Lead Accountant in Hattiesburg, Mississippi at Forrest General Hospital

Job Summary:

The Lead Accountant position reports directly to the Controller and supports all functions of the Finance Department of Forrest General Hospital. Those functions include, but are not limited to, development and preparation of financial analyses, account reconciliations, budgets, as well as financial modeling and reports used by management in the decision-making process. This also includes establishing and following procedures to ensure accurate collection, summarization, reporting and interpretation of general ledger, budget, statistical and all other financial data. The Lead Accountant also shares responsibility for oversite and maintenance of the operating systems used by Finance for the collection and reporting of financial data. This position may be required to perform other job duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education/Skills:

A Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting is required. A Master's degree is preferred. Must be proficient in Microsoft Excel.

Work Experience:

Minimum of five years previous experience in a hospital and/or manufacturing accounting environment is preferred. Experience in Microsoft Office is required.

Certification/Licensure—DUE UPON HIRE

• Certification as a Public Accountant or Eligibility to sit for CPA Examination - Preferred

Mental Demands:

Must continuously listen and visualize. Must have strong analytical and reasoning abilities. Must be able to perform as a team member, cooperate with others, follow directions precisely, demonstrate initiative, set priorities, and function under stress. Must be able to multitask. Above average written and verbal communication skills are necessary. Must be able to work with minimal supervision. Must be service minded and customer focused.

The following are the performance expectations for this position:

Professional Knowledge:

Description: Demonstrate a proficient level of professional skill and/or knowledge in accounting and keep current with developments and trends. Knowledge and ability to use applicable information technology and systems to meet work needs.

Behavioral Criteria:

• Independently interpret and apply thorough knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles and their application to governmental accounting.
• Apply thorough knowledge of applicable information technology to perform accounting duties. May assist with the development and implementation of approved system changes.

Financial Monitoring & Analysis:

Description: Monitor and collect data to assess accuracy and integrity; analyze data; ensure compliance with applicable standards, rules, regulations and systems of internal control; interpret and evaluate results, prepare documentation; create financial reports.

Behavioral Criteria:

• Compile, monitor, examine, and audit various moderately complex financial statements/reports/accounts for accuracy, integrity and conformance to accounting guidelines.
• Prepare, disseminate and interpret financial reports.
• Serve as technical advisor on fiscal management and reporting issues.
• Evaluate systems of control and recommend improvements/changes.

Decision Making:

Description: Ability to understand issues, identify problems and opportunities to determine the appropriate course of action.

Behavioral Criteria:

• Assess and resolve, where possible, problems that require research and review of policy and procedures and regulations.
• Apply judgment for problem resolutions based on delegated authority.

Communication and Interpersonal Skills:

Description: Communicate information to individuals or groups; deliver presentations suited to the characteristics and needs of the audience.

Behavioral Criteria:

• Prepare written and/or technical products which convey concise, comprehensive and accurate findings and conform to guidelines; provide appropriate documentation to support conclusions.
• Demonstrate an ability to establish effective working relationships that foster organizational success.