Description

About the Role
The Clairmount Group is a Michigan CPA and advisory firm working to transform mission into value for the nonprofits and governmental entities that shape our communities. Our Government Advisory Services practice delivers outsourced finance and accounting to cities, villages, townships, and other local governments, serving as an extension of our clients' finance departments where a community needs interim leadership, added capacity during a transition, or steady year-round support.

We are seeking a Municipal Finance Associate to work onsite with an assigned client municipality in Metro Detroit, performing hands-on accounting work and supporting reporting and audit readiness under the direction of a Municipal Finance Manager.

This role offers something a single-municipality job at the same level does not. You will know one community's books well, day to day, with the technical range of a firm practice behind you: managers who audit and advise across multiple local governments, structured mentoring, and work that moves through the full annual cycle from daily transactions to close, audit, ACFR, and budget. For an early-career governmental accountant building toward a management or finance director role, that combination of depth and range is the fastest way to grow.

Career Path
Associates who demonstrate strong technical skills and client service are positioned to advance to Senior Associate and, with continued experience, to Municipal Finance Manager. The firm supports that growth through structured mentoring, exposure to a variety of client engagements, and funding for professional certification.

Requirements

Key Responsibilities

• Support engagement managers on an assigned portfolio of municipal clients
• Perform day-to-day accounting functions for clients, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, cash receipts, payroll processing, and journal entries
• Prepare monthly bank reconciliations, account reconciliations, and supporting schedules across all funds
• Assist with monthly, quarterly, and year-end close procedures
• Prepare audit workpapers, schedules, and supporting documentation, and respond to auditor requests under manager direction
• Assist in the preparation of clients' Annual Comprehensive Financial Reports (ACFR), including fund statements, note disclosures, and statistical sections
• Support budget preparation and monitoring, including compiling departmental requests, tracking budget-to-actual results, and preparing budget amendments
• Assist with grant accounting, including tracking expenditures, preparing reimbursement requests, and compiling federal and state reports
• Prepare routine financial reports and analysis for client staff, councils, and boards
• Help document and test client internal controls, policies, and procedures
• Enter and maintain data in client ERP and financial management systems and assist with system conversions
• Stay current on GASB pronouncements and State of Michigan reporting requirements and share relevant updates with the team

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Public Administration, or a closely related field
• At least one (1) year of governmental accounting experience in a municipal, county, school district, or public-sector audit setting
• Working knowledge of fund accounting and familiarity with GAAP and GASB standards
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, including lookups, pivot tables, and formulas
• Reliable transportation and the ability to work onsite five days per week at a client municipality in Metro Detroit

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with BS&A Software, or with a comparable municipal ERP platform such as Tyler/Munis or Springbrook
• Two (2) to three (3) years of governmental accounting experience
• Exposure to year-end close, external audit, or ACFR preparation
• Familiarity with grant reporting or the Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200)
• Familiarity with State of Michigan municipal finance statutes and reporting requirements

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy
• Ability to learn new systems, processes, and client environments quickly
• Clear written and verbal communication and a professional, client-focused manner
• Ability to manage assigned tasks across multiple clients and meet deadlines
• Sound judgment and discretion in handling confidential financial information
• Willingness to take direction, ask questions, and grow within the practice

Work Schedule and Travel
This is a fully onsite position. The Associate works five (5) days per week at an assigned client municipality in Metro Detroit. Occasional attendance at evening council or committee meetings may be requested. Mileage is reimbursed for travel between client sites and the firm office.