Director of Accounting
Apply NowCompany: Frederick County, MD
Location: Childs, MD 21916
Description:
Salary: $120,436.00 - $192,967.00 Annually
Location : Winchester Hall - Frederick, MD
Job Type: Full-time Regular
Job Number: FY25-00670
Department: Finance
Division: Accounting Office
Opening Date: 03/21/2025
Closing Date: 4/18/2025 4:00 PM Eastern
JOB INFORMATION
Exempt; full-time; 40 hours per week; Monday - Friday; 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.; full-benefits
This professional role oversees the daily operations of the Accounting Department within the Finance Division of Frederick County Government, ensuring efficient and effective management of its functions. Supervision is given to professional, technical and office support staff. Supervision is received from the Director of Finance.
Frederick County Government values the principles of diversity and inclusion, and strives to ensure equal opportunities for its workforce, applicants and community members. If you are a person who wants to make a difference, give back to your community, and be a voice for change, apply to Frederick County Government today.
TOTAL COMPENSATION PACKAGE:
Frederick County offers an extensive compensation package to reflect how highly we value our employees. The following is what you can expect in your first year as a full-time benefited Frederick County Government employee.
For more information, visit our benefits page on the Frederick County Government job opportunities webpage
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Any single position may not be assigned all duties listed above, nor do the examples cover all duties that may be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS
The qualifications/requirements, knowledge/skills/abilities and physical requirements or working conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION / EXAMINATION PROCESS
1) An evaluation of training and experience
2) One or more interviews
Retirement Plan:
A defined benefit retirement plan is provided for all regular County employees. Employees are automatically enrolled in either the Uniformed Plan (5 year vesting) or the Non-Uniformed Plan (5 year vesting, effective 07/01/2024) depending upon position classification. The majority of support for the plan is provided by the County; however, employees are required to make a mandatory pre-tax contribution towards their benefit. Retirement benefits are payable at normal, early or delayed retirement. Retirement benefits are also payable upon termination and in the event of death or disability.
Health Insurance:
County employees have a choice of two medical insurance plans, an In-Network (HMO) Plan or a High Deductible medical plan with a Health Care Savings Account, to provide coverage for medical and surgical expenses, hospital and emergency care expenses, mental health expenses and prescription drugs. The County and participants share in the cost of the health insurance with the employee having the benefit of pre tax contribution deductions. Medical insurance goes into effect on the first day of active employment.
Dental Insurance:
Employees may select coverage from one of three dental plan options, ranging from a PPO plan to a dental HMO plan. Coverage includes preventive care, fillings, crowns, bridges and dentures, and the cost of dental insurance is shared by both the County and the employee. Dental insurance goes into effect on the first day of the month that follows the eligible employee's completion of 30 days of active employment
NOTE: Employees working 75% or greater of a 35 or 40 hour position are eligible for health & dental insurance.
Flexible Spending Accounts:
The Flex Spending plan allows employees to pay health and day care expenses with pre-tax dollars. Employees may set aside part of their salary in a special account that can be used throughout the year to reimburse themselves for out-of-pocket medical expenses. The maximum contribution is $2,700 per year for Health Care Spending and $5,000 for Dependent Care Spending (work-related day care expenses). Examples of expenses that can be reimbursed for Health Care Spending include, but are not limited to: deductibles, co-payments, dental fees, chiropractors' services, and eyeglasses / contact lenses.
Life Insurance:
Employees are insured for 2 times their annual salary in case of death plus 2 times their annual salary for accidental death. Employees do not contribute to the premiums for this coverage. A Voluntary Life Insurance Program is offered to regular County employees. The plan allows employees to purchase individually owned term life insurance for themselves, spouses and dependents.
Savings Plan - Deferred Compensation:
The County offers a Section 457 Plan. Deferred compensation plans allow participants to save for retirement in either a pre tax or post tax (Roth) investment account. Contributions are invested at the employee's direction into one or more of the variety of investment options offered by the plan. Changes may be made to the contribution levels, investment options, etc. at any time.
Educational Reimbursement Program:
County employees who have successfully passed their probationary period may take up to two job-related courses per semester at any accredited educational institution. The benefit also covers the costs of job-related non-credit courses. If the employee receives a grade of at least a C, or successfully passes a non-credit course, the County reimburses the employee 75% of the costs of tuition, fees and books. If an employee doesn't remain employed with Frederick County Government for two years after a class is taken, the benefit needs to be reimbursed to FCG.
