Controller/Accounting Division Manager

Salary: See Position Description
Location : 1800 Continental Pl, Mount Vernon, WA
Job Type: Regular Full-Time
Job Number: 21603-0326
Department: Public Works Department
Division: Accounting
Opening Date: 03/30/2026
Closing Date: 6/4/2026 5:00 PM Pacific


Summary
Under the general direction of the Director, serves as Controller for the Public Works Department. Plans, organizes, manages, and oversees the Department's Accounting Division. Maintains the accuracy and integrity of the cost and financial information for the Department including maintaining compliance with all applicable laws and regulations for all funds. Manages and monitors the preparation for all Public Works budgets. Serves as the Internal Auditor for the Department. Analyzes financial information and provides financial advice and assistance to Senior Management in attaining the objectives of the organization. Reports and interprets financial data to assist Senior Management in decision-making. As a member of the Public Works Senior Management, provides policy advice to the Director and works closely with the Division Managers to manage complex processes.

• Salary upon hire is step 1 through 3, ($8,560.02/mo. - $ 9,168.84/mo.), dependent on qualifications.
• Progressive increases are based on years of service with Skagit County, up to 10 total steps (top step $11,382.45/mo.). The Controller/Accounting Division Manager is range 31 of the General (Non-Union) salary schedule.

Note: You must attach a cover letter and resume to your application in order to be considered

Essential Functions
Responsible for the maintenance of the financial records of the Department for all funds. Ensures compliance with all federal, state, and local laws, rules and regulations regarding financial information.
Works independently with minimal supervision from the Director or designee. Exercises direct supervision of the Accounting Division staff including assigning and evaluating work, training, and making recommendations regarding hiring, discipline, transfer, and termination of same.
Provides oversight on all accounting functions for the Department including accounts payable, accounts receivable, inventory, cash handling, deposits, general ledger, financial statements, and payroll.
Oversees various financial analyses including cash flow and rate setting for all Department operations including ferry, solid waste, vehicle rental, overhead, inventory prices, and administration fees.
Responsible for the preparation of draft financial statements and all related schedules and notes for Department funds as necessary for inclusion in the County's Annual Financial Statements.
In conjunction with the Financial Systems Administrator and Public Health Controller, assists with set up and maintenance of cost accounting system. Responsible for the Public Works cost accounting system and oversees the testing of the financial system's inventory, equipment, and job cost sub-systems.
Acts as the Department's liaison with various offices including County Auditor and Treasurer, State Auditor and Budget and Finance. Provides information and assistance to the County Auditor and State Auditor's offices during the annual audit.
Responsible for implementation of Board of County Commissioners policies and/or directives under the limited guidance of the Director or designee.
Develops original documentation for presentations including agenda items and represents the Department during presentations before the Board of County Commissioners and other groups as needed.
Collaborates with Division Managers on a diverse range of procurement activities, including contracting with architects, engineers, and contractors to support the execution of capital construction projects while ensuring process consistency. Continuously monitors and reviews all contracts to verify accurate content, proper coding, and compliance with purchasing requirements. Provides support in preparing Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and Calls for Bid (CFBs) specifically for construction contracts
Provides oversight on allocations, coordinates grant reconciliations, and oversees all adjusting entries as needed.
Responsible for the Annual Inventory of all fixed assets and infrastructure for the Department as well as periodic inventory of the Equipment Division.
Responsible for monitoring cash balances of all Department funds and preparing/requesting resolutions for interfund loans as appropriate.
Responsible for the timely preparation and submittal of various reports to other entities.
Oversees the annual budget preparation under the guidance of the Director or designee and monitors budgets throughout the year. Performs budget analyses and works with Senior Management to ensure budgetary compliance. Prepares budget amendments as needed.
Develops, recommends, reviews, modifies, implements, and monitors policies and procedures for the Accounting Division.
Acts as the Finance and Administration Section Chief within the Incident Command System as defined by the National Incident Management System (NIMS) in the event of a disaster.
Supervisory:

Directly supervises Accounting Technicians and Records Assistant.
OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:
May be tasked with performing related duties. Related duties as required are duties that may not be specifically listed in the position description but are within the general occupational series and responsibility level typically associated with the employee's classification of work.

