Senior Accountant

Are you a financial expert with a knack for precision and a passion for making an impact? Then come join us at Cary, a vibrant community that blends charm, growth, and opportunity for citizens, businesses, and employees. Here at Cary, we believe in investing in our people and creating a culture where every team member thrives, and now we are seeking an accomplished Senior Accountant to help lead the charge in strengthening our financial operations.

In this pivotal role, you will prepare and present financial statements that guide key decisions and deliver financial insights that empower our team and community. The reporting team is responsible for overseeing reconciliations and audits, while supporting the development of multiple financial reporting projects throughout the year. Working under the leadership of the Assistant Finance Director, you will be part of a supportive, collaborative environment that values innovation and teamwork. 

We’re looking for a dynamic professional who thrives in a fast-paced, evolving environment and can seamlessly juggle multiple responsibilities. Adapting to change with resilience and a positive attitude will set you apart. The ideal candidate will be a guru in governmental accounting and have experience within Oracle Financials ERP. 

If you’re ready to elevate your career and make a difference in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation, apply today to become Cary's next Senior Accountant!

TYPICAL TASKS

Performs professional accounting work including complex financial analysis and implementation of professional standards;

Ensures the Town’s adherence to financial federal, state, and local regulations and GASB’s technical accounting and reporting pronouncements; analyzes and manages implementation of new requirements and serves as primary subject matter expert regarding these issues;

Prepares complex journal entries including debt, investments and annual full-accrual conversion adjustments and other audit related annual adjustments;

Collaborates across the organization to facilitate the monthly and annual general ledger close;

Participates in the financial statement preparation (Annual Comprehensive Financial Report) and audit by preparing various schedules, detailed analytical reviews, narratives, and reconciliations; collaborates with external auditors and assists in addressing questions and resolving problems;

Serves as an advisor or reviewer for various reconciliations, reports, and complex analyses prepared by department accountants and related financial teams;

Maintains general ledger fund and account structure; coordinates with other accounting staff and departments to ensure budgetary and informational needs are met; Prepares interim reporting, including the quarterly report and other information as needed, coordinating with other staff to complete complimenting reports and other schedules; prepares complex charts and graphs; identifies key messages from complex data and summarizes into reader friendly materials;

Contributes, develops, and participates in recommendations on operational and technology changes in Finance and throughout Town; collaborates and contributes to implementation of change;

Reviews and approves operating and capital project budget adjustment requests; analyzes requirements and drafts budget adjustments; provides other assistance to departments and coordinates with Financial Strategy;

Involved in other reporting requirements; Prepares the Municipal Annual Financial Information Report (AFIR); prepares complex Unit Data Input Worksheet for submission to the North Carolina Local Government Commission and other regulatory agencies; develops complex financial reports to meet internal and regulatory requirements;

Coordinates year-end project closing; evaluates projects for capital status; adds to asset system if warranted; coordinates with other staff to ensure criteria for funding hierarchy is met;

Develops complex queries in order to extract the detailed financial information needed to prepare the ACFR and other financial reports; develops reports and queries required for cash flow analysis and project management; communicates information with internal staff, regulatory agencies, and external consultants;

Assists in optimizing the use of Oracle modules, including General Ledger, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, and Fixed Assets;

Assists in the development of financial policies and procedures, related documentation, and training;

Monitor grant compliance and ensure accurate reporting for federal, state, and local funding;

Supports project accounting by tracking expenditures, preparing cost reports, and ensuring alignment with budgeted allocations;

Works on special projects and performs other job-related tasks as required. 

You might be a good fit if you have...

• A “self-starter” mentality, pay exceptional attention to details, and strong financial modeling and problem-solving skills.
• Limitless curiosity and a growth-mindset driving you to learn more, experiment more and continuously evolve.
• The ability to be an effective partner with strong oral and written communication skills who successfully collaborates across departments.
• The ability to achieve results in a fast-paced, constantly evolving environment.
• Thorough knowledge of accounting practices and principles specifically related to governmental financial management.
• Demonstrated ability to build successful relationships with external auditors, consultants, and staff in the organization.
• The ability to adapt to new and changing technology while providing effective guidance to others within the department.
• Proven success in working under pressure on several projects simultaneously within time constraints.
• An AWESOME personality!

MINIMUM AND PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

A candidate must have a combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a closely related field and at least 3-4 experience in accounting. Preferences include: 

• Governmental/non-profit accounting 
• Auditing experience 
• CPA licensure 
• Experience with Oracle Financials