Employee Assistance Program:
This confidential assessment, referral and counseling service is available at no cost to all employees who may need help with a personal or job-related problem.
Leave
Annual Leave - Employees are eligible to use Annual Leave after their 6 month probationary period. Annual Leave accrues as follows: Years of service days per year
0 - 2 years 11 days
2 - 10 years 17 days
10 + years 24 days
Sick Leave - Employees will earn sick leave at a rate of 15 days per calendar year.
Sick Leave may also be used for illness of an employee's child, dependent, spouse, parent or parent-in-law. There is no limit on the amount of sick leave accumulated. Unused Sick Leave may be used for additional credit in the pension plan at the time of retirement.
NOTE: Regular benefited part-time employees earn annual and sick leave on a pro-rated basis based on their actual number of hours worked biweekly up to their assigned number of regularly scheduled work hours.
Other available types of leave include, but are not limited to, Family Medical Leave, Bereavement, Jury, Military.
Holidays:
The County observes 10 holidays every year and 11 are observed on years of General Elections.
For additional information on Frederick County Governments benefit package, please visit the Division of Human Resources website at
All hires before January 1, 2012, will follow the all benefit and leave rules as described in the Personnel Rules amended October 3, 2013.
01
Your application, which includes any associated supplemental questions, must be complete at the time of submission and must clearly articulate the required work experience relevant to the position for which you are applying. The experience you indicate in your responses to the supplemental questions must also be described, in detail, on the Work History section of this application. Your application may be considered incomplete if vague descriptions of experience are included or if you cite experience in your supplemental question response that is not included on the Work History section of this application. When considering work history, 1 year of employment = 2,080 hours. If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience based on the information submitted, or if you state "see resume" as your response, your application may not be considered further.
02
Have you earned at least a Bachelor's degree level of education?
03
If you possess a college degree, what was the field of study?
04
Do you have at least 8 years of progressively responsible recent work experience in government finance or accounting?
05
Please provide details regarding that work history in the text area below. The work history details provided should include the employer or organization name, dates of employment/service and the duties you performed.NOTE: If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience, based on the information submitted, you will not be granted the requirement.
06
Did your 8 years of recent progressively responsible work experience in government finance or accounting which include at least 3 years experience at the management level?
07
Please provide details regarding that work history in the text area below. The work history details provided should include the employer or organization name, dates of employment/service and the duties you performed.NOTE: When considering work history, 1 year of employment = 2,080 hours. If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience, based on the information submitted, you will not be considered further.
08
Do you have at least 3 years supervisory work experience?
09
Please provide details regarding that work history in the text area below. The work history details provided should include the employer or organization name, dates of employment/service and the duties you performed.NOTE: If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience, based on the information submitted, you will not be granted the requirement.
10
Did your supervisory experience include managing accounting staff, including any of the following: accounts payable, payroll, general ledger, capital assets, grants, capital projects?
11
Did your responsible accounting/financial experience include the following?- Preparing financial statements- Adhering to County, State, Federal rules and regulations
12
Please provide details regarding that work history in the text area below. The work history details provided should include the employer or organization name, dates of employment/service and the duties you performed.NOTE: When considering work history, 1 year of employment = 2,080 hours. If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience, based on the information submitted, you will not be considered further.
13
Are you currently a Certified Public Accountant or Certified Public Finance Officer?
14
Which describes your level of proficiency with Microsoft 365?
15
Do you have governmental accounting experience?
16
Please provide details regarding that work history in the text area below. The work history details provided should include the employer or organization name, dates of employment/service and the duties you performed.NOTE: When considering work history, 1 year of employment = 2,080 hours. If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience, based on the information submitted, you will not receive the preference credit.
17
Do you have experience preparing a Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR)?
18
Please provide details regarding that work history in the text area below. The work history details provided should include the employer or organization name, dates of employment/service and the duties you performed.NOTE: When considering work history, 1 year of employment = 2,080 hours. If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience, based on the information submitted, you will not receive the preference credit.
