Accountant

Performs a variety of medium to complex accounting functions including the examination, analysis, maintenance, reconciliation, and verification of financial records, primarily for the Landfill, Resource Recovery, and Port, with other duties as assigned. Position will also prepare periodic reporting and financial documents. Oversee accounts receivable and payable for the Landfill. Oversees contracts for the Landfill, Port, and Resource Recovery. Participates in the review, analysis, and documentation of accounting systems/procedures and in the maintaining of a procedure for routine internal review of department accounting and billing functions. Assists in the preparation of the Annual Budget including compilation of data, data input of departmental line item budgets, analysis and review of departmental line item amounts, and preparation of special financial information as required by the Director of Port & Resource Recovery or the Finance Director. Compiles annual budget information for the Landfill, Resource Recovery, Port and other departments, as assigned. Reviews County-wide departmental budget reports and prepares a summary of significant actual to budget variances monthly for the Director of Port & Resource Recovery or the Finance Director. Prepares and provides to management various statistical and analytical data. Ensures accurate and timely preparation of monthly, annual and other routine or special purpose financial reports and documents. Prepares lead schedules, supporting documentation, and footnotes for assigned areas of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, including research and application of accounting pronouncements. Prepares fiscal year end reconciliations, various spreadsheets, supporting documentation, audit workpapers and schedules for fiscal year end closing process and/or use by the County's external auditors. Reconciles Port & Resource Recovery cash and investment statements and reconciles to the financial system regularly. Completes the month end and year end closing process for financial statements, including preparation of various journal entries and reviewing the journal entries of others. Monitors and reviews departmental financial reports on a monthly basis for proper supporting documentation and reconciliation of all accounts; provides assistance to departments in completing reconciliations as needed. Assists with financial system software implementations and upgrades. Provides training in the use of the County’s financial software, if necessary. Assists departmental personnel with financial questions, proper expenditure coding, document processing and other accounting related activities. Attends meetings of the County Board and committees as requested. Ensures that the County’s financial operations conform to pertinent regulations, standards and guidelines and immediately advise any condition that might be considered a material weakness to the Finance Director. Ensures that the County's accounting procedures comply with internal control over financial reporting and immediately advise any condition that might be considered a material weakness to the Finance Director. Receives and answers the inquiries as appropriate from departmental personnel. Serves as back-up to the Account Clerk position able to run monthly bills and handle scale functions. Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business management, resource management or related field from an accredited university or college with one to two years of experience in governmental reimbursement; or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities. Work experience in the solid waste management field desired, but not necessary Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles, policies and procedures and the ability to apply these principles to a variety of work situations. Knowledge of and ability to utilize a computer and the required software. Ability to work independently. Ability to perform cost/benefit analyses, analyze a variety of data, and maintain accurate records. Computer skills including familiarity with Microsoft Office applications and the ability to learn and use the County’s financial software and Transact scale software. Ability to analyze and solve problems. Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing. Ability to follow oral and written instructions. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff and the public. Ability to work the required hours of the position. #J-18808-Ljbffr