Accounting Manager (West Allis, WI)

POSITION SUMMARY
The Wisconsin State Fair Park (WSFP) is seeking a highly qualified and experienced candidate to serve as Accounting Manager. This position is responsible for assisting with WSFP’s financial management as well as other day-to-day accounting activities. The ideal candidate will have extensive knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) for the State of Wisconsin, and work with a wide variety of customers both internally and externally. Additionally, an enthusiasm for and love of the State Fair is a must!

Under the general direction of the WSFP’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO), the incumbent serves a key role in the financial oversight and reporting of WSFP. They are responsible for evaluating appropriate policies and procedures in line with state statutes and guidelines. They will assist with the direction, leadership, and guidance of WSFP’s financial management and finance team; identifying and implementing necessary fiscal controls; creating and analyzing monthly financial budget reports; and helping the CFO and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) as needed. Work is performed with a high degree of autonomy subject to administrative review by the CFO.

EMPLOYMENT TYPE
Full-Time, permanent position in the unclassified service of the State of Wisconsin.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
This unclassified position aligns with pay schedule-range 81-03 with a starting annual salary of $72,800 to $91,520, based upon qualifications. Overtime compensation may be awarded during certain periods of the year. This position includes a comprehensive fringe benefits package, including pension, health insurance, and paid time off.

WHO CAN APPLY
This position is open to all qualified candidates who meet the outlined criteria.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Supervise and Manage Fiscal Operations

• Assist the CFO with planning, developing, implementing and reviewing sound financial policies and procedures
• Ensure the maintenance of fiscal and financial record systems in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)
• Perform monthly reconciliations in accordance with State Controller’s Officer (SCO) reconciliation procedures
• Assist in preparing monthly financial statements and reports and recommend necessary changes to meet strategic goals
• Ensure adequate fiscal management controls in the financial system to monitor overall agency budget, expenditures and commitments
• Assist in the process of developing the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) statements as well as the biennial budget
• Review contracts for various entities and organization to ensure compliance with state statutes

• Plan, develop, prioritize, and implement necessary operating policies for AR & AP departments to successfully meet goals; review operations as necessary to ensure goals are met
• Conduct periodic performance evaluations with staff to ensure staff receive necessary feedback and support; document performance formally in annual evaluations for permanent staff
• Conduct staff meetings and utilize other methods to receive and disseminate information as needed
• Provide effective leadership, training, and guidance to staff to help them achieve their own goals, the department’s goals, and the agency’s goals
• Plan, develop and implement training/education for department managers and staff on financial policies/procedures
• Recruit, interview, recommend for hire and train necessary permanent staff with the AR & AP departments
• Manage the State’s Asset Management module in PeopleSoft
• Responsibility as the WSFP Records Officer as it relates to records retention
• Assist with management of WSFP purchasing card program
• Perform other duties as assigned

• Help plan and implement WSFP’s operational budget for Board approval
• Conduct thorough analysis of any financial variances and research solutions
• Review accounts payable transactions for appropriateness and for compliance against all pertaining regulations
• Review and analyze financial queries monthly and prepare any accounting transactions necessary to correct accounts
• Monitor monthly and year-to-date performance by comparing results to budget goals
• Be able to assist and explain financial aspects to other staff of various backgrounds

• Bachelor’s in Accounting or Finance from a four-year accredited college or university, preferred
• Five (5)+ years’ experience of responsible accounting and auditing experience. State of Wisconsin or fund accounting experience, preferred
• Extensive knowledge of the state’s budget and fiscal process, state statutes, federal regulations, administrative rules and policies, preferred
• Considerable knowledge of governmental accounting and budgeting, auditing and financial reporting principles, and GAAP
• Effective leadership skills; empowering staff and leading by example
• Ability to work professionally and respectfully with both internal and external contacts of varying levels of financial literacy
• Extensive knowledge of and skill in learning computer software and using Microsoft software such as Word, Excel, Access, Outlook, Power Point
• Effective written and oral communication skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and details efficiently; and to perform with a high level of detail and accuracy
• Ability to be creative, flexible, and self-motivated

SPECIAL NOTES
The candidate must be able to work all 11 days of the annual Wisconsin State Fair. Prior to appointment to this position, the candidate will be subject to a comprehensive criminal background check.

Contingent on business needs and the seasonality of WSFP, up to 2 days of remote work per week is available after an initial training period. Remote work will be discussed during the interview stage. High speed internet access is needed to meet the requirements of remote work.

TO APPLY
Please submit your resume and cover letter by following the applicable instructions below. Application materials must be received by Sunday, February 8, 2026. The most qualified applicants will be invited to interview.

COMPANY DESCRIPTION
Wisconsin State Fair Park is a year-round entertainment venue, hosting activities, events, meetings and more throughout the four seasons. Home to the Exposition Center, Tommy G. Thompson Youth Center, the Milwaukee Mile Speedway, WI Products Pavilion, and many other facilities, hundreds of events are held at the Fair Park each year. Perhaps the most notable and certainly the signature event, the Wisconsin State Fair, welcomes more than one million Fairgoers over 11 summer days. Visit wistatefair.com for more information.

Wisconsin State Fair Park’s central location within the largest metro area in Wisconsin makes it a desirable place to work, live, and play. As a world-class city, Milwaukee and the Greater Milwaukee Area are full of opportunities galore for living, working, and playing. Visit discovermilwaukee.com for more information.

Wisconsin State Fair Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Department: Financial Services
This is a permanent full-time position