Accountant II

Full-time

The Liberty County Board of Commissioners is seeking a detail-oriented and highly motivated Accountant II to join our Finance Department team. This position plays a critical role in supporting the County’s financial operations through analysis, reporting, and compliance with federal and state regulations.

The Accountant II will be responsible for assisting with complex budget preparation, preparing and reviewing monthly financial reports, and managing debt and grant-related activities. This role requires independent judgment and initiative in applying accounting principles to resolve complex financial matters and contributes directly to the effective stewardship of public resources and the continued success of County programs and services.

1. Financial Reporting & General Ledger: Prepares, reviews, and reconciles monthly journal entries, bank reconciliations, and balance sheet accounts as part of the month-end close process. Assists in the preparation of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) and other financial reports as needed.

2. Budgeting & Analysis: Collaborates with the Chief Financial Officer in the development of the County’s annual budget. Compiles and analyzes financial data, prepares budget-to-actual reports, evaluates variances, and processes budget amendments as needed.

3. Grant Support: Performs cost accounting functions related to revenue and expenditure recognition and reconciliation. Prepares and submits complex state and federal program reports, including grant reporting, ensuring compliance with applicable requirements. Assists with the preparation of the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA) and manages the reconciliation of state and local grants.

4. Debt Accounting Support: Assists the Chief Financial Officer with the recording, tracking, and management of debt-related transactions, including bond proceeds, debt service payments, amortization schedules, and compliance with bond covenants and reporting requirements.

5. Audit Support: Serves as a liaison to external auditors by preparing workpapers, schedules, and supporting documentation for the annual audit process.

6. Technical Assistance: Provides guidance and technical support to departments on accounting practices, budgeting processes, and use of the County’s ERP system.

7. Compliance: Ensures all financial transactions adhere to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) standards, and applicable local, state, and federal regulations.

8. Systems Management: Utilizes financial software, including Excel, Adobe, and the County’s ERP system, to maintain accurate financial records, general ledger activity, and supporting documentation.

1. Knowledge of: Governmental accounting principles, including GAAP and GASB standards; auditing practices; internal controls; budget development and monitoring; and applicable federal, state, and local regulations.

2. Technical Skills: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (including formulas, pivot tables, and data analysis tools) and experience with financial management or ERP systems; proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe applications.

3. Analytical Skills: Ability to analyze and interpret complex financial data, identify trends and variances, and ensure accuracy while working with large volumes of detailed information.

4. Reporting Skills: Ability to prepare clear, accurate, and comprehensive financial reports, schedules, and supporting documentation for internal and external stakeholders.

5. Organizational Skills: Ability to manage multiple assignments simultaneously, prioritize effectively, and meet strict deadlines, particularly during budget development, audit, and month-end/year-end close processes.

6. Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey financial information to both financial and non-financial audiences.

7. Collaboration and Support: Ability to work collaboratively with the Chief Financial Officer, external auditors, and departmental staff, and provide technical assistance and guidance as needed.

8. Attention to Detail and Compliance: Demonstrated commitment to accuracy, strong attention to detail, and the ability to ensure compliance with established policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.

The ideal candidate is a highly professional, ethical, and detail-oriented individual with a strong commitment to public service. They demonstrate sound judgment, strong problem-solving abilities, and a proactive, solutions-oriented approach. This individual communicates clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, and maintains a collaborative, respectful, and customer-focused attitude when working with staff, leadership, auditors, and the public.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a closely related field from an accredited college or university.

Experience: Two (2) to three (3) years of progressively responsible professional accounting experience, preferably within a local government or public sector environment.

Equivalent Combination: An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.

Work hours are Monday - Friday from 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Liberty County government offers a generous benefits package to full-time permanent employees which includes:

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application process should notify the Human Resources Office at (912) 391-1247 or hr@libertycountyga.gov.