Required Question
Location : Winchester Hall - Frederick, MD
Job Type: Full-time Regular
Job Number: FY25-00670
Department: Finance
Division: Accounting Office
Opening Date: 03/21/2025
Closing Date: 4/18/2025 4:00 PM Eastern
JOB INFORMATION
Exempt; full-time; 40 hours per week; Monday - Friday; 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.; full-benefits
This professional role oversees the daily operations of the Accounting Department within the Finance Division of Frederick County Government, ensuring efficient and effective management of its functions. Supervision is given to professional, technical and office support staff. Supervision is received from the Director of Finance.
Frederick County Government values the principles of diversity and inclusion, and strives to ensure equal opportunities for its workforce, applicants and community members. If you are a person who wants to make a difference, give back to your community, and be a voice for change, apply to Frederick County Government today.
TOTAL COMPENSATION PACKAGE:
Frederick County offers an extensive compensation package to reflect how highly we value our employees. The following is what you can expect in your first year as a full-time benefited Frederick County Government employee.
- 11 days of Vacation leave with increase after 2 years of employment
- 15 days of Sick leave with unlimited annual carryover
- 11 paid holidays, plus 2 additional floating holidays
- Day 1 coverage of comprehensive Medical Insurance Plan options to include generous County Health Savings Account (HSA) contribution (if enrolled in the high-deductible plan). This is part of a full range of benefits including Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending
- 100% County paid 2x annual salary Group Term Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) benefit
- County and Employee funded Defined Benefit Pension Plan
- Vesting after 5 years of service
- Additional service credit for eligible previous public service, military service, etc.
- Work/Life balance programs include: Employee Assistance Program and Employee Wellness Program
- Generous Tuition Reimbursement Program
- Other employee-paid benefits such as Deferred Compensation Plan, Legal Resources, Supplemental Life Insurance, Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Lifetime Benefit with Long Term Care plan.
- Coming in 2025: Employee Health Center with no or low-cost primary and urgent care
For more information, visit our benefits page on the Frederick County Government job opportunities webpage
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
- Direct all functions of the Accounting Department
- Oversee general ledger accounting, payroll, accounts payable, capital assets and financial reporting by establishing goals, objectives, measures and establishing written policies and procedures
- Actively participate in the planning, implementation and evaluation of all financial processes; assist with the development of strategies and alternatives that focus on continuous improvement
- Ensure internal and external financial reporting, the recording of general ledger, payroll, accounts payable, and capital asset accounting transactions are complete, accurate and timely
- Develop financial reports, reporting methods and techniques to assist department managers in the execution of their assigned duties and responsibilities
- Assist departments in accessing, utilizing, understanding and analyzing financial information
- Operate an automated accounting system in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles
- Responsible for the implementation of all new Government Accounting Standards Board (GASB) Standards/Pronouncements
- Direct the production of various financial reports required by Federal, State and local laws
- Effectively, efficiently and economically manage County systems and funds
- Direct staff in the achievement of department goals and objectives; hire, train and guide staff and assign, schedule, coordinate and evaluate their work products
- Responsible for the annual budget preparation process for the Accounting Department
- Responsible for the coordination of the annual audits of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report and the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards
- Serve as the source of financial information for Frederick County citizens, rating agencies, and County creditors
- Represent the Division of Finance in meetings with user department management and appointed boards as applicable
- Regularly update the Director and Deputy Director on significant issues
- Perform the duties of the Director and Deputy Director in their absence
- Perform other related duties as required
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Any single position may not be assigned all duties listed above, nor do the examples cover all duties that may be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS
The qualifications/requirements, knowledge/skills/abilities and physical requirements or working conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Public Administration, Business Administration Finance, or related business field
- Minimum 8 years of recent progressively responsible work experience in government finance or accounting which includes at least 3 years experience at the management level
- Minimum 3 years supervisory work experience
- Work experience utilizing automated accounting systems
- Current Certified Public Accountant or Certified Public Finance Officer certification
- Intermediate skills in Microsoft Office Suite or similar software
- Extensive knowledge of Government Accounting Standards Board Pronouncements, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, and Federal Grant guidelines
- Knowledge of and ability to analyze grant procedures, guidelines and requirements
- Extensive knowledge in County, State and Federal financial and accounting regulations and rules
- Management and organizational skills that show an ability to prioritize tasks, work under time constraints, and demonstrate flexibility in an environment of multiple tasks and shifting priorities
