides excellent benefits including 13 paid holidays plus 1 floating holiday, paid vacation and sick leave, health insurance options with employer contribution, employer-paid life insurance, City's retirement options, gym membership reimbursement, tuition reimbursement, and continuing education/training opportunities. + For a general summary of benefits offered by the City, please click the 'benefits' tab on this posting, or visit https://www.charlottesville.gov/1047/Employee-Benefits. + The City of Charlottesville manages its own retirement system which offers both a defined benefit and a defined contribution option. While the City does not participate in VRS, the City has a Portability Agreement with VRS and there are certain provisions that must be met. For questions pertaining to the Portability Agreement, please contact the City's Benefits Administrator at 434-970-3462. Essential Responsibilities and Duties To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations will be considered to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The essential functions of the job are not limited to those listed in the job description. The City retains the discretion to add to or change the duties of the position at any time. + Supervises the work of accountants in Finance to ensure that financial records are kept in a way to successfully report financial results. + Supervisors, monitors, trains, coaches, and evaluates the performance of subordinate staff; provides input or makes determinations on interviewing, hiring, and disciplinary action, in accordance with established personnel policy and procedures. + Responsible for the accurate and timely production of the City's annual financial reports, including and not limited to, the Comprehensive Financial Report, Virginia Auditor of Public Accounts transmittal, Single Audit and Federal Census of Local Governments. Assists Accountants in completion of assigned tasks when necessary. + Responsible for accounting and maintaining the City’s General Fund. + Analyzes financial postings and prepares year-end journal entries for payroll, tax revenues, state disbursements, and expenditures accrued to the newly ended fiscal year per Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. + Works with the Comptroller to ensure new reporting data elements capture requirements for governmental and government-wide reporting both for governmental and business-type activities, including data impact on financial statements. + In the absence of the Comptroller, performs ERP system accounting period closing functions, or ensures that these functions are successful. Works with Accountants to clear up discrepancies, before monthly accounting periods are closed. + Works with external auditor staff in answering questions about transactions and directs questions to Accountants or the Comptroller as needed. + Works with City staff to provide answers related to financial information as requested. Prepares and disburses customer and/or client accounting documents and correspondence and resolves inquiries by customers, clients and/or the general public for assigned areas of responsibility. + Responsible for knowing and following accounting pronouncements issued by various regulatory bodies, such as the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) including best practices of the GFOA and recommends revisions to established policies and procedures as indicated. Determines how reporting from new GASB pronouncements will be handled within the General Ledger, and Annual Comprehensive Financial Report components such as statements, notes, and required supplementary information. + Manages the general ledger posting, reconciliation, and clearing of accounts and journal entries, of outside departments and programs. Analyzes general ledger account details and works with Accountants to correct anomalies. + Assists staff in preparation of audit work papers and “Prepared by Client” items for annual audits. + Reviews and approves journal entries of Accountants in the absence of the Comptroller. + Works with Comptroller completing the GFOA checklist completion before Annual Comprehensive Financial Report is submitted for review. + Trains new Accountants, as needed. + Responsible for appropriate use and maintenance of City equipment, tools and other resources, including work time. + Regular and reliable attendance. Other Duties + Attends training annually to keep abreast of accounting standards and changes, maintains CPE's as necessary for credentials. + Performs additional duties to support operational requirements as apparent or assigned. Education, Experience and Skills Education and Experience: Candidates may qualify by demonstrating the required knowledge and skills outlined for the job through experience(s) other than formal education. + Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or related field AND 8 years of governmental accounting experience, including 5 years of experience preparing a Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for a state or local government. OR + Associate degree in accounting, finance, or related field AND 10 years of governmental accounting experience, including 5 years of experience preparing a Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for a state or local government. OR + An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of the specific requirements listed above. Certifications/Licenses/Other: + Required to successfully pass a pre-employment background check and pre-employment drug screen. Preferred: + Certification from a government finance officers association, such as GFOA, VGFOA, or another state or a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). + Experience with SAP or similar ERP system. + Experience training others or leading group projects. Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics: Job Knowledge + Extensive comprehensive knowledge of accounting theory, principles, and practices. + Thorough and advanced knowledge of the laws, ordinances and regulations governing municipal finance. Reading + Advanced: ability to read, understand, and interpret financial reports and financial policies and procedures. Writing + Advanced: ability to develop materials such as researched financial information, editorials, journals, speeches, manuals, or critiques. Ability to tailor writing to specific audiences and explain complex thoughts and ideas in writing. Math + Advanced: ability to apply fundamental concepts of theories, work with advanced mathematical operations methods and functions of real and complex variables. Communication Skill + Advanced: Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with co-workers, city staff, financial agencies, auditors, and vendors. Makes recommendations regarding policy development and implementation. Contact may involve support of controversial positions or the negotiation of sensitive issues or important presentations. Evaluates customer satisfaction, develops cooperative associations, and utilizes resources to continuously improve customer satisfaction. Independence and Decision-Making + Requires Limited Direction: normally completes work according to their own judgment, requesting supervisory assistance occasionally. Special projects are managed with little oversight and assignments may be reviewed upon completion. Performance reviewed periodically. Technical Skill + Advanced: high level skills and extensive knowledge in approaches and systems, which affect the design and implementation of major programs and/or processes organization wide. Independent judgment and decision-making abilities are necessary to apply technical skills effectively. Expert level of skill of agency's systems and software with the ability to manipulate, write own reports, customize data and teach others.Expert knowledge of Microsoft Office programs. Fiscal Responsibilities + Manages and reviews financial transactions, accounting, budget, and purchasing documents; and does research to audit documents. May recommend budget allocations. Supervisory Responsibilities + Supervises, assigns work, monitors, instructs, and evaluates performance for a regular group of employees. Provides significant input or makes decisions on hiring, discipline, work objectives, goals, and assignments. Other Characteristics: + Time pressures. + Organization and time management skills. + Frequent change of tasks. + Performing multiple tasks simultaneously. + Tedious or exacting work. + Working closely with others as part of a team. + Works effectively with sensitive and confidential information and issues. + May require dealing with angry, frustrated and/or upset individuals. Physical Conditions & Additional Information Physical Demands: + Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. + Frequently maintains stationary position. + Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, and computer printer. Occasionally moves about inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc. + Must be able to communicate information and ideas so others will understand. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations. + Ability to observe details at close range (within a few feet of the observer). Machines, Tools, Equipment, Software and Hardware: + Typically requires use of standard office equipment and telephone, and related software and hardware; and any other equipment as appropriate or as assigned. Work Environment: + Work is performed in an office environment where there may be exposure to computer screen for extended periods of time, monitor glare and dust. + The noise level is usually moderate. The City of Charlottesville is an Equal Opportunity Employer and supports workforce diversity at all levels of the organization. The City prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth and pregnancy-related conditions), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. The City is dedicated to this with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities, access to facilities and programs, and general treatment during employment. Requests for reasonable accommodation by individuals with disabilities may be requested by contacting Human Resources at (434) 970-3490 or hr@charlottesville.gov. The City of Charlottesville conducts job related background checks, reference checks, and pre-employment drug tests, in accordance with federal, state, and local law, of applicants who reach the final stages of the employment selection process. The City’s policy has not changed because of the decriminalization of marijuana in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Marijuana remains an illegal drug under federal law, and it continues to be a violation of the US Department of Transportation regulations and the City’s policy prohibiting employees from testing positive for marijuana. SUMMARY OF EMPLOYEE BENEFITS Updated July 1, 2022 Benefits cited represent those for regular 40-hour employees and may differ for Management Level, Part-Time, and/or Library positions. Long-term temporary employees are eligible for all benefits except retirement. Interns, temporary, seasonal, substitute, and relief employees are not eligible for benefits. 