Accountant I/II

Accountant I/II

The City of Kennewick is seeking a detail-oriented and collaborative accounting professional to support citywide financial operations. This position plays a key role in maintaining accurate financial records, supporting budgeting and reporting processes, and ensuring compliance with state regulations and GAAP.

The ideal candidate will have experience in governmental accounting, strong analytical skills, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team on complex financial projects.

The City of Kennewick will provide excellent public service and ensure the safety and wellbeing of our community and one another through the empowerment of each employee. We value integrity, inclusiveness, stewardship and communication. We are accountable to our community for innovative and collaborative efforts that anticipate needs, leverage resources and deliver solutions.

We expect our employees to ensure compliance with all applicable safety practices and policies, including those established by OSHA/DOSH regulations and by the City's Accident Prevention Plan. This includes but is not limited to actively identifying and correcting potential hazards that may affect employee and public safety, including those identified by co-workers. Leading by example to promote a positive culture of workplace safety through everyday action; emphasizing safe completion of work throughout all aspects of developing and carrying out work plans.

Under general direction, performs a wide variety of professional level accounting, budgeting, cash management and financial reporting functions. Maintains official city accounting records in accordance with the system of accounting prescribed by the Washington State Auditor's Office and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). Works with the Accounting Manager to develop and implement financial policies and internal controls to ensure proper financial reporting and safeguarding of city assets. Works as a team member on research projects, analytical studies and/or other special projects. Level I and II Accountant are distinguished by the degree of complexity of assignments and the level of independence with which the position operates as well as the experience required to perform the work.

The following list reflects the essential job duties and responsibilities of this classification, but should not be considered all-inclusive. The incumbent will be expected to perform other related duties as assigned.

• Prepares various financial reports, statements and projections using guidelines of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and governmental accounting concepts.
• Maintains journals, ledgers and other financial records, establishes financial status of various funds and reconciles discrepancies as needed.
• Accounts for grants, local improvement districts (LID) and related bond issues and other long term debt of the City; monitors related revenues and/or expenditures; analyzes available cash balances, computes total costs and submits reimbursement requests for grants, prepares annual debt service schedules and initiates bond calls in accordance with state law and city codes.
• Assists departments in preparing biennial budget and projecting year end account and grant balances by extracting, analyzing and projecting financial records and statistical computations. Makes recommendations based upon results.
• Assists in the development of internal control procedures by identifying and notifying management of any discrepancies or inconsistencies and making recommendations for improvements.
• Provides support on citywide financial projects, analytical studies and/or special projects.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

This position requires a Bachelor's Degree in accounting, finance, business or related field and at least two years of relevant experience sufficient to demonstrate the knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the duties listed above, or any combination of relevant education and experience sufficient to demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform duties listed above.

• Must pass a criminal background investigation.
• Must maintain a level of mental and physical fitness required to perform the essential functions of this classification.
• Must maintain regular attendance and punctuality.

Five or more years of experience involving the preparation of financial statements and reports and the interpretation and application of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).