Accounting Manager

Job Description

Recruitment Information

Application materials (application, cover letter and resume), along with answers to all supplemental questions, must be completed.

This recruitment is open until filled with a first review on July 22nd.

About Longview

Longview, Washington is located in Southwest Washington along the scenic Columbia River Basin 50 miles north of Portland, Oregon and 145 miles south of Seattle. Longview is a comfortable and affordable community with close proximity to larger city amenities as well as abundant outdoor recreational activities in the Cascade Mountains, Pacific beaches, and numerous rivers and lakes.

Position Information

This position is a highly technical position that provides responsible management and supervisory direction to the Accounting Division including oversight of financial services, financial reporting, and other accounting processes within the Finance Department; coordinate assigned activities with other divisions, outside agencies, and the general public; perform a variety of management level and professional tasks relative to assigned areas of responsibility; provide highly responsible and complex staff assistance to the Finance Director. This position is responsible for the production and maintenance of the accounting and financial reporting systems within the Accounting Division of the Finance Department insuring accurate information for its successful operation and financial management. Position receives general direction from the Finance Director and exercises direct supervision over professional, technical, and clerical staff. The candidate selected for this position will be subject to passing a pre-employment criminal background check including fingerprint check.

Essential Job Duties

1. Provide management of the City's general ledger, the preparation of the City's financial statements, as well as conducting financial analyses and technical research.
2. Design and implement new or revised accounting systems and procedures; develop and implement policies and procedures; develop short- and long-range objectives for the division.
3. Oversee the overall grant administration process for the City; ensure financial grant reporting is properly submitted; act as liaison to City departments on grant tracking and administration issues.
4. Serve as primary contact to the State Auditor's office; produce and oversee production of the Annual Financial Report for the City in accordance with (GAAP) and in compliance with City and State law.
5. Assure accurate and timely recording, balancing and classification of all income and expenditures to proper accounts in accordance with State mandated Budgeting, Accounting and Reporting Systems (BARS) Manual and City procedures.
6. Prepare and maintain a variety of reports, worksheets, and trial balances to keep management informed of the financial condition of the city.
7. Prepare entries and review entries prepared by other staff to ensure accuracy, proper account coding, adequate disclosure, and other applicable information in accordance with city ordinances. Reconcile accounts and adjust irregularities.
8. Audit subsidiary journals, registers, and other original entries prepared by employees of lower classification for accuracy and propriety.
9. Oversees grant accounting and capital improvement planning.
10. Perform other related professional accounting functions as may be assigned and developed by the Assistant Finance Director.
11. Select, train, motivate, and evaluate accounting division personnel; provide or coordinate staff training; work with employees to correct deficiencies.
12. Direct, coordinate, and review the work plan for the Accounting Division; meet with staff to identify and resolve problems; assign work activities and projects; monitor workflow; review and evaluate work products, methods, and procedures.
13. Performs bank reconciliation and cash reporting duties.
14. Attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in government finance and accounting.
15. Provide information to other local, state, and federal agencies.
16. Perform related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in accounting, finance, economics, public administration, or related field AND 5 or more years' experience in accounting or finance AND 3 or more years' experience in a management level accounting position OR a combination of education, training and experience which would provide the required skills, knowledge and ability to perform the job as determined by the department.
• Public sector or government experience is preferred.

Ideal Candidate Information

• Knowledge of current principles and practices of municipal and generally accepted accounting procedures.
• Knowledge of principles of budget preparation and control.
• Possess effective management and supervisory techniques.
• Working knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
• Ability to effectively manage and supervise professional, technical, and clerical staff.
• Can work accurately and efficiently in numerical analysis.
• Working knowledge to design and install complex accounting systems.
• Ability to interpret and explain City accounting policies and procedures to staff and other stakeholders.
• Ability to interpret and apply complex technical federal, state, and local laws, codes and regulations.
• Identify problems or issues and develop effective solutions.
• Can define short- and long-term objectives and corresponding services.
• Effectively operate a personal computer and financial office equipment proficiently.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Working ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Benefits

The City provides a comprehensive benefits package that is predominantly employer-paid for full family coverage, which includes medical, dental, vision, employee assistance program, long-term disability insurance, and basic life insurance with buy-up options for the employee, employee's spouse and dependents. All employees are required to participate in the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems programs and have the option to participate in a 457 deferred compensation program. Other benefits include generous paid leave such as vacation, holidays, and sick leave, and voluntary participation in a tax-deferred medical or dependent 125 plans.