Trustee Senior Accountant

I.  Purpose of Job 
Under broad direction, serves as a senior accounting and operational resource in the County Trustee's Office, ensuring the integrity, accuracy, and accountability of financial records. Oversees complex reconciliations, directs the daily work of accounting staff, maintains internal controls, and serves as a technical resource, trainer, and backup for major office accounting functions. 

II. Essential Job Duties 
A. Reconciliations and Accounting Operations 
• Performs, reviews, and approves complex bank, general ledger, and related accounting reconciliations. 
• Ensures reconciliations are completed accurately and timely and in accordance with established policies, accounting standards, and legal requirements. 
• Researches, identifies, and resolves reconciliation discrepancies, accounting variances, and unusual transactions. 
• Reviews accounting transactions and supporting documentation for accuracy, completeness, proper authorization, and compliance with applicable laws,  regulations, and County policies. 
• Maintains proficiency in each major accounting and operational function of the Trustee’s Office and serves as backup as operational needs require. 
B. Staff Supervision and Development 
• Supervises, assigns, prioritizes, reviews, and directs the daily work of accounting staff. 
• Provides coaching, training, technical guidance, and performance feedback to assigned employees. 
• Cross-trains employees to promote continuity of operations and effective coverage of essential functions. 
• Monitors workflow and deadlines and reallocates work as necessary to ensure timely and accurate completion. 
C. Internal Controls and Process Improvement 
• Develops, documents, implements, and maintains accounting procedures and internal controls to improve efficiency, strengthen accountability, and reduce risk. 
• Evaluates accounting and office operations and recommends process, system, and control improvements to the County Trustee. 
• Assists with implementation of approved best practices, procedural changes, and accounting system enhancements. 
• Identifies operational or financial risks and recommends appropriate corrective action. 
D. Financial Reporting and Analysis 
• Prepares financial reports, schedules, reconciliations, and analyses requested by the County Trustee. 
• Analyzes financial information and communicates significant findings, trends, discrepancies, and operational concerns. 
• Verifies the accuracy and completeness of financial information before distribution or submission. 
• Provides technical accounting support for treasury management, cash management, and other Trustee’s Office functions. 
E. Audit and Regulatory Compliance 
• Assists with internal and external audits by preparing schedules, compiling supporting documentation, and responding to auditor requests. 
• Ensures accounting activities comply with Tennessee statutes, County policies, generally accepted accounting principles, and other applicable standards. 
• Maintains organized and complete records sufficient to support financial transactions, reconciliations, reports, and audits. 
• Monitors changes in laws, accounting standards, and professional practices affecting assigned responsibilities. 
F. Leadership and Operational Support 
• Works closely with the County Trustee as a member of the office leadership team to evaluate operations, establish priorities, and address accounting or service issues. 
• Serves as a technical resource to employees and assists with resolving complex accounting and operational questions. 
• Communicates with County officials, employees, financial institutions, auditors, and members of the public regarding assigned matters. 
• Maintains confidentiality and exercises sound professional judgment in handling sensitive financial and personnel information. 

III. Other Job Duties 
Performs other job duties as assigned, possibly including: 
• Participating in special accounting, financial, and operational projects. 
• Providing coverage for other Trustee’s Office positions during absences or periods of increased workload. 
• Assisting with implementation, testing, or troubleshooting of financial accounting software and related systems. 

IV. Primary Job Challenges 
Maintaining the accuracy and integrity of complex financial records while meeting recurring deadlines, resolving discrepancies, supervising daily accounting operations, and ensuring continuity across all major functions of the Trustee’s Office. 

V.  Equipment Operated 
Computers, calculators, printers, scanners, telephones, and other standard office and communications equipment; Microsoft Excel; financial accounting, banking, and related software systems. 

VI. Key Competencies Required 
Job Content Knowledge: Thorough knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles, governmental accounting practices, bank and general ledger reconciliation procedures, financial reporting, cash management, internal controls, audit requirements, and applicable Tennessee statutes and County policies. Advanced skill in Microsoft Excel and financial accounting software. 
Language Skills: Ability to read, analyze, and interpret financial reports, legal documents, professional standards, and governmental regulations. Ability to respond to inquiries or complaints from County officials, auditors, financial institutions, employees, and members of the public. Ability to prepare clear reports, procedures, correspondence, and presentations. 
Mathematical Skills: Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference and to apply accounting, financial, and analytical methods to complex reconciliations, financial reports, and related transactions. 
Reasoning Ability: Ability to define complex accounting and operational problems, collect and analyze data, establish facts, evaluate alternatives, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of financial, legal, and technical information and exercise sound judgment in resolving discrepancies and improving controls. 
Teamwork: Develops constructive and cooperative working relationships with others. Encourages employees to express ideas and opinions, provides input into identifying and solving problems, anticipates the information and training needs of others, and willingly assists with job tasks when appropriate. 

VII. Physical Demands and Work Environment 
Physical Demands: Performance of the essential duties of this job requires prolonged periods of sitting and computer use, as well as standing, walking, speaking, hearing, reaching, and using hands to operate office equipment. The position occasionally requires lifting or moving objects weighing up to 25 pounds. 
Work Environment: Work is primarily performed in a professional office environment with moderate noise from computers, printers, telephones, and normal office activity. The position involves regular interaction with County officials, employees, financial institutions, auditors, and members of the public and requires professionalism, discretion, and a strong commitment to public service.