Accounting Specialist

The Accounting Specialist performs a variety of administrative and staff accountant assignments to assist with the overall office operations of the Public Works department.  Responsible for, or assists with, budget, purchasing, finance or billing services, and monthly, quarterly and annual financial reporting as well as giving administrative support to other Public Works department functions.    ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB

• Responsible for data management, accuracy, and maintenance, including system maintenance, data input, reporting, and management assistance for the financial system and the Maintenance Management System (MMS).
• Prepares, maintains, and disseminates detailed records, logs, statistics, and reports; establishes and updates manual and computerized recordkeeping systems; researches and verifies data, reconciles discrepancies, enters and edits reports, and retains and retrieves files. 
• Assists with the preparation of the County’s Annual Financial Report by preparing Public Works financial statements, supplemental information, supporting documentation, and data reconciliation. 
• Assists in preparation of the County Road, Motor Vehicle, Solid Waste, Building and Planning, and other miscellaneous fund annual budgets. 
• Maintains, controls, and oversees the maintenance of general or subsidiary ledgers, balancing operations, pre-auditing functions, and various other accounting and clerical functions including accounts payables and receivables, billings, payroll, purchasing, and inventory. Performs weekly and month end bank account reconciliations. 
• Participates in annual inventory counts, tracks balances of inventory, and prepares detailed inventory reports.  Coordinates with the road maintenance, engineering, and shop maintenance departments.   Participates in spot checks to ensure internal procedures are followed to maintain accurate inventory counts to be used in the County’s financial statements and Combined Annual Financial Report (CAFR).
• Collaborates with administrative staff to complete workload associated with applications, reporting, submittals, and requests for reimbursement for various County Roads grants. 
• Pursues self-development and continuing personal development of skills and knowledge by attending ongoing educational workshops, reviewing professional publications, and establishing personal networks.

 
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Proficient knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Accounting and auditing practices and procedures as prescribed by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB), and Washington State Budgeting, Reporting and Accounting System (BARS) for accounting principles, procedures, account coding and reporting.
• Proficient knowledge of payroll processing, terminology, and elements relating to payroll and confidentiality relating to HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act).
• Proficient knowledge of principles, practices, and techniques and related to tools, equipment, and technology as they relate to area(s) of assignment according to current department and County practices.
• Proficient skills in troubleshooting and resolving issues or problems by analyzing problems, identifying alternative solutions, interpreting compliance documentation, projecting consequences of proposed actions and implementing recommendations in support of goals.
• General time management and mental and physical organization skills that support the ability to focus, have clarity, and use strategy to fulfill a variety of tasks successfully.
• Proficient computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite, the internet for research, and the ability to learn and develop proficient skills in the current County-wide, and Public Works enterprise resource planning software.
• Ability to maintain the confidentiality of sensitive and/or confidential information.
• Ability to write and speak clearly and concisely and to express ideas and recommendations effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability and willingness to establish and maintain communication and working relationships with peers, representatives from other agencies, vendors, public officials, and the general public using courtesy, tact, and good  judgment. 
• Ability to effectively present information, findings, proposals, training, or other information to a variety of audiences by clearly articulating, engaging the audience, assessing the needs of the audience, and using appropriate materials to help audience understand the message.

 
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
 

• Work may be performed in the following environmental conditions:
  1. constantly: in an office environment, and 
  2. occasionally: near moving mechanical parts. 
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, a typical office environment.

 
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
 
The person in this position must be able to

• spend the following amount of time in an activity: 
  1. constantly: sit for extended periods of time and use hands and/or fingers to handle, feel, or operate equipment or tools, and
  2. frequently: talk or hear and reach with hands and arms, and
  3. occasionally: stand or walk for extended periods of time, climb, pull, push or balance, and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• carry or transport up to 50 pounds occasionally.
• have peripheral vision, depth perception, the ability to adjust focus, and have close vision (1-20 inches) and distance vision (20 feet or more).

QUALIFICATIONS
REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Associate degree in business, accounting, or related field.
• Three years of progressively responsible bookkeeping and general accounting experience including general ledger accounting and financial statement preparation.
• Experience with accounts payable, purchase orders, and encumbrance systems.

OR 

• Any combination of education and experience which would provide the applicant with the desired knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the job.

 
PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s Degree in business, accounting, or related field

 
LICENSES, CERTIFICATES, AND OTHER QUALIFICATIONS

• Employment at Franklin County is contingent upon the results of a background check and eligibility for coverage by the County’s liability insurance carrier. Depending upon the position, background checks may include personal and professional references, social security verification, education and professional licensing verification, financial history, and criminal history.
• Valid driver’s license if driving a vehicle for County business.

OTHER DUTIES DISCLAIMER
The statements herein describe the principal functions of this job, level of knowledge and skills typically required, scope of responsibility, work requirements and working conditions, but are not all-inclusive. Individuals may perform other duties and Franklin County, Washington reserves the right to modify, add or remove duties, and assign other duties as necessary, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise to balance the workload.

Salary : $55,494 - $74,506