What are the responsibilities and job description for the Principal Accountant position at Ramsey County, MN?
Basic Function
The current vacancy is in the Accounting and Finance Division of the Economic Growth and Community Investment Service Team. The eligibility list created by this vacancy may be used to hire other vacancies in the department, service team or County.
To direct the accounting and related administrative activities of a moderate size department or a major accounting unit of a large department; to plan, organize, assign and supervise all accounting functions carried out by staff engaged in the maintenance of the accounting systems; to perform financial planning and analysis; to design and prepare specialized financial reports, and to perform related duties as assigned.
Flexible WorkplaceThis position is identified under the designation of ‘flex work eligible’, meaning that the employee can formally opt to be in-office full-time or work a flex schedule in which at least two-days per week are performed in office and other days can be performed in a remote-first environment. Regardless of selection, the position carries expectations regarding on-site responsibilities and will require schedule flexibility beyond the minimum expectations set forth in the county’s flexible workplace policy. To view Ramsey County’s Flexible Workplace policy, go to: Flexible Workplace policy.
Examples of Work Performed
- Promote a diverse, culturally competent, and respectful workplace.
- Supervise and direct a variety of functions of a moderate size department or a major accounting unit of a large department; supervise a complex cost accounting system and payroll functions, depending on assignment.
- Determine the manner of presentation, method and content of yearly financial statements, contribute to department annual reports, and special financial reports requested by outside agencies.
- Design and install new accounting systems that become necessary and make any necessary changes in accounting forms that are in use.
- Interpret and analyze accounting results, make recommendations to department heads, and act as advisor on all accounting and expenditure matters to the department head.
- Prepare yearly program of estimated expenditures for budget control for an entire department.
- Prepare estimates and statements at the end of each month to indicate the trend of and to control expenditures.
- Make audits, surveys, analyses, examinations, or investigations deemed necessary within the department.
- Investigate controversial or unusual subject areas, organize work groups, perform analyses and prepare final reports summarizing findings and recommendations.
- In the Social Services Department and the Financial Services Department, Design and prepare special schedules for inclusion in the annual SSD and FSD financial statement, department annual reports, and special reports requested by outside agencies.
- In the Public Works Department, Maintain Public Works CIP budget, overseeing all expenditures, collection of revenues for all active projects and the preparation of reports to the Finance department as required for financial statements and reports to the Board of Commissioners. Manage all procurement of goods and services by overseeing the stockroom function, approve all purchasing requisitions, which require competitive bidding; authorize all orders of data processing equipment and software in conjunction with the Department of Information Services.
- Evaluate the financial impact of pending or new legislation and make recommendations to the director.
- Interpret the financial implications of new directives and mandates from county, state and federal governments.
- Serve as department liaison to county's Budgeting and Accounting Finance Office; may serve on departmental management team, depending on assignment.
(The work assigned to a position in this classification may not include all possible tasks in this description and does not limit the assignment of any additional tasks in this classification. Regular attendance according to the position's management approved work schedule is required.)
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14.
Minimum Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting or a closely related field.
Experience: Six years of experience in accounting, including two years as a Senior Accountant.
Substitution: Equivalent combination of education and related experience.
Certifications/Licensure: None.
Exam/Screening Process Information
The examination process will consist of the following section with each section weighted as indicated:
- Training and Experience Rating = 100%
Eligible List: The names of all applicants who filed a properly completed application and passed the examination/screening process shall be placed on the eligible list for an employment opportunity as an Principal Accountant. This list will be certified to the appointing authority which may use this list to conduct interviews to fill a vacancy. Candidates will remain on the list for 1 month or until hired, whichever occurs first. A notice will be sent to applicants at the time the eligible list is posted, informing them that the list has been posted and their rank on the list.
Veteran's Preference: This is a classified position requiring an open, competitive selection process. Veteran's Preference points will be applied after a candidate passes the examination process. Applicants who are eligible for veteran's preference should update their veteran's DD214, and other supporting documents, and submit them as an attachment at the time of application.
Criminal Background Checks: All employment offers are conditioned upon the applicant passing a criminal background check. Convictions are not an automatic bar to employment. Each case is considered on its individual merits and the type of work sought. However, making false statements or withholding information will cause you to be barred from employment, or removed from employment.
E-Verify Participation: Ramsey County participates in the federal E-Verify program. This means that Ramsey County will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. If the Government cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, Ramsey County is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact DHS and/or the SSA before taking adverse action against you, including terminating your employment. Employers may not use E-Verify to pre-screen job applicants and may not limit or influence the choice of documents you present for use on the Form I-9.
