Accountant

City of Anacortes; Anacortes (WA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Anacortes seeks a professional accountant to perform a wide range of accounting duties including maintenance, control, analysis and development of complex financial records and reports.

The role supports GAAP compliance, state and city requirements, budget development, payroll, accounts payable/receivable, and financial statement preparation, with emphasis on accuracy and internal controls.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field.
• One year of professional accounting or financial management experience, preferably in governmental or municipal accounting.
• Understanding of government accounting reporting (GASB) and state Auditor requirements.
• Must be bondable.

Responsibilities

• Develop, prepare and submit reports to the state containing complex data.
• Assist with production of financial statements in compliance with GAAP and city/state laws.
• Assist with annual budget development and supporting schedules.
• Perform city accounting functions including cash receipts, expenditures, payroll, and journal entries.
• Support budgetary reports, worksheets, and trial balances for management.

Skills

Analytical skills

GAAP knowledge

Communication skills

Team oriented

Accounting systems

Education

Bachelor’s degree in accounting/finance

1+ year in governmental accounting

Tools

General Ledger systems

Accounting software

Databases & spreadsheets

Job description

Performs a variety of professional accounting work including maintenance, control, analysis and development of complex financial records, reports, and systems.

1. Develop, prepare and submit various reports to the state containing complex and technical data.
2. Assist with the production of the required financial statements in compliance with GAAP, city, and state law by compiling data and preparing supporting schedules for inclusion in various reports, such as the annual report and the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR).
3. Assist with the production of the annual budget through development and preparation of supporting schedules and worksheets.
4. Perform or backup city accounting functions, including but not limited to, cash receipts, expenditures, fixed assets, debt management, payroll, and monthly or ad hoc journal entries.
5. Support the preparation of the budgetary reports, worksheets, and trial balances to keep management informed of the financial condition of the city. Compile periodic financial reports.
6. Assure accurate recording, balancing, and classification of all income and expenditures to proper accounts in accordance with the State Budgeting/Accounting/Reporting System and city procedures.
7. Continually analyze the various funds, financial summaries, and statements, initiate improvements or revisions in the accounting system or its procedures, as authorized.
8. As assigned, perform the operation of various systems such as cash receipts, payroll, LID's, business licenses, dog licenses, accounts payable, accounts receivable, General Ledger, job costing, investment management, purchasing, and subsidiary ledgers.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in accounting, finance, or a related field. One year of increasingly responsible professional accounting or financial management experience, preferably in governmental or municipal accounting. Understanding of reporting aspects of government accounting, the federal requirements of the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB), and the state requirements of the Auditor's Office Must be bondable.

Licenses and other requirements:

Must possess a valid Washington State driver's license.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of:

• Databases and spreadsheets used by the city; ability to learn and use the city’s financial and computer systems. Must have extensive knowledge of accounting systems.
• Communication skills both written and verbal. Must be team oriented.
• Professional and technical expertise through continuing education and membership in professional organizations.

Ability to:

• Exercise decorum and discretion regarding personal and financial information.
• Provide a high level of customer service. Must have strong interpersonal skills. Be able to provide advice and technical assistance.
• Be extremely accurate with awareness that errors could affect employee trust.
• Communicate payroll procedures and/or regulations to employees both orally and in writing in a time-sensitive manner.
• Evaluate and analyze existing payroll policies, procedures, and business processes; draft, propose and implement changes and/or quality control measures leading to best practice operations.
• Develop, implement, and monitor payroll accounting controls and procedures for the purpose of proving internal financial controls and ensuring compliance with established financial, legal and/or administrative requirements.
• Remain current on federal and state wage and tax laws, new legislation and regulatory rulings impacting payroll, and enforce adherence to requirements.
• Work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Innovate and have the ability to explore new techniques.
• Plan, assign, and review the work of others.
• Be organized, efficient, creative, and capable of implementing multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Be skilled in analyzing a situation; assess alternative solutions and recommending an effective course of action.

LEVEL OF AUTHORITY:

Performs work under only general direction with latitude for independent action and decisions commensurate with demonstrated ability. Work performed must comply with sound accounting principles since errors could have substantial impact on public relations and could result in legal and fiscal liability for the City.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Work is performed primarily in an office setting or in community meeting rooms.

PHYSICAL:

Ability to sit at workstation and computer for extended periods. Requires finger, hand, and wrist dexterity for extensive computer operation necessary. Ability to stand, walk, and drive as needed throughout day. Occasional ability to lift, carry, and put away parcels of moderate weight.

OTHER:

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required and the scope of responsibility; but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individual may perform other duties as assigned including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods or otherwise to balance the workload. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or is a logical assignment to the position. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned.

Following an offer of employment, and prior to starting work, individuals may be required to have a pre-employment physical examination by a physician designated by the City of Anacortes. The City will pay for the examination. Satisfactory clearance to perform essential job functions will be required for employment. As an absolute condition of employment, employees are required upon hire to sign a drug-free workplace agreement and an agreement not to use tobacco products in any form while on the job.

The City of Anacortes is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, citizenship or national origin, creed, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age (over 40), marital/familial status, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal by a person with a disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identification, or status as an honorably discharged veteran, or any other class protected by federal, state, or local law. Reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities are provided on request.