1. LEAVE: + Vacation: + 3.09 hours accrued biweekly -- 0 - <3 years + 3.85 hours accrued biweekly -- 3 - <5 years + 4.62 hours accrued biweekly -- 5 - <10 years + 5.40 hours accrued biweekly -- 10 - <15 years + 6.16 hours accrued biweekly -- 15 - <20 years + 6.93 hours accrued biweekly -- 20 - <25 years + 7.70 hours accrued biweekly -- 25+ years + Sick: + 4.62 hours per biweekly pay period, approximately 120 hours a years, no limit on accumulation + Holidays: + 14 paid holidays per calendar year (13 observed and 1 floating) 2. INSURANCE: + Aetna Medical – + Choose from three options with different premiums and levels of coverage and coverage is effective on the first of the month following date of hire: + HMO: $0 premium for employee only coverage + POS 1: Employee-only premium of $36.28 per biweekly pay + POS 2: Employee-only premium of $13.02 per biweekly pay + (Dependent coverage is available but the cost of the premium is not subsidized.) + Prescription Card ($10 generic, $30 lower cost name brand, $55 higher cost name brand) + Mail Order Maintenance Prescription Drug Program ($20 generic, $60 lower cost name brand, $110 higher cost brand) + Dental (Delta Dental) + No cost for employee only coverage. Dependent coverage is available but the cost of the premium is not subsidized. + Diagnosis and Preventive -- 100% of allowable charge; Basic Dental Care - 80%; Major Dental Care - 50% + Primary -- $50 deductible, 80/20 + Prosthetic & Complex Restorative -- $50 deductible, 50/50 + $1,500 maximum annual benefit + $1,000 Orthodontic Benefit + MetLife Vision Plan: Optional + Employee only coverage: $2.50 bi-weekly; Dependent coverage also available at differing rates. + Eye health exam, dilatation, prescription and refraction of glasses covered after $10 co-pay; + $130 allowance for frames, after co-pay, plus additional discounts where accepted. + Life: + Two times annual salary (paid by the City) + Optional supplemental life available for employee, spouse, dependents (paid by employee) + AFLAC: Optional + Cancer/accident/short term disability/intensive care insurance (paid by employee) + Long Term Disability + Protection from income loss due to long-term illness or injury (paid by the City) 3. RETIREMENT: The City of Charlottesville manages its own retirement system and does not participate in VRS, however the City has a Portability Agreement with VRS. There are certain provisions that must be met and the portability request must be executed within 18 months of vesting in the City's Plan. + Pension: + Choose from two options: + A Defined Benefit Pension plan pays a monthly benefit in retirement using a defined formula based on the employee's earnings history, tenure of service, and age. Our plan has a 5 year vesting period and an employee contribution of 5% of salary. + A Defined Contribution 401a plan in which fixed contributions are paid into an individual's account by the employer, the contributions are invested, returns (positive or negative) are credited to the account, and the account balance is used to provide retirement benefits. The vesting schedule for our 401a plan is 33% after one year of service, 67% after two years of service, and 100% after three years of service. There is no required contribution from salary. (Note that: the Defined Contribution retirement plan is the only plan available for Library employees) + Supplemental: + Deferred Compensation (457) - employee contribution 4. OTHER BENEFITS: + Flexible Spending Accounts: + Health Care Expenses + Dependent Care Expenses + Parking/Mass Transit Expenses + Parking Subsidy of $50 per month + Wellness Programs: + Gym Reimbursement Program + Monthly On-Site Nurse and Annual Flu Shots + Health Screenings and Fairs, Education Sessions, & Weekly Fitness Classes + Weight Watchers at Work + Bike Commuter Program: + Reimbursement of up to $20 per month for reasonable bike commuting expenses + Employee Assistance Program: + A variety of confidential, personal professional services for you and your family available 24 hours a day. + Tuition Reimbursement Program: + Up to $1,500 for undergraduate OR Up to $3,000 for graduate level tuition per fiscal year per employee. 01 Please indicate your level of experience in governmental accounting: (Must be verifiable in reference to the Work History section on your online application.) + Less than eight (8) years. + Eight (8) to less than ten (10) years of experience. + Ten (10) years or greater. + No governmental accounting experience. 02 Do you have at least five (5) years of experience preparing Comprehensive Annual Financial Reports for a state or local government? (Must be verifiable in reference to the Work History section on your online application.) + Yes + No 03 Please indicate your highest level of education below: (Must be verifiable in reference to the Education History section on your online application.) + Bachelor's degree or higher in accounting, finance, or related field. + Associate's degree in accounting, finance, or related field. + None of the above. 04 Have you provided the expiration date and name of each certification you possess in the 'Certificates and Licenses' section of your application? + Yes + No 05 To be considered, qualifying education and experience, including City of Charlottesville employment, must be clearly documented in the education, work history, and additional information sections of the employment application. Resumes can be attached but should not be used as a substitute for the required information on the application. I understand that an attached resume may not be accepted in place of a completed employment application and that my qualifications should be stated on the employment application itself. + Yes + No 06 I certify that the information above is true and correct, and I certify that it can be verified with reference to the information in my basic application. I understand that my application may be rejected if the responses to supplemental questions do not match my basic application. + Yes + No Required Question Employer City of Charlottesville Address P. O. Box 911 605 East Main Street Charlottesville, Virginia, 22902 Phone (434) 970-3490 Website http://www.charlottesville.gov/jobs