Equal Opportunity Employer: Ramsey County provides equal access to employment, programs, and services without regard to race, color, creed, religion, age, sex (except when sex is a Bona Fide Occupational Qualification), disability, familial or marital status, sexual orientation or gender identity, public assistance status, place of residence, political affiliation, or national origin.
Ramsey County is deeply committed to advancing racial equity and promoting diversity and inclusion within all areas of its workforce. The county strives being equitable, inclusive, transparent, respectful, and impactful in how we serve and engage with residents, as well as Ramsey County employees. Advancing racial equity ensures all people who need access to opportunities and services we provide, will receive them. Racial equity is achieved when race can no longer be used to predict life outcomes, and outcomes for all are improved.
It is preferred that you apply online. If you are unable to apply online, you can print a paper application for this posting by clicking Paper Application . To apply with a paper application, you will need to print this posting AND answer the supplemental questions associated with this exam and submit them with your completed paper application.
For further information regarding this posting, please contact Lindsey.Hunter@co.ramsey.mn.us
Ramsey County provides a wide range of employee benefits to support health, well-being, and work/life balance. Benefits eligibility can vary depending on union status/contract language. A summary of benefits is provided below. Detailed information is available for review at https://www.ramseycounty.us/employees/employee-open-enrollment-2025-benefits
- Medical, dental and vision insurance
- The County contributes a bargained percentage to the medical and dental monthly premium
- Employees choose from four enrollment tiers: Single, Employee legally married spouse, Employee Child(ren), Family
- Blue Cross Blue Shield Medical insurance – three plan options including a High Deductible Plan with a Health Saving Account offered. Earn up to $20/month in electronic gift cards for each enrolled employee or spouse for wellness activity
- MetLife Dental Insurance – two plan options offered
- VSP Vision Insurance – Advantage Plan offered
- Pre-tax Benefit Program
- Pre-tax medical, dental, vision monthly premium deduction option
- Dependent and Health Care Flexible Spending Accounts
- County monthly contribution to a Health Savings Account for employees who elect the High Deductible medical plan
- Paid time off
- Vacation hours, accrued based on years of service, ranging from 12 to 25 days per year (pro-rated for part-time employees)
- 11 scheduled holidays and two floating holidays
- Up to eight weeks of 100% paid parental leave, plus additional use of sick time as noted below
- Sick hours accrued at a rate of three weeks per year, which can be used for medical and dental care; injury or illness for you, your spouse or children; the birth or adoption of a child (up to 80 hours) or the death of a family member (up to 40 hours)
- Wellness incentive allows conversion of unused sick time to vacation or pay
- Retirement benefits
- Pension - The county contributes at least 7.5% of your salary to your pension, depending on bargaining unit. Unlike other retirement investments, pension payments are a lifetime benefit once you start collecting payments
- New employees become vested after three years. For the Police and Fire union, employees are vested after 10 years
- Deferred compensation - 457(b) account with employer match
- Health Care Savings Plan - all benefits-eligible employees contribute 1% of gross regular salary to a Health Care Savings Plan account for eligible health care expenses after retirement. Interest accrues tax free. County provides a scheduled contribution after five years of participation
- Transit and parking
- Fully funded Metropass.
- Transportation/parking expenses reimbursement account
- Employee well-being
- Employee assistance program, including telephone counseling, financial counseling, rideshare benefits, etc.
- Wellness programming
- Flexible work policy with hybrid work options for eligible positions
- Life Insurance and Disability leave
- County provided Basic Life coverage - 1x annual salary, minimum $10,000 up to a maximum of $50,000. Optional supplemental coverage available
- Long-term Disability – County provided coverage replaces 40% of the employee’s lost income after six months of disability, subject to a $5,000 monthly maximum. Option to purchase an additional 20% income replacement up to $7,500 monthly maximum
- Short-term Disability – option to purchase 60% income replacement coverage with 30, 60 or 90-day waiting period
- Career development
- Tuition reimbursement, up to $4,000 per year
- Online professional development opportunities through the Learning & Development Center
- County employment qualifies as a public service organization for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
- Employee resource groups – help employees build connections through common bonds with colleagues
For information about Ramsey County's 2025 benefits, visit: https://www.ramseycounty.us/employees/employee-open-enrollment-2025-benefits
Salary : $4,000
