Finance Manager job in Mount Vernon

CLOSING DATE:      Sunday, May 9, 2021

JOB SUMMARY:
Under general direction of the Finance Director, this position performs a variety of complex accounting and financial activities requiring full professional competency. Recommends policies and procedures; analyzes and audits financial records for completeness and conformance to policies and procedures. Designs new systems or modifies existing systems to provide records of assets, liabilities, and financial transactions of the jurisdiction. Prepares a variety of complex financial reports, statements, and documents for major financial projects. Represents the Finance Department in the absence of the Finance Director. The incumbent will be required to attend meetings outside of normal workday hours, including evening or weekend meetings.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Supervises accounting staff to include: prioritizing and assignment work; conducts performance evaluations; ensures staff are trained; ensures employees follow policies and procedures; makes hiring, termination and disciplinary recommendations to Finance Director.
2. Oversees and coordinates the City’s financial reporting efforts, including coordinating the preparation and production of the City’s Annual Financial Report, State BARS (Budgeting, Accounting and Reporting System) reports, and other financial surveys and reports. Performs the Analyzes and reconciles financial and project transactions to ensure accuracy and compliance to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB), and all other related Federal, State, and City policies, procedures, laws, and regulations to meet established goals and reporting requirements.
3. Reviews, maintains, and updates records in various automated systems, formats, and software for accuracy to ensure data integrity and adherence to internal controls and accounting principles, practices, and policies.
4. Prepares and performs research and analysis to interpret, communicate, and distribute applicable financial information and reports to appropriate staff and agencies
5. Provides recommendations to assist in the development and implementation processes and procedures.
6. Provides accounting assistance in areas such as auditing, grant, asset, and liability accounting, explaining financial reports, reconciling general ledger and revenue accounts, and payroll accounts; provides recommendations to properly account for any unusual or infrequent transactions and resolve discrepancies; researches and synthesizes information for reports and recommendations.
7. Analyzes financial and investment data and develop forecasts of expenditures or revenues; performs routine and complex reconciliation of accounts and subsidiary ledgers; verify and test financial data; conduct variance analysis.
8. Compiles necessary information to prepare the annual allocation of overhead costs to the City's operating fund.
9. Assists Accountant with cash management functions for grant funding sources; conducts cash flow analysis; forecasts cash needs; monitors cash balances and reconciles City's bank accounts.
10. Coordinates and/or assists with the annual audit performed by the State Auditor's Office.
11. Perform other related duties and responsibilities as required.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business or Public Administration or related field, and three (3) years of professional experience in accounting, financial analysis, or auditing. Accounting or auditing experience includes capital asset accounting, general ledger accounting, financial reporting, and financial statement auditing or other relevant technical accounting experience in an automated environment; OR any equivalent experience, training and/or education.
• Two (2) years supervisor experience.
• Experience working for a public agency is preferred.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Washington State Driver’s License.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of:

• Federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and rules related to municipal accounting, finance, fiscal controls, and
• Governmental financial reporting;
• Generally accepted accounting and auditing principles related to public sector financial administration;
• Government Accounting Standards Board (GASB),
• Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB), and
• Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) standards, policies, procedures, and recommended practices.
• Federal and state grant and special fund accounting regulations, procedures, and standards;
• Public sector accounting and budgeting systems and procedures;
• Principles and practices of cost accounting, debt management, procurement, and budgeting.

Skills in:

• Reading, interpreting, understanding and applying accounting standards and procedures, applicable Federal and State rules and regulations, and City policies and procedures;
• Analyzing financial issues, evaluating alternatives, and developing recommendations and strategies;
• Analyzing City needs and developing financial strategies to meet future needs.
• Analyzing and interpreting complex data using spreadsheet software, quantitative analysis procedures, and statistical modeling;
• Monitoring and interpreting financial documents, and assuring compliance with all regulatory requirements governing municipal financial activities; identifying and reconciling errors;
• Reviewing interrelated financial and technical records;
• Using initiative and independent judgment within established procedural guidelines;
• Assessing and prioritizing multiple tasks, projects, and demands;
• Meeting critical time deadlines;
• Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships;
• Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.

Ability to:

• Analyze, prepare, and present reports on financial, governmental, and economic data, research and findings;
• Analyze problems, identify, and recommend solutions; maintaining accurate accounting records, and identifying and reconciling errors;
• Apply local, state, and federal rules, regulations, policies and procedures;
• Use initiative and independent judgment within established procedural guidelines.
• Prepare and present accurate, timely, and reliable reports containing findings and/or recommendations;
• Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing, including communicating technical concepts to lay people;
• Maintain quality working relationships with other City employees and the public during the course of work;
• Maintain tact, patience and courtesy when speaking with citizens, representatives from outside agencies and other City employees;
• Maintain composure when interacting with angry or upset individuals;
• Plan, organize and meet rigid schedules and demanding time-lines.

APPLICATION PROCESS:
Interested applicants must submit a cover letter and resume with their application.  Please visit www.mountvernonwa.gov/jobs to apply online. Applications must be received no later than 11:59 pm on Sunday, May 9, 2021. For additional information, or a complete job description, please contact Human Resources at mvhr@mountvernonwa.gov.

The City of Mount Vernon provides and enforces a drug free workplace and maintains a smoke free work environment.
The City of Mount Vernon is an Equal Opportunity Employer.