Controller

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES include but are not limited to the following:

• Assist the Finance Director with preparation of budget, forecasts, and financial statements, including financial reporting.

• Maintain accurate accounting department records in compliance with applicable law.

• Manage all accounting functions including, but not limited to, payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger, inventories, capital assets.

• Assist in the establishment and maintenance of a system of internal controls to ensure that financial statements are prepared correctly and that the records of accounts are properly maintained.

• Develop and maintain systems and procedures which conform to generally accepted accounting principles within the confines of governing laws and District resolutions, the FERC Uniform System of Accounts and any other federal, state, and local laws, regulations, codes and/or standards. 

• Assist with preparation of annual reports and filing. 

• Responsible for assuring accuracy of general ledger, subsidiary ledgers, and financial statements.

• Support the monthly close process and preparation of routine reports. 

• Perform general activities according to FERC standards.

• Implement short- and long-term department goals as directed by the Finance Director.

• Provides coverage in the Finance Director’s absence.

• Perform other duties as assigned.
  

Standard Workplace Expectations: 

• Perform all duties in accordance with established safety practices.

• Contribute to a successful work group by listening to and taking time to understand suggestions and concerns of co-workers. 

• Offer constructive suggestions and ideas that help the team to meet or exceed objectives and goals by accepting and supporting team decisions. 

• Maintain a positive and collaborative attitude in the workplace.  

• Determine appropriate priorities to balance workload when deadlines compete. Seek assistance when needed.  

• Respond quickly and appropriately to inquiries, requests, or concerns.  

• Review own work for accuracy and routinely detect or prevent errors or mistakes that would prove costly or could jeopardize the operations of the PUD.

• Work additional hours as necessary to achieve departmental goals as directed by the supervisor.

• Review and follow District employee policies and procedures. 

• Maintain regular and punctual attendance.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES 

This position directly supervises up to 2 employees. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibility includes interviewing, hiring and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; addressing complaints and resolving problems; appraising performance; providing positive feedback and corrective action to employees; counsels employees to discuss their performance and to encourage their growth and development.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE 

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or related discipline required.

• Knowledge of FERC and RUS accounting standards preferred. 

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Management Accountant (CMA) preferred.

• 7 years of associated work experience with a utility preferred. 

• 5 years’ experience supervising one or more employees preferred.

• Strong ERP spreadsheet and database experience preferred.

• Knowledge of the Revised Codes of Washington (RCWs), Washington Administrative Code (WAC), and FERC Uniform System of Accounts as they apply to a Public Utility District of the State of Washington preferred.

• Experience with NISC software preferred.

• Proficiency in use of personal computers, word processing, Excel and database programs is required.  

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS 

• Possess knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles and practices with regard to the utility industry, NISC software and RUS accounting standards.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality.

• Working knowledge of sound customer service practices and PUD policies.  Working knowledge of computer applications for financial and accounting systems, including spreadsheets, databases, and word processing.  Proficient written and oral use of the English language.  

• Working knowledge of NISC software, RUS accounting standards and utility industry accounting is desirable. 

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to perform both simple and complex mathematical calculations.

• Ability to maintain attention to detail and to work under the pressure of rigid deadlines.  Must possess excellent time management and organizational skills, successfully manage multiple priorities, handle competing deadlines, and accurately set priorities.  

• Ability to learn PUD software systems.

• Ability to maintain a high degree of accuracy in working detail.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to conduct clear, concise, and effective presentations in a public setting. 

• Strong interpersonal communication skills to build relationships and foster collaboration among team members and departments.

• Ability to collaborate effectively with others and promote cross-functional teamwork to achieve District goals. 

• Ability to identify and resolve conflicts. 

• Ability to act with honesty and integrity and promote ethical behavior. 

• Ability to meet deadlines regularly and reliably.