Accounts Payable Compliance Accountant

Location: 14 S. Ft. Harrison Ave, Clearwater, FL 33756 

Schedule: Hybrid available post training

The Clerk’s Serving You spirit and your analytical process improvement focus will be the center of our Division. The Accounts Payable Compliance Accountant is responsible for developing quality assurance programs including conducting regular audits and compliance reviews within the Accounts Payable Department to ensure adherence to regulatory and statutory requirements. Reporting directly to the Senior Manager of Accounts Payable, this role focuses on identifying and driving process improvements, issuing department-wide training on compliance requirements, and staying informed on regulatory changes to promote the responsible use of taxpayer funds. This individual will collaborate with Accounts Payable team members to provide continuous improvement training and feedback to promote accuracy, efficiency, and accountability in all payable processes. Additionally, this role will be responsible for providing guidance, recommendations, and solutions to leadership on complex matters requiring research of local, state, and federal guidelines on topics such as disbursements, taxation treatment, accounting, and other financial matters.

What Would You Do?

Audit and Compliance Reviews 

• Implement quality assurance programs and conduct routine sampling audits and compliance checks of accounts payable transactions to ensure accuracy and adherence to established policies, vendor management protocols, and statutory requirements. 
• Regularly sample vendor records to verify compliance with vendor management standards and contract terms, ensuring all transactions align with policies governing public funds. o Evaluate transactions and processes for compliance with GAAP, the Prompt Payment Act, and specific local, state, and federal requirements surrounding the expenditure of public funds. 

Training and Continuous Improvement

• Stay informed of regulatory guidelines and legislative changes affecting public sector financial processes, ensuring the Accounts Payable Department is aware of and compliant with these standards.
• Conduct department-wide training on laws, regulations, and best practices, equipping team members with the knowledge to uphold compliance in all aspects of accounts payable. 
• Provide training and constructive feedback to Finance Operations Technicians, Specialists, and Analysts to enhance adherence to compliance measures and best practices. 
• Provide feedback to Finance Operations Supervisors to assist with staff performance reviews as it relates to compliance measures. 
• Promote continuous improvement by identifying areas for process enhancements, coordinating with team members to implement changes, and ensuring processes are optimized for efficiency and compliance. 

Collaboration and Reporting 

• Serve as a liaison with the Office of the Inspector General and external auditors, facilitates internal audits and ensures that all required documentation is readily available and accurate. 
• Coordinate with the Senior Manager of Accounts Payable to address any compliance concerns, propose process improvements, and stay current on new local, state, and federal requirements and legislative changes affecting accounts payable. 
• Develop, monitor, and report on established compliance measures within Accounts Payable and the Finance Division 
• Research and advise on complex compliance matters impacting Accounts Payable and the Finance Division including providing guidance and recommendations to senior leadership. 

Documentation and Record-Keeping 

• Maintain detailed records of audit findings, compliance reviews, and any identified areas for improvement, ensuring a clear audit trail for all transactions. 
• Ensure that all compliance training materials and resources are current, comprehensive, and aligned with the latest regulatory updates.

What Do You Need To Have? 

Education: degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field  

Experience: professional experience in accounts payable or audit roles, preferably in a government or public sector environment.

• At least 7 years of experience as described above; or
• Associate degree as described above and at least 5 years of experience as described above; or
• Bachelor’s degree as described above and at least 3 years of experience as described above; or
• Master’s degree as described above and at least 1 year of experience as described above.

Preferred

• Familiarity with government audits as well as local, state, and federal governmental finance regulations is a plus. 
• Strong knowledge of GAAP, the Prompt Payment Act, and other regulatory requirements specific to public sector finance. 
• Proven ability to conduct detailed audits, analyze transaction data, and identify potential compliance risks. 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, able to provide clear feedback and training across all levels of the organization up to and including executive leadership.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

• Detail-oriented and thorough, with a proactive approach to identifying and addressing compliance issues. 
• Strong problem-solving skills with a focus on process improvement and efficiency. 
• Ability to leverage technology efficiently to provide detailed analysis and reporting. 
• Self-starter who values collaboration and maintains high ethical standards.

Our benefits rank among the top in the area!

• Looking for a strong retirement? We have you covered as members of the Florida Retirement System (FRS) with investment and pension options.
• We have deferred compensation programs and wellness centers to name a few perks. Check out these and more!

Want To Learn More?

Please review the full classification description with the Physical/Mental Demands and Working Conditions at the below link.

Finance Accountant 1, 150