City of Port Townsend is hiring: Accountant in Port Townsend

JOB SUMMARY

This is a skilled position that performs complex finance and accounting assignments that involve analyzing and summarizing technical accounting, financial, and statistical data in conformance with procedures, rules and regulations. This position acts as direct support to the Finance management team.

Analyzes, prepares, and maintains accurate financial, capital, budget, and statistical data records and performs various other finance duties within established procedures with minimal supervision including but not limited to general ledger journal entries, account reconciliations, fund analysis, capital budgeting & reporting, cost allocations, centralized purchasing functions, equipment rental & replacement analysis, fixed asset management, and monthly financial performance reporting. In addition, this position assists the Finance management team with complex assigned projects, and the preparation of the Annual Report, Annual Budget, and Annual Audit.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Interpret state laws and local government guidance for reporting applicability.
• Prepare monthly journal entries to reflect accurate accounting and distribution of income and expenditures to appropriate accounts and funds in conformance with Washington State BARS requirements.
• Perform general ledger account reconciliations using established procedures within communicated deadlines. Identify variances and coordinate corrective action with departments or finance staff if needed.
• Prepare monthly financial status/performance reports.
• Oversee project accounting and prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual capital project budget reports, which requires broad understanding of federal, state and local funding requirements and coordination with Public Works Department.
• Assist with preparation of annual capital budget and five-year capital planning (CIP) reports in collaboration with Public Works Department.
• Administer fixed asset tracking (acquisition, transfer, disposal, etc.), accounting, analysis and reporting for utility and other City assets.
• Maintain City's equipment rental & replacement system by inputting and deleting retired/sold equipment and charging departments for equipment maintenance and purchases to maintain adequate reserves.
• Maintain City's Cost Allocation Plan.
• Prepare and distribute monthly, quarterly and annual Fund Balance, Revenue and Expenditure Reports. Analyze and monitor actual operating results, including payroll, for each department throughout the year, comparing to budgets and forecasts.
• Assist with preparation of Supplemental Budget Requests.
• Support Finance & Technology Services Director in the preparation of the annual budget.
• Maintain various financial and statistical workbooks and databases to prepare ad hoc reporting upon request, summarizing and presenting data in an organized fashion.
• Organize and accomplish various assigned financial projects within established deadlines by performing complex financial analysis and preparing organized proposals.
• Assist Finance management with gathering information and preparation of work papers as they relate to the annual budget, annual report and annual audit.
• Effectively organize files and City documents to ensure efficient workflow and easy access.
• Regularly communicate status of assigned tasks with Finance Director.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Working knowledge of accounting theory, principles, internal controls and practices.
• Working knowledge of financial, fixed asset, budget and accounting reporting systems.
• Knowledge of Washington State purchasing, bidding, and capital contract laws and processes and related City procedures.
• Working knowledge of municipal codes and/or local government guidance, and State Budget Accounting and Reporting System (BARS) or the ability to learn the same within a relatively short period as it pertains to the duties and responsibilities of the position.
• Ability to analyze large amounts of data, perform accurate math calculations, and prepare complex financial reports.
• Ability to understand, interpret and efficiently carry out complex oral and written instructions.
• Ability to analyze problems, identify solutions, project consequences, and implement recommendations in support of goals.
• Ability to maintain accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to work under pressure and stressful situations with a high degree of accuracy.
• Proficient skills in using standard office equipment and software, including spreadsheets, budgeting, accounting, and database programs.
• Intermediate to advanced Microsoft Excel skills (e.g., formulas, tables, charts, pivot tables, data analysis, keyboard shortcuts).
• Communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact with diverse groups of people.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances, such as shifting priorities, unexpected challenges, or variations in the workload, while maintaining composure and effectiveness.
• Ability to apply principles, practices, and applications of government purchasing.
• Ability to utilize sound judgment when making decisions and properly use resources to support decisions.
• Ability to interpret, explain and maintain compliance with local, state and federal accounting regulations governing direct work responsibilities.
• Ability to independently work within established guidelines and procedures and prioritize own workflow to meet deadlines with general supervision.
• Ability to demonstrate outstanding customer service and performance excellence.
• Ability to develop and maintain collaborative and respectful working relationships with co-workers, other City staff, customers and management.
• Ability to effectively and efficiently communicate with team members, managers, and other departments, both verbally and in writing, using tact, patience and courtesy to convey instructions, provide feedback, receive feedback, and resolve issues.
• Ability to manage conflict and communicate effectively with City personnel and customers in a professional manner.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• High School Diploma or equivalent and minimum two-years of college level courses in Finance/Business or related field.
• Any combination of accounting/finance experience and education equivalent to ten or more years of professional level work related to accounting, budgeting, and financial reporting.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated proficiency in computer operating systems and use of Microsoft Office Suite products, including Excel.
• Must be bondable.

Preferred

• Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance, or related field, from an accredited college
• Government accounting and budgeting experience.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Duties are performed primarily in an open office environment with sitting for long periods of time, utilizing standard office equipment and personal computer. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderately quiet. May be required to deal with upset customers. This position typically requires movement around the office, reaching, pushing, grasping, finger dexterity, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions. Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.

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.

OTHER CITY REQUIREMENTS

• Punctual and consistent attendance
• Dress and grooming appropriate to the position.
• Safety attire, equipment and practices appropriate to the position.
• Deal tactfully and courteously with the public.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees.

COMPENSATION

Base pay range: $40.27-45.69 per hour

Total pay range: $40.27-45.10 per hour (including maximum potential longevity pay)

This position may be eligible for the additional compensation listed below. Details can be found in the Collective Bargaining Agreement:

• Longevity pay on a graduated schedule starting at 2% after 5 years, up to 12% after 25 years
• Overtime pay or compensatory time
• Premium pay or compensatory time
• Jury duty pay at regular rate during service

BENEFITS

• WA State PERS retirement and optional 457 Deferred Comp
• Teamsters pension *
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance through WA Teamsters Welfare Trust Fund *
• Time loss/short-term disability insurance
• Life & AD&D insurance
• Sick leave (earns 1 day per month)
• May be eligible for sick leave conversion annually
• Vacation (graduated accrual schedule starts at 8 hours per month)
• 12 paid holidays
• Eligible for up to 3 floating holidays based on years of service
• Up to 5 days of bereavement leave, if applicable
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

* Teamsters initiation fee is $100 and monthly dues are 2.25% of hourly wage x the base hourly rate rounded to the nearest dollar.

The City of Port Townsend is an equal employment opportunity employer. The City employs, retains, promotes, disciplines and otherwise treats all employees and job applicants strictly on the basis of job-related qualifications and competence. These policies and all employment practices shall be applied without regard to any individual's sex, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sexual orientation (including gender identity), pregnancy, age, marital status, military status, disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the City and the employee and is subject to change as the needs of the City and requirements of the job change.