Senior Accountant

SUMMARY

The City of Saco is seeking a highly skilled and detail-oriented Senior Accountant to join our Finance Department. This position plays a key role in maintaining the City’s financial integrity by overseeing accounting operations, preparing financial statements, ensuring compliance with governmental regulations, and supporting budgetary processes. The Senior Accountant will work closely with the Finance Director to provide accurate financial reporting, assist with audits, and enhance financial policies and procedures.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

This position reports to the Finance Director or their designee but requires the ability to work independently. This position does not have supervisory responsibilities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Maintain the City’s general ledger, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) regulations.
• Prepare and analyze financial statements, reports, and reconciliations for internal and external stakeholders.
• Assist in the preparation and monitoring of the City’s annual budget, including forecasting and financial planning.
• Manage grant accounting, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local grant requirements.
• Reconcile bank accounts, investment accounts, and other financial records on a regular basis.
• Support the annual external audit by preparing schedules, reports, and responding to auditor inquiries.
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal financial reporting requirements, including tax filings.
• Develop and implement internal controls to enhance financial efficiency and safeguard city assets.
• Assist in the administration of payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and other financial transactions as needed.
• Provide financial analysis and recommendations to city leadership to support decision-making.
• Stay up-to-date on changes in accounting regulations and best practices relevant to municipal finance.

NECESSARY KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES:

• Proficiency in governmental accounting software (e.g., MUNIS or similar).
• Strong knowledge of GAAP, GASB, and financial reporting standards.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and experience with financial modeling.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.

OTHER DUTIES:

This job description is not a complete listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field required. Minimum of 5 years of progressive accounting experience, preferably in governmental or fund accounting. A combination of education and experience will be considered. CPA, CGFM, or CPFO certification preferred but not required. Experience with municipal finance is strongly preferred.

TOOLS & EQUIPMENT USED:

Candidate must demonstrate considerable knowledge on the usage, manipulation, and development of electronic documents in Microsoft Office Word, Excel, and Power Point. Experience using MUNIS is preferred.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Work is primarily performed in an office setting and requires prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Occasional walking, standing, bending, and reaching may be required. Requires the ability to operate standard office equipment such as computers, printers, calculators, and telephones. Ability to communicate effectively both in person and through electronic means, requiring clear speech and hearing. May occasionally require light lifting or carrying of items such as files, documents, and office supplies (typically under 20 pounds).

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment is typically a quiet, climate-controlled office setting. May involve occasional attendance at evening meetings, such as City Council or committee sessions. Subject to deadlines and the pressures of managing multiple tasks and priorities simultaneously. Limited travel may be required for training, conferences, or meetings with external stakeholders. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

SELECTION GUIDELINES:

Employment applications, letter of intent, and a resume are required for all external applicants. Candidates will be interviewed as applicable, subject to a reference checking process and ranked according to education, experience, job knowledge, and skills as related to the position.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:

The City of Saco is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic as defined by law. We value and encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply and join our team, fostering a work environment where everyone is respected and has the opportunity to thrive.