Accountant

Job Purpose: This position plays a vital role in the financial operations of the SC Arts Commission. The successful candidate will manage the agency’s accounts payable, accounts receivable, financial records, and reporting activities using the SAP/SCEIS System. They will coordinate complex professional accounting duties, analyze spending and revenue patterns, maintain accurate accounting records, and prepare financial reports that support effective agency decision-making. Under the supervision of the Director of Finance, this position works with agency staff and external partners to ensure sound financial practices and carry out the mission and strategic plan of the SC Arts Commission.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Accounts Payable

• Receives invoices, stamp for payment, and signature for receipt of goods/services.
• Maintains records and ensures appropriate assigning of funding sources.
• Scans and enters information in SAP.
• Works with the Department of Administration shared services for processing of A/P documents.
• Coordinates and reconciles payments, contracts and expenditures with the grants office.
• Records expenditures discrepancies and makes corrective transactions with the grants office.
• Works with budget managers to assist with SAP/SCEIS budget coding and purchase order accuracy as vouchers are processed on SAP/SCEIS.
• Using SAP, prepares contingent, travel, and IDT vouchers for payment in accordance with Federal and State guidelines.
• Reviews expenditures for compliance with GAAP and Comptroller General’s (CG) regulations.
• Works to resolve expenditure discrepancies with the CG's Office to include appropriation availability, and account coding.
• Coordinates with Procurement the monitoring of purchase orders and funds reserve activity.

Accounts Receivable• Enters financials into SCEIS/SAP and other databases.

• Creates bank deposit slips and ensures deposits.
• Serves as liaison between vendors, CG’s Office to resolve discrepancies.
• Processes deposits for federal drawdowns.

Financial Reporting

• Assists in the preparation of the quarterly balance sheets and statements of activities for the board of commissioners.
• Prepares financial reports for grants from federal and private sources.
• Prepares all other financial reports as needed.

Travel and Payroll• Serves as lead travel approver by reviewing and approving employee's travel expense reports for final processing by the Comptroller General's Office.

• Assists with travel claims for the Board of Commissioners.
• Coordinates with the HR Director to ensure correct processing and filing related to payment of monthly benefits premiums, payroll deductions, and other payroll transactions.

Other Duties as Assigned

• Participates in agency strategic planning.
• Participates in agency professional development.
• Collaborates closely with other agency programs and departments.
• Fulfills other duties consistent with supporting the agency, as requested by supervisor or supervising deputy.

Knowledge, Experience, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of needs, makeup, dynamics of the State of SC’s accounting and finance principles, practices, and procedures.

• Knowledge of recent research, policies, and methods related to accounting, and finance systems.

• Knowledge of principles, practices, theories and terminology of accounting, auditing, budgeting, and financial management.

• Knowledge of state governmental fiscal and accounting procedures, practices, and policies.

• Knowledge of general ledger accounting and accounts payable processes.

• Knowledge of state appropriations and budgetary processes preferred.

• Experience working with people who represent a broad spectrum of socio-cultural and socio-economic backgrounds.

• Understanding of grant allocation programs.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Suites, cloud-based database and project management technologies, internet research, and video conferencing platforms.

• Strong organizational skills and ability to work on multiple projects.

• Ability to take initiative, manage time, and consistently meet deadlines.

• Ability to establish and maintain positive relationships and communicate in a professional manner with agency executives, staff, board, funders, governmental officials, and the public.

• Ability to exercise excellent judgment and discretion.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality.

• Ability to make data-driven decisions and use data to communicate programmatic success.

• Ability to navigate the complexities of a government entity.

• Ability to speak Spanish is a bonus.

• Demonstrated commitment to providing exceptional customer service and fostering positive relationships with constituents.

• A High School Diploma and three (3) years of professional experience in accounting. A Bachelor's degree with multiple accounting courses may be substituted for the required work experience.

• Punctuality, regular attendance, and adherence to daily work schedule are essential.

• Overnight travel, evening, and weekend work is sometimes required, as well as light lifting and long periods of sitting.

• The employee may be required to operate a state vehicle; must possess and maintain a valid S.C. driver’s license.

• Employment is contingent upon the results of a favorable reference check and a criminal background check, which includes information from the S.C. Law Enforcement Department (SLED).

A Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business, economics, or a related field, which must be from an institution of higher learning recognized at the time of degree by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. Three (3) or more years of professional experience in advanced accounting, South Carolina’s SAP/SCEIS program, grants, procurement, or auditing processes of the State of South Carolina’s agreed upon procedures. Mission: The mission of the South Carolina Arts Commission is to expand access to the arts and foster creativity for all South Carolinians.

The South Carolina Arts Commission is an Equal Opportunity Employer.