Senior Staff Accountant

Responsibilities

 The Institute for Building Technology and Safety (IBTS) is hiring a Senior Staff Accountant to support financial operations for the newly incorporated City of Central, Louisiana. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the establishment of municipal financial systems by performing key accounting tasks, supporting grant reporting, and ensuring accurate and compliant financial practices. The Senior Staff Accountant will work under the direction of IBTS finance leadership to carry out a wide range of routine and technical accounting duties.

Key Responsibilities

Accounting and Financial Reporting

• Prepare journal entries, reconcile accounts, and maintain general ledger transactions in accordance with GAAP and GASB.
• Assist with monthly and annual closing processes and preparation of financial statements.
• Generate routine reports for internal use and external stakeholders, including budget-to-actual comparisons.
• Support the preparation of financial schedules and documentation for the annual audit.
• Other duties as assigned.

Budget and Financial Support

• Assist in tracking departmental expenditures and verifying budget compliance.
• Compile financial data and assist in preparing budget reports and forecasts.
• Maintain records for capital projects and restricted funds.

Grant Accounting

• Monitor and review financial data associated with state and federal grant programs.
• Prepare financial reports for grant-funded activities in coordination with program staff.
• Ensure grant expenses are properly documented and compliant with funding guidelines.
• Support internal tracking of grant budgets, spending, and drawdown schedules.

Compliance and Internal Processes

• Follow established financial policies and procedures.
• Assist with the implementation of new financial systems and software tools.
• Help document workflows and recommend process improvements to ensure accuracy and efficiency.
• Performs other duties as required by the Program Director and/or Finance Director.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field. – OR – A minimum of five (5) years of directly relevant professional accounting experience may be substituted in lieu of a degree.
• 3–5 years of experience in accounting, preferably in a governmental or nonprofit setting.
• Familiarity with fund accounting principles and governmental financial standards (GAAP/GASB).
• Hands-on experience preparing reconciliations, journal entries, and financial reports.
• Proficiency in Excel and financial software systems (e.g., QuickBooks, Tyler Munis, or equivalent).
• Must possess a valid Louisiana Driver’s License at the time of hiring.

Key Skills/Competencies for this position

• Understanding of municipal budgeting and procurement processes.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities under deadlines.
• Effective communication skills for working with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Physical/Environmental Demands for this position, when such demands exist.

• May require occasional attendance at evening meetings

Personal Qualities

IBTS places a high value on certain personal traits that work toward creating a positive, supportive work environment, which is essential for working together and achieving success.  We believe that the manner in which you achieve your results is equally important as the results themselves. The following are key personal traits essential for success in roles within our organization.

• Strategic/Innovative Thinking
• Professional and Effective Interpersonal Skills
• Delegation with Team Accountability
• Risk Evaluation/Management/Mitigation

Company Overview

Bring your passion, expertise, and experience to IBTS, where we appreciate and are committed to our employees. We offer outstanding benefits, growth opportunities, and work hard to maintain a culture that values our employees. 

The Institute for Building Technology and Safety (IBTS) is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization established to provide unbiased professional building code compliance services, while enhancing the communities in which we work. At IBTS, our mission is to deliver quality services to meet the challenges of governance at all levels while enhancing public safety, economic development, and the general welfare of the community. Our services include Building and Community Development, Energy and Sustainability Services, Disaster Planning and Recovery, Quality Assurance, as well as Compliance and Risk Monitoring.

IBTS is headquartered in Ashburn, VA, with additional offices in Louisiana, Missouri, New York, Puerto Rico, and Washington, DC.

We are committed to building a community of experts with diverse backgrounds, disciplines, and perspectives who are passionate about our mission. IBTS is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer that maintains a diverse and inclusive workforce.  All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or sexual orientation. This opportunity is open to Section S3 Residents.  Veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Explore the opportunities!