Accountant - Public Works

Blue-Earth-County; Mankato (MN); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Blue-Earth-County in Minnesota seeks a professional accountant to supervise staff and manage financial operations for the Public Works Department. You will oversee accounts payable/receivable, payroll-related accounting, project accounting, and capital asset records while ensuring compliance with laws and county policies.

This role emphasizes internal controls, reporting, and collaboration with County Finance, MnDOT, auditors, and vendors.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or related field with 3 years of leadership/administrative experience.
• Experience with accounting principles and practices.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle multiple priorities.

Responsibilities

• Supervises assigned staff by setting expectations, assigning work, monitoring performance, providing feedback, and addressing performance or conduct issues.
• Performs professional accounting, financial, and administrative functions for the Public Works Department to ensure accurate, timely financial operations.
• Prepares, analyzes, reconciles, and reports financial information to support budgeting, year-end reporting, and audits.

Skills

Leadership

Supervisory experience

Communication

Attention to detail

Confidentiality

Multitasking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in accounting/finance/business administration

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Under the general supervision of the Public Works Director, performs professional accounting, financial, and administrative functions for the Public Works Department. Responsibilities include cost accounting, accounts payable and receivable, payroll-related accounting, project and contract accounting, capital asset records, financial reconciliations, reporting, and internal controls. Coordinates financial information with County Finance, MnDOT, auditors, contractors, vendors, and other partners; ensures records and transactions comply with applicable laws, accounting standards, and County policies and procedures. Provides financial and administrative support to Public Works leadership and staff and supervises assigned clerical personnel. The position requires sound judgment, attention to detail, confidentiality, effective communication, and the ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining accurate and timely financial records.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Supervises assigned staff by setting expectations, assigning work, monitoring performance, providing feedback, and addressing performance or conduct issues. Communicates policies, procedures, and departmental goals; ensures compliance with organizational requirements and safety standards; resolves routine workplace issues; manages staff time and resources to meet operational needs; and promotes high-quality, customer-focused service and continuous improvement.
2. Performs and coordinates professional accounting, financial, and administrative functions for the Public Works Department, ensuring accurate, timely, and reliable financial operations.
3. Maintains and reviews financial records and transactions, including accounts payable and receivable, payroll-related activities, cost accounting, project and contract accounting, capital assets, and other departmental financial activities.
4. Prepares, analyzes, reconciles, and reports financial information to support departmental operations, budgeting, financial management, year-end reporting, and audit requirements. Prepares contracts for signatures and assure timely payments.
5. Coordinates financial activities and information with County Finance, governmental agencies, auditors, contractors, vendors, and other internal and external partners.
6. Interprets and applies applicable accounting standards, laws, regulations, funding requirements, and County policies and procedures to departmental financial activities.
7. Monitors financial activities and records for accuracy, completeness, appropriate authorization, and compliance with established policies, procedures, and internal controls.
8. Provides financial information, guidance, and technical assistance to department leadership and staff and assists with resolving financial, accounting, and administrative issues.
9. Oversees assigned administrative and clerical functions and supervises, trains, and supports assigned staff to promote effective workflow, quality service, and accountability.
10. Maintains appropriate financial, administrative, and supporting documentation in accordance with applicable records-retention and data practices requirements.
11. Supports audits, regulatory reporting, and other compliance activities and assists with implementing changes to accounting practices, policies, procedures, and systems.
12. Evaluates work processes and recommends improvements that promote accuracy, efficiency, consistency, internal controls, and effective use of resources.
13. Promotes a diverse, culturally competent, and respective workplace.

1. Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with employees, supervisors, elected officials, union representatives, external agencies, and members of the public through professional, respectful, and solution-oriented communication.

1. Performs the physical and mentaldemands of the position.
2. Maintains regular and reliable attendance and works the days and hours necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of the position, including outside regular work hours as needed. Maintains availability during regular business hours to communicate with employees, supervisors, customers, vendors, and other parties as required.

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS

1. Approved Minnesota Department of Agriculture Pesticide Applicator License Exam Testing Proctor. Manages and coordinates application examinations for commercial and noncommercial certification exams and submits appropriate forms, fees and proper ID according to MDA Standard Operating Procedures. Manages record retention.
2. Participates in professional staff development. Participates in training and education opportunities to maintain and improve proficiency. Attends and participates in professional organizations. Associates with employees and departments from other counties and states for collaboration.
3. Performs other related functions as apparent or assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field and 3 years of progressively responsible leadership, administrative, supervisory, and/or experience working with accounting principles and practices.

OR

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience applying GASB accounting standards and governmental financial reporting principles.
• Experience with cost accounting and construction contract management.
• Experience in governmental accounting within a public-sector organization.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite or similar software.
• Proficient in understanding and speaking languages other than English, such as Spanish, Somali, Chinese, Sudanese, and Arabic, among others.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Must be bondable.
• Must successfully pass a background check.
• Must possess a valid driver's license and the ability to drive within the State of Minnesota.
• Must comply with all federal and state laws and organizational and departmental policies and regulations.
• Must adhere to data practices policies and standards regarding non-public data. Access to non-public data must be limited to what is necessary to perform job duties. Employees must take reasonable steps to prevent unauthorized access and ensure secure storage of data in accordance with county policies and Minnesota Statutes.

Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Evening, weekend and additional hours may be required. Hours of work are structured to meet service demand and the needs of the public.