Senior Accountant

Senior Accountant
City of Corvallis Finance Department
 Corvallis, Oregon
Job Description

POSITION SUMMARY

Responsible for developing, implementing and maintaining the City's accounting practices, procedures, and internal controls to ensure compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Practices (GAAP) and to meet the professional standards for a system of internal controls that is required to maintain unmodified opinions from the City’s external auditors. Researches, analyzes, and recommends processes, procedures, internal and system controls for new financial transactions and to implement new GASB pronouncements or similar federal or state rule changes; coordinates development of the documentation of any new processes or procedures. Provide technical and analytical assistance to all City staff. Work with staff members to develop policies and procedures for all financial transactions including those processed through subsidiary ledgers not integrated with the general ledger. Provide leadership, training and direction to Financial Services staff. These tasks are illustrative only and may include other related duties.

Full-time 40 hours per week

AFSCME represented

12-month probationary period

Must meet all qualifications and requirements as listed in the Position Description.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Provides leadership and direction to the City’s Financial Services Division staff on the systems, processes and procedures required to meet financial reporting standards and requirements. Coordinates scheduling routine tasks as well as special projects functions to ensure proper financial operations for the City. Participates in the recruitment process and training of Division staff. Provides input regarding performance evaluations.
  • Develops, documents, implements, monitors, and revises a system of internal controls to facilitate the financial system development/management that leads to accurate, timely financial reporting that meets all federal, state, GAAP and auditing standards and results in an unmodified auditors’ opinion.
  • Develops, implements, and maintains a financial management system for the organization that meets or exceeds all federal, state, GAAP and auditing standards and meets the informational needs of staff, City Council and citizens to include the following:
  • Directs the annual compilation of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR). Ensures that the ACFR receives an unmodified auditors’ opinion and that there are no material internal control findings and that the ACFR is awarded the Government Finance Officers Association’s (GFOA) Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting.
  • Acts as liaison with external auditors and coordinates Finance and other department’s staff work and time in preparing the ACFR. Reviews and evaluates auditors’ recommendations and recommend changes in policies and procedures to implement the recommendations.
  • Implements, tests and monitors internal controls including review of daily, monthly and annual work of other City staff to ensure appropriate controls are in place and that staff are trained in the processes and procedures as defined.
  • Manages grant financial reporting to ensure compliance with OMB Circular A-102 and all other applicable financial requirements. Ensures that the auditors’ report shows no internal control deficiencies in accordance with OMB Circular A-133 (Single Audit).
  • Develops, implements and maintains appropriate audit trail data required to ensure the accuracy of financial transactions within the general ledger and all subsidiary ledger systems.
  • Coordinates, monitors and makes recommendations for improvements to the accounting systems, policies, and procedures to ensure compliance with GAAP, budgetary, and other restrictions; works with staff to modify existing practices to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the department in the context of Citywide customer service goals.
  • Works with Finance Department staff to develop, document, and implement a City-wide training program on internal controls and financial management.
  • Provides technical assistance to City personnel on internal controls, financial management, and audit procedures associated with the general ledger and subsidiary ledger systems, including those not integrated with the general ledger.
  • Assists the Financial Services Manager with troubleshooting and operation of the City’s Financial ERP systems.
  • Researches, analyzes, and recommends processes, procedures, internal and system controls for new and/or complex financial transactions and to implement new GASB pronouncements or similar federal or state rule changes; coordinates development of the documentation of any new processes or procedures.
  • Acts ethically and honestly; applies ethical standards of behavior to daily work activities and interactions. Builds confidence in the City through own actions.
  • Conforms with all safety rules and performs work in a safe manner.
  • Delivers excellent customer service to diverse audiences.
  • Maintains effective work relationships.
  • Adheres with all City and Department policies.
  • Arrives to work, meetings, and other work-related functions on time and maintains regular job attendance.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

Education and Experience

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent of four years education and training in Accounting providing the required knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the essential functions of the position.

AND

  • Four years of accounting experience in internal control practices, financial audits, financial analysis, project management and preparation of external reports, preferably an ACFR.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Advanced knowledge of accounting principles and procedures, including knowledge of governmental accounting standards and GAAP accounting.
  • Ability to coordinate year-end audit schedule completion as well as coordinating with the City’s external auditors for the timely and accurate completion and publication of the City’s Financial Report (ACFR).
  • Ability to develop and design accounting reporting systems and to make appropriate decisions in accordance with GAAP, City policies and GASB pronouncements.
  • Excellent database management skills, the ability to use report writers to effectively analyze financial data and advanced spreadsheet skills. Demonstrable advanced knowledge of word processing and spreadsheet software, and the ability to use and learn any technological applications and tools essential to the position.
  • Excellent customer service and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to communicate clearly and concisely orally and in writing with customers, and external professionals.
  • Strong analytical, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to efficiently organize multiple tasks, projects and analyze complex information. Knowledge of budgeting and forecasting techniques. Capable of performing research, interpreting and reviewing information, as an individual or contributing team member. Oriented to logical thinking, deriving alternatives through investigation, then evaluating and reaching or recommending a solution/ decision.
  • Ability to use independent professional judgment and work with minimal supervision.
  • Ability to get along well with coworkers, other agencies, and the general public and maintain effective work relationships.
  • Ability to use a computer for extended periods of time and software necessary to perform the essential functions of the position.
  • Ability to direct, train and motivate others to implement changes.
  • Ability to make decisions about procedures, workload, and deadlines, and the ability to work independently. Ability to lead the work of others.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion and judgment in dealing with sensitive or confidential information.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

  • CPA or the GFOA’s Certificate in Public Financial Management preferred.
  • Demonstrable commitment to sustainability.
  • Demonstrable commitment to promoting and enhancing equity, diversity and inclusion
  • The individual shall not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of the individual or others in the workplace.
  • Travel among City worksites.
  • Ability to pass a pre-employment background and/or criminal history check.

HOW TO APPLY

  • Qualified applicants must submit an online application located on the City of Corvallis website

Position is open until filled. Applications must be received by 8:00 AM on Tuesday October 8, 2024, to be considered with the first review.

Applicants are encouraged to include a cover letter and resume with the online application; however, resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed online application. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted/considered.

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