Minimum Qualifications
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical path to obtain the required qualifications would be:

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Finance, or related field required; OR equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Five (5) years accounting experience including cost accounting, financial reporting, and supervisory responsibility required.
• Minimum of three (3) years of management experience in the field.
• Additional relevant experience which provides the skills, knowledge, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position may be considered as a substitute for CPA Certificate/License.

Licenses and/or Certifications:

CPA Certificate/License is preferred
Requires knowledge of:

• Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) regulations and auditing standards.
• Accounting functions including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, fixed assets, grants, payroll, and cost accounting.
• Budgeting, Accounting, and Reporting System (BARS).
• Budget development and analysis, cash flow analysis, grant monitoring, and reconciliation verification.
• Financial statement preparation, fund accounting, contract preparation/recommendations, and cost allocations.
• Comprehensive Annual Financial Reporting requirements.
• Data processing principles and accounting applications.
• Supervisory practices and procedures.
• MS Office software and computer accounting systems.
• Contracting, competitive bidding, and contract administration.

Requires the ability to:

• Work independently with minimal supervision.
• Select, supervise, train, and evaluate Accounting Division staff effectively.
• Delegate authority and responsibility for various projects to appropriate staff.
• Provide administrative and professional leadership and direction to the Accounting Division.
• Evaluate accounting information technology proposals and upgrades.
• Communicate clearly and succinctly both verbally and in writing.
• Design and implement cost control systems.
• Operate standard office equipment, including ten-key calculator and computer, spreadsheets, word processing, financial and payroll applications.
• Interpret and translate facts and information.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Work is performed primarily in an office environment. Extended periods of time spent at a desk using a computer required. Hazards include those present in a normal office environment with possible repetitive motion injuries.
Hazards:

Those present in a normal office environment.
Supplemental Information
SELECTION PROCESS:
Following review of applications, resumes and cover letters, the highest qualified applicants will be interviewed and may be tested. After a selection is made, all applicants not selected will be notified in writing. Skagit County reserves the right to use applications received for this posting to fill any other positions within this classification which may open within six months following the closing of this position.


ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Skagit County, as an equal employment opportunity employer, encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply. It is the policy of Skagit County to follow all federal and state laws to ensure non-discrimination in its employment practices. American with Disabilities Act (ADA) Notice: Individuals, who need an ADA accommodation to complete the application, test or interview process, please call: View phone number on click.appcast.io.


The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the essential functions of this position, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise to balance the workload. Changes to the position description may be made at the discretion of the employer.
Skagit County offers a competitive benefits package for Full-Time employees, including:

• Health Insurance: A variety of plans to choose from, including the County's Standard Medical Plan, for which the employee only pays $70 a month for medical and the County pays 100% of the dental and vision premiums for employee and dependents depending on the plan selected. Spouses may be added to the plan for $130 per month.
• Paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave
• Retirement: All employees must participate in a Washington State Department of Retirement Services plan, and may participate in a Deferred Compensation Plan if desired.
• Group Life Insurance: Basic insurance and Long-Term Disability is provided to employee and dependents, with additional insurance available to purchase.
• Employee Assistance Program for employees and family members for help with personal or family problems.

01


Did you attach a Resume?

• Yes
• No

02


Did you submit a Cover Letter?

• Yes
• No

03


What is your highest level of education?

• High School/GED
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree

04


How many years of accounting experience do you possess? (including cost accounting and financial reporting)

• 3 - 4 years
• 4 - 5 years
• 5 - 6 years
• 6 - 7 years
• +7 years

05


Do you you have a CPA Certificate/License?

• Yes
• No

Required Question