MCSO Finance Specialist 1

Current employees: Please apply through the employee portal to be considered for this opportunity.Pay Range:$31.94 - $39.29 HourlyDepartment:SheriffJob Type:Regular RepresentedExemption Status:United States of America (Non-Exempt)Closing Date (Open Until Filled if No Date Specified):August 21, 2026The Opportunity:Who We Are:Join the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) and become part of a dynamic team where your commitment to justice and community safety can make a real difference. We are seeking individuals who are dedicated to serving the community, passionate about helping others and inspired by a strong sense of purpose. MCSO is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce and investing in professional development opportunities throughout your career.To learn more about our agency, please watch our video: Join Our TeamOverview:Are you a detail-driven professional, skilled at navigating competing deadlines, motivated to anticipate and solve problems before they arise, and thrive in a collaborative work environment? Do you have experience in accounting, cash handling, and customer service - and are you ready for a challenging change? If so, this is the opportunity for you.We are currently seeking to hire one Finance Specialist 1 to perform a full range of operational/fiscal functions for MCSO. Functions include, but are not limited to, accounts payable, accounts receivable, auditing, purchasing, general ledger, cash balances, the Adult-In-Custody (AIC) Accounting System, and provide support and backup for our Travel Coordinator.Apply as soon as possible! We anticipate keeping this recruitment open for two (2) weeks, but may close early if 150 applications are received, so apply early!Your primary responsibilities would include:Daily processing of cash and check transactions for AIC trust accounts and bail; prepare and log bank deposits.Monitor and support the AIC account phone line, assisting AICs and their families with account‑related inquiries.Post journal entries for AIC deposits; prepare accounts receivable items and transmit deposits to the bank.Review and prepare detailed financial reports using Workday and other software to track and analyze program revenue expenses.Interpret and apply laws, rules, regulations, and fiscal policies and procedures to assigned work functions, programs and/or grants; monitor and recommend adjustments to fiscal systems.Maintain front office supply inventory; complete filing, archiving, and tracking of deposits, invoices, and clearing items.Schedule, reserve, coordinate, and communicate travel arrangements and training registrations with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.Process travel per diem advances, registrations, and trip documentation to ensure timely and compliant processing.Prepare direct pay and ad hoc payments for travel and training, including registration and payment for virtual and in‑person events.Provide daily support and backup coverage for the Travel Coordinator.Perform other duties as assigned.As a successful candidate, you will possess the following competencies:Attention to Detail: You consistently produce accurate work, catch errors early, and maintain high standards in financial and travel documentation.Time Management & Prioritization: You manage multiple deadlines effectively, organize tasks strategically, and adapt quickly when priorities shift.Proactive Problem Solving: You anticipate challenges, take initiative to resolve issues, and prevent disruptions to travel, training, or fiscal processes.Customer Service: You provide responsive, respectful, and solution‑focused support to internal and external customers.Communication: You communicate clearly and professionally in writing and verbally, tailoring your approach to the needs of diverse audiences.Technology Use: You utilize electronic systems effectively for processing, tracking, and reporting financial and travel information.Teamwork: You collaborate with colleagues, share information, and contribute to a positive and productive work environment.You will work onsite at the Multnomah Building, 501 SE Hawthorne Blvd., Suite 350, Portland, OR 97214. The work schedule is Monday-Friday, with flexible work hours. Due to business needs, this position is in-person with ad-hoc telework after a training period has been completed (telework is infrequent/occasional on a case by case basis). All employees must reside in Oregon or Washington. This requirement is due to payroll & taxes, as well as workers compensation insurance and liability issues. Schedule details will be determined with the supervisor.To Qualify:We will consider any combination of relevant work experience, volunteering, education and transferable skills as qualifying unless an item or section is labeled required. Please be clear and specific about how your background is relevant.Required Minimum Qualifications/Transferable Skills*:Equivalent to an Associate’s degree from an accredited college or university. Additional qualifying experience can substitute on a year-for-year basis to satisfy this requirement.Minimum of one (1) year of accounting experience in one or more of the following areas is required: cash handling, accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger or account reconciliations.Must pass a criminal records check and background screening.Preferred Qualifications/Transferable Skills*: You do not need to have the following preferred qualifications/transferable skills to qualify. However, keep in mind we may consider some or all of the following when identifying the most qualified candidates. Please clearly explain on your application how you meet any of the following preferred qualifications/transferable skills.Experience using Accounting Software and Systems.Excellent interpersonal communication and customer service skills.Experience working for a government agency.*Transferable skills: Your transferable skills are any skills you have gained through education, work experience (including the military) or life experience that are relevant for this position. Be sure to describe any transferable skills on your application and clearly explain how they apply to this position.Screening and Evaluation The Application Packet: You must submit all requested items below. Failure to do so will be deemed as an incomplete application.A completed online application. Explain all related experience (paid or unpaid) and training in the education and work experience sections of the application.Supplemental Questions (listed below): In lieu of a cover letter, please answer the three questions below (please limit your answers to a maximum of three (3) pages, with a minimum font size of 12-point). Your responses will be used as a screening tool; the quality and strength of your answers will determine if you move forward in the process. Refer to your relevant experience (paid or unpaid) and training. Answers to supplemental questions must be uploaded in the online application when prompted to attach required documents. Please upload your attachment as a PDF.What we are looking for in your responses: -Please provide a specific, real example when requested-Please provide the details requested in each question, including step-by-step instructions when appropriate-Describe tools and methods you use, when appropriate, to show how you manage the workQuestion 1: This role requires coordinating complex program logistics while ensuring strict adherence to financial