Walton County Sheriff's Office - Accounting Manager (Budget)

Position Summary 

The Accounting Manager (Budget) performs professional financial and analytical work supporting the development, implementation, and oversight of the agency’s budget. This position serves as a key liaison between divisions and command staff, ensuring accurate financial reporting, compliance with applicable laws and policies, and effective fiscal management. Responsibilities include preparing and monitoring budgets, analyzing revenues and expenditures, developing financial projections, processing budget amendments and purchasing transactions, and providing clear, data-driven recommendations to support operational and strategic decision-making. The role also assists with financial reporting, presentations, and audits while maintaining strong internal controls and supporting transparency and accountability across the organization. The Accounting Manager provides direct supervision, guidance, and training for staff performing clerical to moderately complex accounting tasks, ensuring compliance with internal controls, policies, and applicable regulations.  This position requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate effectively with staff across all levels of the organization. A thorough understanding of accounting principles, payroll systems, and financial reporting is essential.

Qualifications

• Education – Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university with a major in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field.
• Experience – 5 years related experience
• Or any equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required competencies to perform the job.
• Valid Driver License

Essential Job Functions

• This list of functions, duties, responsibilities, skills, and physical abilities is not intended to be all-inclusive, and the employer reserves the right to assign additional functions and responsibilities as deemed necessary.
• Supervises staff to include prioritizing and assigning work; conducting performance evaluations; ensuring employees are trained; ensuring that employees follow policies and procedures; maintaining a healthy and safe working environment; and making hiring, termination, and disciplinary recommendations.
• Supervises the day-to-day activities of the accounting, payroll, accounts payable, fixed assets, budgets, audits, and special projects including budget development, monitoring, forecasting, and financial planning activities. This includes coordinating, administering, and evaluating processes, procedures, systems, and standards; ensures compliance with Federal, State, and local laws, regulations, codes, and/or standards.
• Monitors and reviews interdepartmental financial and account maintenance and transaction activities for updating purposes.
• Supervises and reviews the posting of accounting data to accounts from various source documents, and the processing of all changes in source data upon verification of information.
• Maintains and analyzes fiscal records and audits; performs monthly/annual reconciliation and review for records data and/or accounts.
• Evaluates receipts, expenditure forms, purchase orders, distributions, and disbursement orders for the purpose of ensuring compliance with established regulatory standards.
• Oversees the verification of financial records and accounting data for correct posting, calculating, accuracy, and completeness.
• Assists auditors with records or related information for year-end closing activities.
• Assists with the preparation, development, and administration of the Sheriff's Office annual budget in coordination with the CFO, command staff, and division leaders.
• Monitors budgeted revenues and expenditures and provides recommendations regarding resource allocation and fiscal sustainability.
• Develops financial projections and forecasts to support operational and strategic planning.
• Prepares and reviews budget amendments, transfers, and supporting documentation as required.
• Serves as a liaison to agency divisions on budget-related matters, providing guidance on budget procedures, financial policies, and best practices.
• Produces financial analyses, reports, and presentations for executive leadership, governing bodies, and stakeholders.
• Researches and interprets applicable laws, regulations, policies, and accounting standards impacting budgeting and financial operations.
• Assists with tracking and evaluating the fiscal impact of programs, initiatives, grants, and special projects.
• Interprets provisions of policies, procedures and collective bargaining agreements in order to assure the accurate preparation of payroll; assures consistency in application of pertinent rules and regulations.
• Prepares monthly retirement reports and payments, quarterly and annual payroll tax returns, annual financial statements, and payment vouchers in compliance with governmental reporting standards.
• Establishes and maintains effective intra- and interdepartmental communications to promote efficiency and consistency with agency mission, goals, and objectives.
• Attends, facilitates, and/or participates in various staff, agency, and committee meetings.
• Regular and prompt job attendance.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Skills

• Proficient in budget development, financial analysis, and governmental accounting principles
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills with the ability to interpret complex financial data
• Advanced proficiency in spreadsheets and financial management systems
• Ability to prepare clear, accurate, and concise financial reports and presentations
• Knowledge of public sector budgeting processes, internal controls, and compliance requirements
• Skill in reviewing and processing financial transactions for accuracy and adherence to policy
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to research, interpret, and apply laws, regulations, and policies
• Strong organizational and time management skills with attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and priorities simultaneously

Key Competencies 

• Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
• Financial Acumen
• Attention to Detail
• Integrity and Accountability
• Communication and Interpersonal Effectiveness
• Collaboration and Teamwork
• Sound Judgment and Decision-Making
• Adaptability and Flexibility
• Initiative and Self-Direction
• Confidentiality and Professionalism
• Customer Service Orientation (internal and external stakeholders)
• Strategic Thinking and Planning

Physical Requirements 

• Extended periods of sitting at a desk using a computer
• Frequent use of hands for data entry, document handling, and writing
• Reading financial reports, spreadsheets, and computer screens
• Ability to lift and carry office materials, such as files or boxes (typically up to 10 lbs.)
• Moving between departments or attending in-person meetings
• Engaging in conversations in person, over the phone, and in group settings
• Consistent availability during standard business hours with punctuality

The Walton County Sheriff's Office is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Walton County Sheriff's Office will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

Veterans are encouraged to apply. Pursuant to applicable state and federal law, preference and priority shall be given to certain service members and veterans (including spouses and family members of such service members and veterans), and certain service members may be eligible for a waiver of post-secondary educational requirements as provided in Chapter 295, Florida Statutes.