What are the responsibilities and job description for the Finance Senior Accountant position at City of Dickinson, ND?
Company Description The City of Dickinson, North Dakota, operates under a City Commission form of government, with five at-large commissioners, including the commission president, serving staggered four-year terms. Administrative responsibilities are centralized under a city administrator, allowing the commission to focus on policy and strategic direction. Dickinson’s long-standing role as a regional social and economic hub has contributed to its historic nickname, “Queen City of the Prairies.” The community combines a strong civic structure with a rich local history, offering public service professionals the opportunity to support a growing and influential regional center.
Role Description The Finance Senior Accountant is a full-time, on-site role based in Dickinson, ND, responsible for supporting the City’s financial integrity and compliance. Day-to-day tasks include preparing and reviewing journal entries, reconciling general ledger accounts, and ensuring accurate recording of revenues, expenditures, and capital assets. The role oversees or assists with financial reporting, including monthly, quarterly, and annual statements, and supports budget development and monitoring across city departments. The Senior Accountant helps maintain internal controls, coordinates audits, and ensures adherence to governmental accounting standards and applicable laws. This position also provides guidance to staff on financial policies, analyzes financial data to inform management decisions, and participates in process improvements to enhance efficiency and transparency.
Qualifications
- Strong accounting and financial reporting skills, including general ledger management, account reconciliation, and preparation of financial statements.
- Knowledge of governmental accounting principles (e.g., GAAP for governments), fund accounting, budgeting, and public-sector financial compliance.
- Proficiency with financial software and ERP systems, as well as intermediate to advanced skills in spreadsheet and data analysis tools.
- Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and the ability to interpret financial data to support decision-making and identify process improvements.
- Effective communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work cross-functionally and provide clear guidance to non-financial stakeholders.
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a closely related field; CPA or CGFM certification, or progress toward certification, is preferred.
- Several years of progressively responsible accounting experience, ideally in a municipal or public-sector environment.
- Demonstrated integrity, commitment to public service, and ability to work on-site in Dickinson, ND, on a full-time basis.