- Skilled in research and analyses
- Ability to effectively organize work, determine priorities, including the ability to make decisions, problem solve and complete assigned duties with minimal supervision within established time constraints
- Ability to effectively supervise and direct the work of others
- Strong and effective mathematical and clerical skills, with the ability to accurately compile, prepare and verify detailed information
- Strong clerical and record-keeping skills, including the ability to accurately perform basic math and financial functions
- Ability to accurately compile, write and analyze financial statements and reports and to present financial information in clear, concise terms for varied audiences
- Ability to effectively access and utilize Microsoft Office Suite, Infor Financial System, Tyler/Munis, banking, e-mail, spreadsheet and other systems and equipment, and to learn new software as it is required
- Ability to test and troubleshoot software
- Discretion and good judgment in dealing with sensitive and personal information with ability to maintain appropriate confidentiality
- Strong and effective spoken and written (English) communication skills including public speaking skills and the ability to effectively prepare and present financial reports and information in clear, concise and effective manner
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, user departments and their affiliates, auditors, and the general public
- Governmental accounting experience
- Experience preparing a Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR)
- Experience managing accounting staff, including any of the following: accounts payable, payroll, general ledger, capital assets, grants, capital projects
- While working in this position, the employee is required to constantly sit; frequently reach and occasionally perform repetitive motions
- While working in this position, the employee is required to constantly work indoors
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION / EXAMINATION PROCESS
- Ability to provide own transportation as needed for meetings and other commitments
- Available for varied working hours and workdays as needed
- Required certifications must be maintained during employment
1) An evaluation of training and experience
2) One or more interviews
Retirement Plan:
A defined benefit retirement plan is provided for all regular County employees. Employees are automatically enrolled in either the Uniformed Plan (5 year vesting) or the Non-Uniformed Plan (5 year vesting, effective 07/01/2024) depending upon position classification. The majority of support for the plan is provided by the County; however, employees are required to make a mandatory pre-tax contribution towards their benefit. Retirement benefits are payable at normal, early or delayed retirement. Retirement benefits are also payable upon termination and in the event of death or disability.
Health Insurance:
County employees have a choice of two medical insurance plans, an In-Network (HMO) Plan or a High Deductible medical plan with a Health Care Savings Account, to provide coverage for medical and surgical expenses, hospital and emergency care expenses, mental health expenses and prescription drugs. The County and participants share in the cost of the health insurance with the employee having the benefit of pre tax contribution deductions. Medical insurance goes into effect on the first day of active employment.
Dental Insurance:
Employees may select coverage from one of three dental plan options, ranging from a PPO plan to a dental HMO plan. Coverage includes preventive care, fillings, crowns, bridges and dentures, and the cost of dental insurance is shared by both the County and the employee. Dental insurance goes into effect on the first day of the month that follows the eligible employee's completion of 30 days of active employment
NOTE: Employees working 75% or greater of a 35 or 40 hour position are eligible for health & dental insurance.
Flexible Spending Accounts:
The Flex Spending plan allows employees to pay health and day care expenses with pre-tax dollars. Employees may set aside part of their salary in a special account that can be used throughout the year to reimburse themselves for out-of-pocket medical expenses. The maximum contribution is $2,700 per year for Health Care Spending and $5,000 for Dependent Care Spending (work-related day care expenses). Examples of expenses that can be reimbursed for Health Care Spending include, but are not limited to: deductibles, co-payments, dental fees, chiropractors' services, and eyeglasses / contact lenses.
Life Insurance:
Employees are insured for 2 times their annual salary in case of death plus 2 times their annual salary for accidental death. Employees do not contribute to the premiums for this coverage. A Voluntary Life Insurance Program is offered to regular County employees. The plan allows employees to purchase individually owned term life insurance for themselves, spouses and dependents.
Savings Plan - Deferred Compensation:
The County offers a Section 457 Plan. Deferred compensation plans allow participants to save for retirement in either a pre tax or post tax (Roth) investment account. Contributions are invested at the employee's direction into one or more of the variety of investment options offered by the plan. Changes may be made to the contribution levels, investment options, etc. at any time.
Educational Reimbursement Program:
County employees who have successfully passed their probationary period may take up to two job-related courses per semester at any accredited educational institution. The benefit also covers the costs of job-related non-credit courses. If the employee receives a grade of at least a C, or successfully passes a non-credit course, the County reimburses the employee 75% of the costs of tuition, fees and books. If an employee doesn't remain employed with Frederick County Government for two years after a class is taken, the benefit needs to be reimbursed to FCG.
