Accountant III

Overview & Benefits

Oakland County is more than just a workplace. It is a place where you can make a real difference. As one of Michigan’s leading public service organizations, we are committed to strengthening communities, delivering essential services, and improving the quality of life for nearly 1.3 million residents.

When you join our team, you become part of a mission-driven workforce guided by integrity, innovation, and a passion for public service. We offer competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and the opportunity to do meaningful work that matters. Apply today and help shape the future of Oakland County, where we are All Ways Moving Forward.

For more information about Oakland County benefits and employee perks, please visit:

https://www.oakgov.com/government/human-resources/benefits/new-hire

General Summary

Location: Waterford, MI
Compensation: $70,603 - $94,595 annually

Are you an accounting professional who enjoys solving complex financial challenges and helping drive sound fiscal decision-making?

Oakland County is seeking a skilled and analytical Accountant III to oversee complex accounting functions that support the County’s financial integrity and operational success. In this role, you'll maintain and analyze financial records, provide technical accounting expertise, support audits and regulatory compliance, and help improve accounting systems and processes across the organization.

This is an outstanding opportunity for someone who enjoys combining financial analysis, problem-solving, and process improvement while contributing to meaningful public service.

What you'll do:
Oversee complex accounting functions, financial records, and subsidiary ledgers for departmental and Countywide accounts such as the Childcare Fund.
Prepare financial statements, budget reports, cost analyses, and other statistical reports to support leadership decision-making
Provide technical expertise and guidance on complex accounting issues and unusual financial transactions
Coordinate and support special audits while ensuring compliance with federal, state, and County financial regulations
Analyze accounting systems and recommend process improvements to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and internal controls
Assist with the design and implementation of revised accounting systems and financial reporting processes
Monitor the accuracy and integrity of financial data and accounting applications
Utilize County financial systems and software to support daily accounting operations

Why you'll love it:
Play a key role in maintaining the financial integrity of one of Michigan's largest county governments
Apply your accounting expertise to complex financial challenges that make a meaningful impact on public services
Influence process improvements and modernize accounting systems that support organizational efficiency
Collaborate with experienced finance professionals on a wide variety of accounting, auditing, and reporting initiatives
Grow your expertise through challenging work, continuous learning, and opportunities for professional development
Enjoy the stability, competitive benefits, and rewarding career opportunities that come with public sector service

If you're a detail-oriented accounting professional who enjoys complex financial analysis, continuous improvement, and making a meaningful impact through sound fiscal stewardship, we'd love to hear from you.

Minimum Qualifications

EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Possess a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in Accounting, Business Administration, Finance, Economics, or a closely related field of study.
• Have had three (3) years of full-time professional accounting work experience.NOTE:   A Master's degree in one of the degree areas listed above may be substituted for one (1) year of the required experience.

ADDITIONAL DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience in the areas of governmental accounting, grant administration, and financial analysis.
• Considerable knowledge of governmental fund and general accounting principles and procedures.
• Considerable ability in the analysis of accounting systems and in the devising and installing of accounting systems, methods, and techniques.
• Considerable knowledge of laws and regulations relating to governmental accounting procedures.
• Considerable ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with County officials, administrators, employees, and the general public.
• Considerable knowledge of the organization and administration of County government and the functions of respective County departments.
• Reasonable ability to plan and direct the work of lower-level accountants and clerical staff and, in conjunction with others, evaluate that staff.
• Reasonable ability to utilize current word processing, spreadsheet, database, e-mail, and Internet software.
• Knowledge of computer operations and ability to use database software.
• Ability to present ideas effectively orally and in writing.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

• Functions as a working supervisor over a group of professional and clerical employees. 
• Instructs, assigns, checks, and appraises performance.
• Participates in decisions regarding hiring, firing, promotions and discipline.
• May regularly perform same duties as professional employees supervised. 
• When assigned to more complex financial areas such as Proprietary Fund Accounting, Grants Accounting, or Drain Accounting, may not have working supervisor responsibilities.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Maintains or supervises the maintenance of a complete set of accounting books including journals, general ledgers, and subsidiary financial records for the larger operating departments or for the entire County.
• Classifies records of financial transactions and ensures that posting is made to the appropriate general or subsidiary account.  May also ensure entries are input correctly to a computer system when applicable.
• Analyzes accounting systems and participates in the design and implementation of new revised accounting systems to improve the operational efficiency and accuracy of assigned accounting areas.  May design or revise computerized accounting systems when applicable.
• Prepares various financial, statistical, or special reports on a regular basis or as requested by supervision.  May include budget statements and projections, payroll calculating, reports used for cost analysis, bond ratings, retirement fund investments, reports required by federal and state agencies, County liability status reports, etc.
• Conducts internal audits on departmental records such as receipts and bills and verifies balances and charges to proper funds to ensure conformance with established policies and proper accounting practices. May participate in outside auditing agency selection when applicable.
• Provides technical expertise to representatives of operating departments in accounting procedures and federal regulations to be employed in the maintenance of records.
• Supervises the monthly reconciliation of bank accounts ensuring that internal accounting records correspond with bank statements.  May reconcile annual project accounts with general ledgers when applicable.
• Utilizes current Countywide and/or department specific software to complete assignments.

ESSENTIAL MENTAL & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to communicate to accurately convey information.

WORKING CONDITIONS                                                

• Work is performed in a typical office environment.

IMPORTANT NOTE:  The primary purpose of this job description is to set a fair and equitable salary range for this job classification.  Generally, only those key duties necessary for proper job evaluation and/or labor market analysis have been included. Other duties and responsibilities will be assigned by the supervisor.

Additional Minimum Qualifications

Union*

BU69 - United Auto Workers (UAW) Local 889: Management & Budget NON-Supv (UAW)

*If applicable

EEO Statement

We are committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity and will not discriminate against an applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances.

Inclusion Statement

Oakland County is committed to welcoming applicants from all backgrounds, including those with prior convictions, as we believe in providing equal opportunities for all. We value the unique perspectives and experiences each individual brings to our team and are dedicated to fostering an inclusive, supportive workplace. If you have the skills and qualifications for the position, we encourage you to apply. All candidates are evaluated based on their ability to meet the job requirements, legal obligations and thrive in our organization. All ways, MOVING FORWARD.