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Chief Accountant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Chief Deputy Auditor

Coupeville, WA · On-site

$99K - $107K/yr

They lead the accounting department, supervise staff, manage audits, and provide strategic financial analysis to optimize accountability. The responsibilities of a chief accounting officer (CAO ...

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Chief Accountant information

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$45.5K

$133.4K

$187.5K

How much do chief accountant jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for chief accountant in the United States is $133,418.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $97,000.00 and $164,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a chief accountant do?

A chief accountant oversees an organization’s accounting operations, including financial reporting, compliance, and internal controls. They prepare financial statements, manage accounting staff, and ensure adherence to accounting standards and regulations, often using accounting software and requiring relevant certifications like CPA.

What are the typical challenges Chief Accountants face when managing month-end and year-end closing processes?

Chief Accountants often encounter challenges during month-end and year-end closings, such as coordinating tight deadlines, ensuring accuracy across multiple ledger accounts, and managing last-minute adjustments. They must collaborate closely with various departments to gather required documentation and resolve discrepancies quickly. Additionally, Chief Accountants are responsible for reviewing and approving financial statements, which requires a strong attention to detail and the ability to handle pressure efficiently. Effective communication and proactive planning are key to overcoming these challenges and ensuring a smooth closing process.

Can you make $500,000 a year as an accountant?

Chief accountants in large corporations or specialized fields such as forensic accounting or financial management can potentially earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications like CPA or CMA, and leadership roles. However, such high salaries are uncommon for standard accounting positions and typically require senior-level responsibilities and a high level of expertise.

What Is a Chief Accountant?

A chief accountant is responsible for a company’s financial management plans. Your job duties as chief accountant include overseeing the accounting department, developing financial strategies, making investment decisions, helping company leadership with strategic planning, and making sure the company complies with state and federal financial regulations. To pursue a career as a chief accountant, you need the following qualifications: a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field, significant experience in financial management, licensure as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), and excellent leadership and communication skills.

What is the salary of a chief accountant?

The salary of a chief accountant varies depending on experience, location, and industry, but typically ranges from $60,000 to $120,000 annually. Senior professionals with certifications like CPA or CMA and strong financial management skills tend to earn higher salaries. Compensation may also include bonuses and benefits based on company size and performance.

What is the difference between Chief Accountant vs Senior Accountant?

AspectChief AccountantSenior Accountant
QualificationsTypically requires a CPA or equivalent, with extensive accounting experienceUsually requires a bachelor's degree in accounting or finance, with several years of experience
Work EnvironmentOversees accounting departments, manages financial reporting, and ensures compliancePerforms complex accounting tasks, prepares financial statements, and supports audits
ResponsibilitiesLeadership of accounting team, financial strategy, and reporting oversightDetailed accounting work, reconciliations, and assisting in financial analysis

The main difference between a Chief Accountant and a Senior Accountant lies in their level of responsibility and scope. The Chief Accountant typically holds a leadership role, overseeing the entire accounting department and ensuring compliance with regulations. In contrast, the Senior Accountant focuses on executing complex accounting tasks and supporting the team. Both roles require strong accounting credentials, but the Chief Accountant's position involves more strategic oversight and management.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Chief Accountant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Chief Accountant, you need a deep understanding of accounting principles, financial reporting, and regulatory compliance, typically supported by a degree in accounting or finance and relevant certifications such as CPA or ACCA. Expertise in accounting software like SAP, Oracle, or QuickBooks is essential, along with proficiency in spreadsheets and financial analysis tools. Strong analytical thinking, leadership, and effective communication skills help manage teams and liaise with stakeholders. These skills ensure accurate financial management, compliance, and strategic decision-making for organizational success.

Is chief accountant a high position?

