Financial Support Officer

Job Description

Job Description

General Description

The Financial Support Officer is a senior supervisor who manages the health department’s financial systems, daily accounting, and fiscal reporting. Reporting to the Senior Support Officer, this role advises leadership on budget efficiency, policy, and rules. This person ensures public funds are handled correctly by following GASB, GAAP, as well as local, state, and federal laws.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business management, or a related field, with substantial coursework in accounting. 

Six years of progressively responsible professional accounting or financial management experience, including:

• Preparing and monitoring complex budgets
• Financial reporting
• Supervising professional or administrative staff, and
• Developing or implementing financial policies and controls.

At least 2 years of supervisory or management experience.

Experience with governmental accounting, grant administration, healthcare finance, or nonprofit finance is preferred.

The successful candidate will be trained in software systems and specific procedures but is expected to have a strong background in accounting.

Special Qualifications

• Government Accounting: Knowledge of fund accounting and financial reporting under GAAP and GASB rules.
  
• Laws and Regulations: Understanding of Utah code, federal grant rules, and laws governing health department finances.
• Computer Skills: Ability to learn and use Google Workspace, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Dynamics Business Central (ERP) and DocLink (document management).
• Data Analysis: Ability to review data trends, find financial errors, forecast budgets, and present reports to leadership.
• Communication: Ability to explain complex financial data through clear written policies and verbal updates.
  
• Must possess or be able to obtain a valid Driver License at the time of employment.
• Must pass a criminal and financial background check as well as drug screening test prior to employment.

Fiscal and Operational Responsibilities

The Financial Support Officer manages all government accounting and works with leadership to plan how to direct financial resources toward public health programs. The successful candidate will train with the outgoing Financial Support Officer to develop the necessary skillset to perform the following:

• Routine Financial Operations
• Payroll Processing: Manage bi-weekly payroll using Greenshades. Ensure all benefits, deductions, and taxes are accurate.
• Banking and Payments: Handle bank tasks, including direct deposit (ACH) files, check runs, and recording payments.
• Retirement and Benefits: Process and check contributions for Health Equity (HSA) and Utah Retirement Systems (URS).
• Tax Compliance: Prepare and file quarterly federal (Form 941) and state tax returns. Send out annual W-2 and 1099 forms.
• Account Maintenance: Prepare journal entries and perform monthly bank reconciliations. Manage month-end and year-end closing. Perform cost allocations. 
• Budgets, Grants, and Systems
• Budget Forecasting: Study spending and revenue trends to help the Senior Support Officer build the annual budget.
• Department Support: Meet with Service Area Leads to review spending, check for budget errors, and keep programs on track.
• Software Integration: Use Microsoft Dynamics Business Central for accounting, Greenshades for payroll, and DocLink for digital approvals.
• Grant and Contract Billing: Track and submit monthly bills and reports for state and federal grants and other contracts.
• Staff Supervision and Leadership
• Staff Management: Hire, train, and supervise billing and purchasing staff. Review their work and handle performance issues.
• Policy Management: Create and enforce financial rules and procedures to make department operations clear and honest.
• Leadership and Committee Meetings: Serve as a member of the department leadership team. Attend the recurring Business Manager meetings alongside peers from local health departments in Utah. 
• Audit Coordination: Act as the main contact for audits. Prepare documents and resolve any issues found during the audit.

Other Relevant Information

Bear River Health Department offers a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life and long term disability insurance. We participate in Utah Retirement Systems (URS), offer generous paid time off and holidays, as well as offer many voluntary benefit options.