Special Projects Accountant (Short-term) in Galveston, Texas at Galveston Island Park Board of Trustees

Special Projects Accountant (Short-term)

The Galveston Park Board is seeking an experienced Special Projects Accountant to provide specialized governmental accounting and financial reporting support during a six-month assignment. This position is ideal for a detail-oriented accounting professional who enjoys tackling complex financial projects, improving processes, and helping an organization maintain accurate and transparent financial records.

Reporting to the Executive Director of Finance, this role will focus on financial reporting, reconciliations, audit preparation, and special accounting projects that support the Park Board's financial operations.

What You'll Do

• Prepare financial statement schedules, note disclosures, and supporting documentation for annual financial reporting.
• Assist with month-end and year-end closing activities, including account reconciliations and financial analyses.
• Prepare fund-to-government-wide conversion entries, consolidations, and other governmental accounting adjustments for independent review.
• Research and apply Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) pronouncements and assist with implementing new accounting standards.
• Review general ledger accounts, investigate discrepancies, and resolve outstanding reconciliation items.
• Prepare and reconcile capital asset, construction-in-progress, depreciation, and disposal schedules.
• Support grant and FEMA financial reporting, reimbursement reconciliations, and project closeout activities.
• Prepare audit schedules and supporting documentation for external auditors.
• Analyze budget-to-actual results, restricted revenues, and unusual financial activity.
• Develop project timelines, provide regular progress updates, and document procedures and findings.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen financial reporting, internal controls, and accounting processes.
• Provide knowledge transfer and documentation to permanent Finance staff before the assignment concludes.

All accounting entries, schedules, and recommendations are subject to independent review and approval. This position does not have transaction approval, asset custody, or routine transaction-processing responsibilities.

What We're Looking For

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
• At least five years of progressively responsible governmental accounting experience, including financial statement preparation, fund accounting, and GASB reporting.
• Experience preparing governmental financial statements, note disclosures, conversion entries, and audit schedules.
• Strong understanding of governmental accounting principles, financial controls, and reporting requirements.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel and experience using financial or ERP systems.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple project deadlines independently while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to explain financial information clearly.
• Commitment to confidentiality, integrity, and sound professional judgment.

Preferred Qualifications

• CPA, CGFM, CGFO, CPFO, or comparable professional certification.
• Experience preparing annual comprehensive financial reports or reports submitted for the GFOA Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting.
• Experience implementing GASB standards.
• Knowledge of grant and FEMA accounting, capital asset reporting, and single-audit requirements.
• Familiarity with Texas local government accounting and financial reporting requirements.

Certifications & Licenses

• Must possess a valid Class C Driver's License.

Schedule & Assignment Duration

• Monday through Thursday: Onsite, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
• This is a full-time, six-month contract assignment beginning on the employee's start date.
• Any extension beyond the initial six-month term requires written approval.
• Occasional evenings, weekends, or holidays may be required based on operational needs.

Physical & Work Environment

• Primarily office-based, requiring extended periods of sitting, computer use, and reviewing financial documents.
• May require occasional standing, walking, bending, and lifting up to 25 pounds.
• Occasional local travel may be required.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

About the Galveston Park Board

The Galveston Park Board of Trustees is a governmental organization dedicated to making Galveston Island a better place for residents and visitors alike. Through Visit Galveston, Coastal Zone Management, and Galveston Island Beach Patrol, we support tourism, protect our coastline, enhance public spaces, and serve our island community.

Our work is guided by a commitment to public service, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Join Our Team

If you're an experienced governmental accounting professional who enjoys solving complex financial challenges and making a meaningful impact, we encourage you to apply.

Join the Galveston Park Board and contribute your expertise to projects that support the financial stewardship of Galveston Island.