A chief accountant is a senior financial professional responsible for overseeing accounting operations, financial reporting, and compliance within an organization. It is generally considered a high-level position that requires extensive experience, accounting certifications such as CPA, and strong leadership skills.
What cities are hiring for Chief Accountant jobs? Cities with the most Chief Accountant job openings:
What states have the most Chief Accountant jobs? States with the most job openings for Chief Accountant jobs include:
Chief Accountant - Central Accounting

Chief Accountant - Central Accounting

City of Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale, FL

$76K - $119K/yr

Other

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

POSITION SUMMARY This is responsible financial, administrative and supervisory work of considerable difficulty assisting the Director of Finance, Controller or Treasurer by planning and directing the activities of professional and clerical staff in the management of the City's Central Accounting or Treasury Divisions and with financial reporting. Performs complex professional level accounting duties, including general ledger reconciliation, financial reporting, audit preparation, grant reporting and payroll. Performs complex financial analysis for various programs within the city; and performs a variety of professional accounting functions relative to assigned areas of responsibility.

An employee in this class exercises considerable initiative and independent judgment in planning, installing, revising and maintaining accounting procedures and in the preparation of statements and reports. This job classification is included within the bargaining unit represented by Federation of Public Employees and therefore is subject to the terms and conditions of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the City of Fort Lauderdale and Federation of Public Employees. This is a Management Category III position which includes six (6) additional Management Vacation Days and a Vehicle Allowance of $250/month.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS Essential functions are the basic job duties that an employee must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation. The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. The omission of a function does not preclude management from assigning essential duties not listed herein if such duties relate to the position.

Plans, directs and supervises the work of professional and clerical accounting staff assuring work is performed in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), departmental guidelines and applicable regulatory requirements Assists with internal and external audits, gathers and presents requested documents, and provides explanations of departmental policies and procedures Ensures an accurate and timely month-end and year-end closing and in preparation of the City's Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) Approves journal entries, wires and other documents prepared by employees supervised Analyzes existing organization and systems in order to develop and recommend new work procedures, controls and forms to promote efficient and effective operations for fiscal management. Participates with the Information Technology Services Department in the design and development of, and acts as departmental liaison for procurement and implementation of financial management systems. Prepares and reviews reports for upper management, policymakers, and other departments.

Performs related work as required Assigned to the Central Accounting Division: Coordinates all requests and responses to external auditors regarding the ACFR Participates in the development of citywide budgets, the departmental budget, and monitors citywide and capital expenditures during the fiscal year Recommends to the Controller the establishment of new funds, accounts and policies to ensure compliance with laws, regulations and GAAP applicable to governmental agencies Manages various accounting functions such as recording capital assets and pensions. JOB REQUIREMENTS, PREFERENCES & WORK ENVIRONMENT Bachelor's Degree in Accounting or Finance. Three (3) to five (5) years of progressively responsible accounting and/or fiscal management experience.

Three (3) years in municipal accounting and auditing Two (2) years supervisory experience required. Additional qualifying experience or completion of coursework at an accredited college or university in a job-related field, may substitute on a year-for-year basis for the required experience or education. If claiming Veterans' Preference, you must attach a copy of the DD214 Member 4 form (or other supporting claim documents) to your on-line application.

Preferences: A Master's degree from an accredited college or university in accounting, finance, or business administration or any of the following professional certifications: Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Government Finance Officer (CGFO) designation, Certified Public Finance Officer (CPFO) designation, or Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM) designation. As public servants, employees may be required to work immediately before, during, and/or after an emergency. All employees must be available and able to work assigned shifts as determined by their Department Heads.

PHYSICAL STANDARDS REQUIRED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: The position is generally sedentary. Employees sit most of the time but may walk or stand for brief periods of time. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. HOW TO APPLY & SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION Applicants who qualify will be subject to an extensive selection process and screening program, which may include, but not be limited to evaluation of training and experience; written test; interview; employment record, background check; medical examination; and drug screen. The expected duration of the selection process varies by position.

The City of Fort Lauderdale is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, inclusive employer and a Drug Free Workplace. The City of Fort Lauderdale does not discriminate based on age, citizenship status, color, disability, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. Veterans' preference per Florida law.

For technical support with your application, contact GovernmentJobs.com from 9 am to 9 pm EST, Monday to Friday, at (855) 524-5627 or emailsupport@governmentjobs.com.