Director of Accounting

Closing Date: July 15th, 2026 or upon the receipt of the first 50 application submissions

Director of Accounting

Office of Comptroller

Salary Range: $100,089.60 – $150,134.40

Job Summary: The Director of Accounting oversees all centralized accounting functions, including financial reporting, general ledger integrity, and compliance with governmental accounting standards. The primary objectives of the role are to ensure accurate, timely, and transparent financial information to support decision-making, assist in executing the department’s strategic plan, and steward public resources while growing and leading accounting staff. This position maintains strong internal controls, ensures compliance with GAAP/GASB and regulatory requirements, and safeguards the financial integrity of the County.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Oversee the accuracy and timeliness of all general ledger activity of Milwaukee County, which includes but is not limited to ensuring that applicable policies, procedures, and protocols as well as GAAP, GASB, Local Ordinances, State and Federal laws are adhered to. Maintain chart of accounts, organization codes, and other accounting data elements.
• Direct organization of the County’s ACFR, review comprehensive exhibits created by subordinates including management, discussion and analysis, footnotes, and statistical sections. Direct the maintenance of ACFR software including the loading of general ledger balances and coding of all new accounting strings.
• Manage the Central Accounting leadership staff, provide technical support to subordinates as well as to other departments. Training, growth and development of staff. Review and approve journal entries and cash receipts created by staff and other departments.
• Communicate frequently with external auditors concerning the timely completion of the audit and ACFR. This involves the initiation and maintenance of relationships that can have a significant effect on the success of the annual audit.
• Communicate technical information both orally and in written form with finance personnel in other departments. Assist other departments with procedural questions/issues.
• Perform and direct monthly and annual system closing process. Monitor and resolve system automated suspense activity. Lead modules of general ledger and fixed assets. Design chart of accounts. Review training materials.
• Lead the research, interpretation, and implementation of complex governmental accounting standards (e.g., GASB pronouncements), including drafting technical position memos, assessing financial statement impact, and ensuring proper recognition, measurement, and disclosure of transactions in accordance with GAAP.

Minimum Requirements:

• Current resident of the USA
• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or other related fields.
• At least two (2) years’ experience in Accounting Management, Technical Accounting in a leadership role.
• Licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA) required

Additional Preferred Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrates the ability to work effectively and collaboratively with internal staff and external stakeholders.
• Possesses strong oral and written communication skills
• Maintains up-to-date knowledge of GAAP, GASB, and FASB standards
• Exhibits strong analytical skills, including the ability to research issues and develop practical solutions
• Works effectively with minimal direction
• Demonstrates advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel

Note: This position is unclassified and not subject to Civil Service Rules and Regulations. This original application is open to qualified candidates authorized to work in the United States. Appointee must establish Wisconsin State residency within six (6) months of appointment and maintain such residency during incumbency. During the application process please upload your updated resume and cover letter outlining experience.