Deputy Finance Director

Accountant Position

Under the supervision of the Finance Director, performs specialized work of a financial nature; serves as an accountant, producing complex reports and financial information, and providing high level guidance to other departments regarding the County's finances.

Examples of Duties

An employee in this position may be called upon to do any or all of the following essential functions. These examples do not include all the duties, which the employee may be expected to perform. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily.

• Assists in the preparation of the annual budget. Prepares and analyzes budget amendments throughout the year as directed. Prepares financial data to assist in budget development. May conduct costing analysis for items such as union contracts, employment costs, capital projects, contracts, and new or expanded programs.
• Assist with preparation and reconciliation of balance sheets, income statements, budgets, and other financial statements.
• Prepares reports and spreadsheets to assist in the analysis and interpretation of financial information and to reflect the accurate financial condition of the county. Analyzes, tests, and monitors internal controls to ensure the long-term integrity of the county's finances.
• Assists in the periodic audit of accounts, tests systems and determines conformity to legal standards and proper accounting practices. Reports all findings to the Finance Director. Ensures development of proper audit trails.
• Oversees, maintains, and verifies the accounts payable and receivable records and reports according to established county policies and procedures.
• Processes payroll transactions according to federal and state law and county policies. Completes bi-weekly payroll procedures. Responsible for payroll reporting.
• Files 941, W3 and 1099 tax forms with federal, state, and local government agencies.
• Provides oversight of internal loans.
• Coordinates with key personnel at all levels of the County to support proper and timely application, expenditure, and reporting of grant funds in compliance with applicable guidelines and budget deadlines.
• Maintains knowledge of the Generally Accepted Accounting Practices (GAAP).
• Provides guidance and training to other county employees on how to use the county's accounting software programs.
• Prepares monthly financial reports and journal entries.
• Performs other assigned tasks as directed.

Typical Qualifications

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, abilities and minimum qualifications necessary to perform the essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the job. Requirements include the following:

• Bachelor's Degree in accounting, finance or related field and five years of progressively more responsible experience in governmental accounting and supervision.
• The county, at its discretion, may consider an alternative combination of formal education and work experience.
• State of Michigan Vehicle Operator's License.
• Thorough knowledge of the professional public management techniques involved in personnel administration and resource management, and the ability to identify and implement new best practices.
• Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of governmental accounting, and generally accepted accounting principles.
• Considerable knowledge of general ledger and bookkeeping activities, the maintenance and processing of financial information, performing reconciliations, balancing accounts, researching financial discrepancies, preparing financial reports and documents, and maintaining detailed and accurate records.
• Skill in assembling and analyzing data and preparing comprehensive and accurate reports.
• Skill in effectively communicating ideas and concepts orally and in writing.
• Demonstrate ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships and use good judgment, initiative and resourcefulness when dealing with county employees, contractors to the county, representatives of other governmental units, professional contacts, elected officials, and the public.
• Experience and expertise in the use of sophisticated enterprise management system/ financial software programs.
• Skill in the use of office equipment and technology, including Microsoft Suite applications, data base programs and the ability to learn new software programs applicable to the position.

Supplemental Information

Physical Demands and Work Environment: The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate in person and by telephone, read regular and small print, view and produce written and electronic documents, and enter data on a computer keyboard with repetitive keystrokes. The employee must be mobile in an office setting, stand, sit, stoop and kneel, use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee must lift or push/pull objects of up to 15 lbs. without assistance. Accommodation will be made, as needed, for office employees required to lift or move objects that exceed this weight. The typical work environment of this job is a business office setting where the noise level is quiet and sometimes moderate.