policies. Describe a time when you had to manage both logistical details (like scheduling, meetings, deadlines, competing priorities, etc.) and financial or procedural rules for the same task. How did you ensure both the logistical needs and the financial requirements were met?Question 2: Imagine a staff member submits a request for accounting information that doesn't comply with County policy. Describe, in detail, the steps you would take to handle this situation. How would you communicate with the staff member to resolve the issue while maintaining a positive, professional relationship?Question 3: The job description emphasizes the need to 'anticipate and solve problems before they arise.' Provide a specific example of a time you identified a potential issue in a financial or administrative process. What steps did you take to proactively address it, and what was the outcome?Responses to any and all electronic questionnaires sent to you after submitting your online application. Applications with unfinished questionnaires will be considered incomplete and will be inactivated from the process.Note: Oregon Public Employment Preference: if you are interested in requesting hiring and promotional preference for Veterans and State Servicemembers (previously known as veterans’ preference), please be prepared to submit your DD214/NGB form 22 and veteran disability verification forms electronically when specifically requested during the online application process.Note: Please contact the recruiter as soon as possible if you experience complications when applying. The application should demonstrate your work experience/skills and how it is related to those shown in the Overview and To Qualify sections of the job announcement. Please be thorough, as these materials will determine your eligibility to advance in this recruitment process.After You Apply:Log in to your Workday account before the job posting closes to see if you have any pending tasks or actions to complete. These can be found under the “My Applications” section. You must complete these tasks or actions before the job posting closes.Check both your email and Workday account for updates regarding this recruitment.Internal Candidates:After you have hit “submit” on your application, check your Workday inbox and complete the Veterans Preference Questionnaire prior to application deadline (if you don’t complete this questionnaire your application is not complete and will not be received). The Selection Process: For details about how we typically screen applications, review our overview of the selection processpage. We expect to evaluate candidates for this recruitment as follows:Initial review of minimum qualifications.Supplemental QuestionsPanel InterviewHiring InterviewBackground and reference checks (Personal History Statement completed online)ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:We may use the hiring list created from this recruitment to fill future vacancies as they occur.Type of Position: Hourly, overtime eligible, represented by the AFSCME Local 88 union.The County offers a competitive total compensation package including:Holiday Leave: You are eligible to receive 13 paid holidays per fiscal year. This includes 10 county observed holidays and 3 floating holidays.Paid Sick Leave: You will accrue paid sick leave at the rate of .05 hours for each County-paid hour (for a full-time/40 hours per week employee, it is approximately 104 hours per year).Vacation Leave: You will start accruing paid vacation leave at 4.67 hours per pay period as long as you remain in paid status and a full-time employee (approximately 112 hours per year for full-time employee).Paid Increases: Local 88 employees are considered for an annual step increase each year on their progression date until they reach the top of the range. They are also eligible for annual COLA increases when approved by the Board of County Commissioners.Deferred Compensation: All new employees in regular and limited duration Local 88 positions will be automatically enrolled in the County’s Deferred Compensation program, at the rate of one percent (1%) of their pre-tax wages, unless they choose to opt out.Comprehensive health and dental packages with most full-time employees paying only 5-10% of the monthly cost of the coverage, depending on plan selection and bargaining unit.Retirement contributions of 12% to the State's retirement system (PERS/OPSRP) and no financial contributions from the employee.Free TriMet pass.For the full list of benefits, please visit our new employee benefits page.Equal Pay: Please be advised that the pay range listed for this position is intended to provide general guidance on the earning potential for the role. However, actual compensation will be determined in accordance with the Oregon Equal Pay Law and will take into account factors such as the candidate's relevant experience and education. Candidates should expect that initial offers will be made within the listed pay range and may not be at or near the top of the range.Serving the Public, Even During Disasters Every day, Multnomah County staff work together to serve as a safety net for our communities. During a disaster, this safety net becomes even more critical. All County employees have a role in serving the public during inclement weather, natural disaster, or other types of community emergency response. During these emergency responses, while typically there begins with a call for volunteers, county employees may ultimately be reassigned from their current position to a role in the emergency response in order to support the critical needs presented by our communities. For more information, please visit the Disaster Service Worker Information page.In accordance with Oregon Law, Multnomah County is not collecting school attendance dates in the initial application process; please do not include these dates in your resume, cover letter and other application materials.Diversity and Inclusion: At Multnomah County, we don't just accept difference; we value it and support it to create a culture of dignity and respect for our employees.We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran or protected veteran status, genetic information and other legally protected characteristics. The EEO Know Your Rights poster is available for your reference. Multnomah County is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. We request priority protected veteran referrals.Veterans’ Preference: Under Oregon Law, qualifying veterans may apply for veterans’ preference. Review our veterans’ preference page for details about eligibility and how to apply.Accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act: We gladly provide reasonable accommodation to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing an application or participating in this recruitment process. Please contact the recruiter below in advance to request assistance. Individuals with hearing or speech impairments may contact the recruiter through the Telecommunications Relay Service by dialing 711.Questions?Recruiter:Lauren HartEmail:View email address on click.appcast.io:+1 (971) 2010085Application information may be used throughout the entire selection process. This process is subject to change without notice.Disclaimer: This announcement is intended as a general descriptive recruitment guide and is subject to change. It does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.Job Profile:6029 - Finance Specialist 1SummaryLocation: Portland, ORType: Full time