Accounting Director - Jefferson Parish, LA

Accounting Director - Jefferson Parish, LA

Parish of Jefferson, LA

Jefferson Parish, LA (pop. 434,893). One of the most populous parishes in the state, Jefferson Parish is seeking a conscientious and productive public finance professional to serve as its next Accounting Director. This is an exciting opportunity to have a meaningful impact in a vibrant New Orleans area community with a strong urban business center and family-friendly green spaces.

Jefferson Parish is located in southeast Louisiana, stretching 60 miles between the south shore of Lake Pontchartrain and the shores of the Gulf of Mexico. The Mississippi River bisects the parish into two parts, the east and west banks, over 300 square miles comprised of unincorporated areas, and cities that include Kenner, Harahan, Gretna, Westwego, Jean Lafitte, and the Town of Grand Isle.

The Accounting Director provides strategic and operational leadership for the accounting functions of a consolidated local government with an annual operating budget exceeding $1 billion and a staff of ~3,400 funded positions. The role is responsible for ensuring the integrity of financial records, the effectiveness of accounting operations, and compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. This position plays a critical part in supporting transparent government operations and informed decision-making across departments serving the community. The Accounting Director reports to the Finance Director and manages a team of up to 30 staff members within the 50-member Finance Department.

Key Responsibilities

• Financial Leadership: Oversee all accounting operations, including general ledger, accounts payable/receivable, payroll, grants accounting, capital assets, and debt service.
• Financial Reporting: Direct the preparation, accuracy, and integrity of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements, ensuring compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) standards, and other relevant regulations.
• Audit Coordination: Manage the annual external audit process, liaising with auditors and ensuring timely completion of the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) and other required filings.
• Budget Support: Collaborate with the budget office and department heads in budget development, monitoring, forecasting, and reporting activities.
• Internal Controls: Design, implement, and monitor robust internal controls and accounting policies to safeguard public assets and ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements.
• Team Leadership: Supervise, mentor, and develop a team of accounting professionals; foster an environment of growth, best practices, and ethics.
• System Oversight: Oversee financial management systems ensuring data integrity and integration with other enterprise systems; lead modernization or ERP upgrade initiatives where necessary.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, business administration, finance or related field with at least 3 years work experience in governmental accounting or similar accounting experience; OR 10 years of significant experience in the field of governmental accounting; OR A licensed certified public accountant with 3 years of professional work experience.
• Preferred qualifications include:

o Master's degree or MBA preferred.

o At least 8 years of progressively responsible accounting or financial management experience, including 3+ years in a supervisory or managerial role.

o Experience/advanced knowledge of governmental fund accounting, GAAP, GASB, and financial systems (ERP experience highly beneficial).

o Demonstrated ability to lead and develop professional teams, manage complex projects, and communicate complex financial data clearly.

o Exceptional problem-solving, organizational, and analytical skills; high ethical standards; strong interpersonal and presentation skills.

o Experience with large-scale, consolidated government entities and annual budgets of $500M+.

Compensation and Benefits

The position offers a starting salary up to $134,690 depending on experience with opportunities for additional remuneration based upon tenure. Jefferson Parish offers a competitive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision insurance; paid vacation, sick leave, holidays, and personal days; auto and phone allowance; participation in the Parochial Employees' Retirement System and Deferred Compensation (457) plan, wellness program, and professional development opportunities.

How to Apply

Apply online at www.GovHRjobs.com with a resume, cover letter and contact information for five professional references by first reading date of May 1, 2026 for best consideration. Open until filled. Confidential inquiries may be directed to Maureen Barry, MGT Senior Consultant at 847-380-3240, x116.

Jefferson Parish is an Equal Opportunity Employer