Accountant, Senior

Washington County, Oregon; United States; On-site; USD 100,000 - 122,000; Full time

Job summary

Washington County is seeking an experienced Senior Accountant to provide advanced accounting and finance support for public sector reporting and year-end closing. This role leads external audits, ensures GASB compliance, and advises on internal controls across departments.

The ideal candidate holds a CPA or Master’s degree, or a Bachelor’s degree with relevant experience. Responsibilities include financial statement preparation, policy interpretation, and supervising staff as needed.

Qualifications

• CPA or Master’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Public Administration, Business, or a related field.
• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Public Administration, Business, or a related field AND two (2) years of experience in accounting, accounting operations, reconciliation, bookkeeping, financial analysis, or auditing.
• Associate’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Public Administration, Business, or a related field AND four (4) years of experience in accounting, accounting operations, reconciliation, bookkeeping, financial analysis, or auditing.
• High School diploma or equivalent AND seven (7) years of experience in accounting, accounting operations, reconciliation, bookkeeping, financial analysis, or auditing.

Responsibilities

• Prepare the Annual Comprehensive Financial Statements and supporting schedules.
• Lead the external audit process and prepare reports for the committee.
• Collaborate with departments to maintain account classifications and procedures.
• Provide guidance on expenditure controls and compliance requirements.
• Analyze the General Ledger, review budgetary accounts, and prepare adjustments.
• Evaluate internal controls and implement GASB pronouncements.
• Prepare and monitor Debt Service Funds and ensure debt covenants.
• Perform monthly reconciliations of bank accounts and other ledgers.
• Review investments and ensure compliance with policy.
• Maintain the Chart of Accounts and conduct specialized analyses.
• Foster teamwork and a positive work environment.

Skills

GAAP

GASB

Public sector accounting

Internal controls

Financial statements

Reconciliations

Audit coordination

Communication

Collaboration

Education

CPA or Master’s degree

Bachelor’s degree + 2 years experience

Associate’s degree + 4 years experience

High School diploma + 7 years experience

Job description

Note: This job will be posted through 11:59 PM of the day prior to the end date listed.

Job Type: Regular Pay Range: $100,054.20 - $121,565.16 Salary Department: Finance FLSA Exemption Status: Exempt

About the Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced accounting professional to provide advanced-level accounting and finance support, including the preparation and oversight of financial reporting, year-end closing activities, audit coordination, accounting compliance, and technical financial guidance. This role partners with departments across the organization to develop accounting procedures, strengthen internal controls, and ensure accurate financial operations. This is the advanced journey-level position within the Accounting series and is distinguished by the complexity of assignments and level of responsibility. The successful candidate will serve as a subject matter expert in assigned areas of responsibility.

Key responsibilities

• Assist with the preparation of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Statements, including financial data compilation, year-end closing entries, financial statements, footnotes, and supporting schedules.
• Lead and coordinate the annual external audit process, including audit committee support, variance analysis, policy interpretation, and preparation of required reports and schedules.
• Collaborate with departments to evaluate accounting needs, maintain account classifications, and develop consistent accounting procedures.
• Provide guidance on expenditure controls, fiscal regulations, accounting policies, and compliance requirements.
• Analyze and reconcile the General Ledger, review budgetary accounts, and prepare necessary adjustments and reports.
• Evaluate internal controls, recommend process improvements, train staff on accounting procedures, and assist with the implementation of new GASB pronouncements.
• Prepare and monitor Debt Service Funds and ensure compliance with debt covenants.
• Perform monthly bank and other account reconciliations
• Review & reconcile investments, ensure compliance with investment policy
• Maintain the Chart of Accounts and conduct specialized accounting analyses and studies as needed.
• Foster a positive, collaborative, and inclusive work environment that promotes teamwork, communication, safety, and organizational values.
• May supervise accounting staff and perform related duties as assigned.

Ideal Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

• Generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP)
• Accounting systems and procedures
• Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) reporting requirements
• Public sector accounting principles and practices
• Principles, practices, and procedures of finance
• Internal controls and auditing procedures
• Prepare, analyze, and evaluate financial statements, reports, and reconciliations
• Interpret and apply accounting standards, laws, regulations, and policies
• Evaluate internal controls and recommend process improvements
• Communicate complex accounting information effectively, both orally and in writing
• Build effective working relationships with employees, auditors, and other stakeholders

To review the complete classification, including the full list of knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) associated with this position, use this link: Accountant, Senior Job Classification

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience: Certified Public Accountant or Master's degree in Finance, Accounting, Public Administration, Business, or a related field. OR Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Public Administration, Business, or a related field AND two (2) years of experience in accounting, accounting operations, reconciliation, bookkeeping, financial analysis, or auditing. OR Associate's degree in Finance, Accounting, Public Administration, Business, or a related field AND four (4) years of experience in accounting, accounting operations, reconciliation, bookkeeping, financial analysis, or auditing. OR High School diploma or equivalent AND seven (7) years of experience in accounting, accounting operations, reconciliation, bookkeeping, financial analysis, or auditing.

Additional Requirements

Must pass a criminal history check

Selection Process: You can review our standard selection process here.

Our commitment to you

Washington County is an equal opportunity employer committed to using a merit-based system in which recruiting, selecting, and advancing employees is based on knowledge, skills, and abilities. Our organization embraces innovation, collaboration, and work-life harmony. We promote employee development and offer an award-winning benefits and wellness program as well as an opportunity to serve and support our vibrant community.

Veterans' Preference

If you are a Veteran and would like to be considered for Veterans' preference for this recruitment, please review the instructions using this link: Veterans' Preference Points.

Accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act

Reasonable accommodation is available to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing this application or participating in the selection process for this recruitment. To obtain confidential assistance please contact Human Resources 503-846-8606, or email: [e-mail] at least 48 hours before any step in the recruitment and selection process for which you feel you need accommodation.

Status of Your Application

You will be advised by email of your status at each step in the application process, from initial application to final employment disposition. Please note that Washington County communicates with all candidates via email.

Notice

Washington County is currently undergoing a comprehensive classification and compensation study. The purpose of this project is to create new job descriptions and create new classification and compensation systems. Outcomes of the project will include changes to classification titles, which could impact compensation structures. No one will have their pay rate lowered because of this project. For represented positions, appropriate bargaining processes will be utilized prior to implementation.

Benefits & Wellness Program Veteran’s Preference Information Access & Opportunity Resolution Labor Agreements