ACCOUNTING SUPERVISOR

Job Title

Analyze, coordinate, manage and document City accounting systems. These systems include financial reporting, investments, accounts payable, debt administration, fixed assets, project and grant accounting, inventory, equipment maintenance and purchasing. Train, supervise and evaluate the work performance of assigned staff.

General direction and oversight are provided by the Finance Director.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Employees of the City of Walla Walla are expected to model and foster the City's core values: Service – Integrity – Collaboration – Equity – Leadership – Community
2. Direct, plan, organize and assign work activities and personnel to perform work and projects in the assigned areas of the Finance Department. Supervise and evaluate the performance of assigned staff including but not limited to the following: interview, select and recommend candidates for hire; recommend transfers, reassignment, termination, and disciplinary actions; plan, coordinate and arrange for appropriate training for subordinates.
3. Oversee the City's debt administration program, including compliance monitoring. Assist the Finance Director in preparing financial information and presentations associated with the issuance of bonds or other financing transactions.
4. Evaluate accounting system requirements and make recommendations regarding system needs, internal control improvements and enhancements: develop accounting tools to automate financial reporting and reconciliations.
5. Oversee assigned year-end reporting and closing functions, including the preparation of the City's Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) and other annual budgetary and financial reports.
6. Maintain journals, ledgers, and other complex financial records and establish the total financial status of various funds and reconcile discrepancies.
7. Understand, monitor, evaluate, detect, and correct errors in assigned financial systems.
8. Support assigned departments in obtaining and analyzing budget historical information. Facilitate the budget process with assigned departments and follow up with all related budget adjustments, chart of account changes, etc. Coordinate with various departments in implementing the grant agreements.
9. Coordinate all aspects of the City's accounting functions to ensure governmental accounting concepts are being correctly applied. Improve and ensure accurate input of financial data in all systems including all subsystems; document and resolve discrepancies in all reports and systems.
10. Communicate complex financial information to a wide variety of audiences in writing and verbally in such a manner that is clear, concise, patient, and positive; assist staff in doing same.
11. May assume duties of Finance Director in their absence.

Other Job Functions

1. Demonstrate punctual, regular, and reliable attendance, which is essential for successful job performance.
2. Present a positive, professional image; maintain cooperative and effective working relationships; assure excellent customer service with internal and external customers.
3. Execute assignments, projects, and job responsibilities efficiently and within defined timeframes, work independently and effectively with little direction.
4. Demonstrate good judgment and employ critical thinking to execute duties, identify issues, seek solutions, and recommend improvements in support of departmental goals.
5. Assist staff and higher-level management; participate in resolving operational or interpersonal concerns; participate in training, meetings, and on committees as assigned.
6. Respect the value of diversity in the workplace and the community.
7. Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of accounting and reporting systems.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of accounting and financial reporting, audit principles, and principles of budget preparation and control.
• Knowledge of City government policies, procedures, and structures.
• Knowledge of supervisory practices that focus on development of staff.
• State of Washington Budgeting, Accounting, and Reporting System. Accounts payable, receivable, payroll and debt.
• Ability to interpret federal, state, and local grant requirements.
• Ability to review and analyze financial data for accuracy and compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Ability to prepare accurate and complete financial related reports, maintain a variety of financial and contracting related records and files, and understand and interpret the functions of automated systems.
• Ability to understand, interpret and explain internal procedures and controls, contractual language, and city government requirements.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external customers and peers.
• Ability to plan, organize and coordinate the work of staff.
• Ability to provide leadership, counsel, motivation, and constructive performance reviews for staff.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely. Ability to respond to inquiries in a timely and effective manner.

Tools and Equipment Used

Computers, Microsoft Office, and financial applications, including but not limited to word processing, spreadsheets, and database software packages. Copier, scanner, and telephone.

Physical Demands

Sitting or standing for extended periods of time; dexterity of hands and fingers to operate computers and other office equipment; seeing to read and analyze financial and statistical data; bending at the waist; lifting light objects. The work schedule may involve hours in excess of a standard forty (40) hour work week.

Work Environment

Office environment; subject to evening or variable hours.

Required Minimum Qualifications

Any combination equivalent to: Bachelor's degree in accounting or closely related field from an accredited college or university, five years progressively responsible accounting experience in public finance and three years of supervisory experience.

Desired Qualifications

Master's degree in business administration or accounting and/or CPA is highly desirable. Previous municipal experience, and knowledge of the Washington State Auditor's Budgeting Accounting Reporting System (BARS). Bilingual in Spanish.