Employee Assistance Program:
This confidential assessment, referral and counseling service is available at no cost to all employees who may need help with a personal or job-related problem.
Leave
Annual Leave - Employees are eligible to use Annual Leave after their 6 month probationary period. Annual Leave accrues as follows: Years of service days per year
0 - 2 years 11 days
2 - 10 years 17 days
10 + years 24 days
Sick Leave - Employees will earn sick leave at a rate of 15 days per calendar year.
Sick Leave may also be used for illness of an employee's child, dependent, spouse, parent or parent-in-law. There is no limit on the amount of sick leave accumulated. Unused Sick Leave may be used for additional credit in the pension plan at the time of retirement.
NOTE: Regular benefited part-time employees earn annual and sick leave on a pro-rated basis based on their actual number of hours worked biweekly up to their assigned number of regularly scheduled work hours.
Other available types of leave include, but are not limited to, Family Medical Leave, Bereavement, Jury, Military.
Holidays:
The County observes 10 holidays every year and 11 are observed on years of General Elections.
For additional information on Frederick County Governments benefit package, please visit the Division of Human Resources website at
All hires before January 1, 2012, will follow the all benefit and leave rules as described in the Personnel Rules amended October 3, 2013.
01
Your application, which includes any associated supplemental questions, must be complete at the time of submission and must clearly articulate the required work experience relevant to the position for which you are applying. The experience you indicate in your responses to the supplemental questions must also be described, in detail, on the Work History section of this application. Your application may be considered incomplete if vague descriptions of experience are included or if you cite experience in your supplemental question response that is not included on the Work History section of this application. When considering work history, 1 year of employment = 2,080 hours. If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience based on the information submitted, or if you state "see resume" as your response, your application may not be considered further.
- I have read and acknowledge the above instructions.
02
Have you earned at least a Bachelor's degree level of education?
- Yes
- No
03
If you possess a college degree, what was the field of study?
04
Do you have at least 8 years of progressively responsible recent work experience in government finance or accounting?
- Yes
- No
05
Please provide details regarding that work history in the text area below. The work history details provided should include the employer or organization name, dates of employment/service and the duties you performed.NOTE: If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience, based on the information submitted, you will not be granted the requirement.
06
Did your 8 years of recent progressively responsible work experience in government finance or accounting which include at least 3 years experience at the management level?
- Yes
- No
07
Please provide details regarding that work history in the text area below. The work history details provided should include the employer or organization name, dates of employment/service and the duties you performed.NOTE: When considering work history, 1 year of employment = 2,080 hours. If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience, based on the information submitted, you will not be considered further.
08
Do you have at least 3 years supervisory work experience?
- Yes
- No
09
Please provide details regarding that work history in the text area below. The work history details provided should include the employer or organization name, dates of employment/service and the duties you performed.NOTE: If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience, based on the information submitted, you will not be granted the requirement.
10
Did your supervisory experience include managing accounting staff, including any of the following: accounts payable, payroll, general ledger, capital assets, grants, capital projects?
- Yes
- No
11
Did your responsible accounting/financial experience include the following?- Preparing financial statements- Adhering to County, State, Federal rules and regulations
- Yes
- No
12
Please provide details regarding that work history in the text area below. The work history details provided should include the employer or organization name, dates of employment/service and the duties you performed.NOTE: When considering work history, 1 year of employment = 2,080 hours. If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience, based on the information submitted, you will not be considered further.
13
Are you currently a Certified Public Accountant or Certified Public Finance Officer?
- Yes
- No
14
Which describes your level of proficiency with Microsoft 365?
- Beginner
- Intermediate
- Advanced
15
Do you have governmental accounting experience?
- Yes
- No
16
Please provide details regarding that work history in the text area below. The work history details provided should include the employer or organization name, dates of employment/service and the duties you performed.NOTE: When considering work history, 1 year of employment = 2,080 hours. If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience, based on the information submitted, you will not receive the preference credit.
17
Do you have experience preparing a Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR)?
- Yes
- No
18
Please provide details regarding that work history in the text area below. The work history details provided should include the employer or organization name, dates of employment/service and the duties you performed.NOTE: When considering work history, 1 year of employment = 2,080 hours. If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience, based on the information submitted, you will not receive the preference credit.
Required Question