[Hiring] Senior Accounting Analyst @Snohomish County

Role Description

To perform senior-level accounting work by assisting the Assistant Controller and Controller in leading special accounting and internal control projects, and preparing complex, accurate, financial statements that comply with Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) and Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) standards. The position requires advanced knowledge of accounting principles and consistent independent judgment.

Job Duties

• Takes a lead role in the preparation and coordination of the compilation of annual financial statements, including notes, schedules, and GASB 34 reconciliations.
• Researches new GASB pronouncements, drafts new policies, prepares appropriate Notes to Financial Statements (ACFR), develops procedures to ensure compliance with GASB standards based on independent research.
• Provides leadership and guidance to Accountants and/or paraprofessional accounting personnel; analyzes and resolves technical problems; mentors, advises, assists, and trains subordinates as necessary.
• May participate in the selection of new employees and make recommendations regarding hiring, termination, and discipline of subordinate employees.
• Prepares sections of the County’s Official Statement used to issue bonds on an annual basis, prepares Notes to the Financial Statements associated with the issuance of debt on the County’s Financial Statements (ACFR).
• Maintains general and subsidiary automated and manual ledgers; reviews and/or approves original source entries; provides financial information for the budget process; prepares/reviews year-end accruals.
• Researches and mediates accounting dispute resolution with customers and staff.
• Prepares written and oral responses to inquiries by division and other county managers, supervisors, state auditors, and council staff, as requested.
• Participates in modifying, developing, and installing manual and automated accounting systems; detects and defines system problems; works with fiscal analysts and department of information services staff to arrive at solutions.
• Recommends new and changed methods and procedures as appropriate; trains users in the use of automated accounting systems as required.
• Prepares special reports as requested; develops report formats.
• Analyzes data for user departments as requested; studies day-to-day accounting problems and recommends solutions.
• Advises and assists departments in monitoring funds and fiscal health; aids fund managers to meet their operating objectives.
• Develops and establishes countywide accounting policies and procedures; ensures compliance with internal controls.
• Acts in a consultant capacity to improve internal controls at the department level countywide; determines audit methods.
• Maintains awareness of current accounting standards/requirements; identifies changes to prior requirements and disseminates relevant information.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s degree in accounting, business, finance, or other field directly related to professional accounting work.
• Four (4) years of professional accounting experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior professional accounting experience in a governmental agency.
• Possession of professional certifications such as Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Management Accountant (CMA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Senior Advisor (CSA), or State and Provincial Finance Officer (SPFO).

Special Requirements

• A minimum of 20 credit hours of Continuing Professional Education (CPE) in relevant subject matter will be required annually.

Knowledge and Abilities

• Knowledge of accounting and finance practices and their application in a municipal environment.
• Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Generally Accepted Auditing Standards (GAAS).
• Washington State Budgeting, Accounting and Reporting System (BARS).
• Debt instruments and debt recording.
• Cost accounting methods and techniques.
• Rate setting practices and procedures.
• Principles, theories, and practices of governmental accounting.
• Desktop computer skills in spreadsheets, word processing, databases, and presentation graphics.
• Workflow planning, development, and monitoring of goals and work plans.

Abilities

• Act in a lead capacity, exercising discretion and independent judgment.
• Schedule, organize, monitor, and review the work of employees assigned to projects.
• Read, interpret, and apply relevant federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations.
• Effectively plan, develop, and carry out complex projects.
• Gather, evaluate, and synthesize a variety of data.
• Prepare clear and concise analytical, descriptive, and evaluative reports.
• Establish working relationships with groups and individuals from a variety of backgrounds.
• Maintain necessary records and prepare required reports.
• Work effectively and contribute to a team environment.
• Motivate subordinates to excel and monitor project performance.
• Foster an environment that encourages excellence.
• Apply accounting and finance principles to day-to-day situations.
• Independently and accurately address complex accounting issues.
• Promote organizational objectives and serve on a customer service team.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Work under pressure, meet deadlines, and cope with interruptions.
• Work with minimum supervision.
• Utilize desktop computer applications effectively.
• Rapidly learn Washington laws governing local government financial practices.
• Rapidly learn the Governmental Accounting Standards Board practices.

Supervision

The employee receives general direction from the Assistant Controller and Controller. Work is performed with considerable independence and is reviewed through meetings, reports, and results obtained.

Working Conditions

The position works primarily in a standard office environment characterized by typical lighting, temperature, and noise levels conducive to administrative and accounting functions. The position requires extensive use of computers and other office equipment, involving prolonged periods of sitting and screen time.

Snohomish County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. Accommodations for individuals with disabilities are provided upon request.