Financial Accountant

Class Title: Financial Accountant

Class Code: FIN ACCT

Hourly: $34.18 - $47.43 | Monthly: $5925.75 - $8222.09 | Annually: $71109.06 - $98665.15

Benefits: Full-time

OVERVIEW:

This classification is responsible for a range of professional accounting and financial reporting duties in connection with the district’s financial accounting and reporting functions.  Work includes complex financial and budgetary analyses, reviews, reconciliations and research in support of the development, preparation and analysis of district financial reports, budgets and forecasts.  This position manages accounting records, project budgets, federal and state grants, and applies governmental accounting and reporting standards.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Receives general supervision from the Finance Manager.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

Supervision is not normally a responsibility of this position; however provides direction and guidance to staff.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:

The information provided below encompasses the typical duties and capabilities linked with this classification.  Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Prepares or assists in the preparation of the annual financial report; coordinates schedules with departments and external auditors; explains financial policies, procedures, and/or other relevant information to departments and external auditors. Prepares year-end audit work papers and performs internal procedures needed to ensure the integrity and quality of financial accounting records.
• Analyzes account activities and monitors the integrity of general ledger entries; performs related reconciliations; reclassifies expenditures and/or revenues to correct discrepancies.
• Works with other departments in order to maintain and monitor data relating to the district’s long-term capital projects, and prepares monthly progress and variance reports.
• Maintains district’s fixed asset inventory database.
• Assists in the coordination and development of the district-wide annual budget; compiles and analyzes data relative to personnel, operating, capital, and /or other costs, trends, or other pertinent information; assists in preparing and reviewing budget detail and narratives for the proposed and adopted budget documents.
• Provides central management of accounts receivable and collections; manages installment billing program; prepares accounts receivable invoices for the district.
• Builds and maintains spreadsheets of financial, budgetary, economic and other data used in generating and updating financial forecasts and trending analysis.
• Prepares grant billings and reports and ensures financial compliance with grant terms and state and federal requirements. Advises other departments regarding grant reporting and compliance.
• Maintains debt compliance reporting requirements.
• Assists with developing, recommending, and implementing policies, procedures, and systems to assure efficient and effective operations.
• Reviews recording of receipts and expenditures and prepares documentation of adjustments.
• Performs or reviews monthly reconciliations of district bank accounts.
• Reviews and provides back-up for payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable and procurement functions.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL, AND ABILITY REQUIREMENTS:

The individual in this classification is expected to possess and exhibit the following knowledge, skills and abilities.

Strong Knowledge of:

• Generally accepted accounting principles to ensure fund accounting records and financial reports are in compliance with Government Accounting Standards, Oregon Local Budget Law, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)and other accounting rules and regulations;
• Account reconciliation methods;
• Financial trending analysis techniques;
• Governmental budgeting and auditing principles and practices;
• Account preparation, internal control systems and practices.

Skill and Ability to:

• Perform reconciliations and analyses of financial and budgetary operations;
• Evaluate alternatives and reach sound, logical, fact-based conclusions and recommendations while ensuring completeness and accuracy of information;
• Analyze, interpret, explain and apply relevant federal, state and/or local laws, rules, regulations, ordinances, and policies and procedures;
• Perform detailed, advanced professional work accurately and at an acceptable level of productivity;
• Think critically, analytically and problem solve;
• Work with large amounts of data, interpret financial records, detect errors, and prepare financial reports;
• Maintain confidentially regarding confidential information and data;
• Operate office equipment including computers;
• Convert involved technical and legal information into practical communications;
• Communicate effectively in both oral and written form;
• Work independently, use good judgment and initiative;
• Meet schedules and deadlines; and establish and maintain effective, cooperative and respectful working relationships with all contacts.

QUALIFICATIONS:

The following are minimum qualifications for this classification.

Education, Experience, and Training:

1. Bachelor’s degree in accounting, business or finance; AND
2. Three (3) years of demonstrated governmental and/or financial accounting and analysis experience; OR
3. Any satisfactory combination of experience and training which demonstrates the knowledge skills and ability to perform the above described duties.

Licenses and Certifications:

1. Possession of or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire a valid Oregon driver’s license.
2. Certified Public Accountant (CPA) preferred.

WORKING CONDITIONS: 

• Work is performed primarily in an office environment while sitting at a desk or working at a computer terminal.
• The flow of work and character of duties involve normal mental and visual attention much or all of the time.
• Frequent focus on a computer screen.
• Manual dexterity and coordination may be required, making up more than 50% of the work period.
• Daily precise control of fingers and hand movements while operating computer keyboard, telephone, and standard office equipment.
• Must be able to stand, walk, speak, and hear sufficiently to deal effectively with district employees.
• Incumbent is typically exposed to office noises, and interruptions.
• Physical exertion may be to lift books, files, manuals or boxes weighing less than 30 pounds unassisted and occasionally more.
• Work may include climbing, stooping, reaching, standing, walking, grasping, bending, keyboarding, repetitive hand and feet, and sitting.
• Occasional dealing with distraught or difficult individuals.

STATUS:

Exempt

Full-Time

Benefits: Full-time

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