Principal Accountant - Transportation Services

Job Summary

Performs complex professional work in coordinating research projects and managing ongoing functionality of the ERP system related to financial management for the Transportation Services and Planning and Resource Management Divisions. Collects, analyzes, and evaluates departmental processes, including business unit subsystems, and how they interact with the Financial ERP system and all supporting financial subsystems flowing in and out of the ERP system which make up the financial environment. Assists business units in maintaining standard financial practices and procedures that ensure efficient financial business operations that adhere to county policy and internal control. Performs work lead functions by providing direction to staff. Develops and administers county financial ERP system security of data. Some evening and weekend hours may be required due to systems issues and processing timelines.

Job Description

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Implements and maintains efficient, effective financial system processes for county-wide business operations. 

• Develops and administers financial ERP system security of data. 

• Manages financial scenario building and cash flow analysis for the annual capital budget development process (highway, transit, and parks) for both divisions. Requires understanding of funding complex resource requirements.

• Manages the collection, receipting, balancing, listing, and distribution of County and State Aid and Federal Aid Funds.

• Compiles comprehensive and complex financial reports and studies and submits them in a timely manner to program regulators (e.g. MN/DOT Annual Report, State Auditor Reports, etc.) 

• Performs lead worker functions, which includes providing direction to staff. 

• Performs financial application analysis, control review, and testing, including recommendations on business unit subsystem integration to ERP system. 

• Constructs optimal financial system processes, including automated subsystem interactions, with the ERP system.

• Primary system administration for multiple ERP functions including complex problem resolution with very minimal assistance. 

• Analyzes, evaluates, and improves financial processes throughout the county, through business process mapping efforts, including development and training of financial systems and controls for business unit staff. 

• Assists in the developing of county-wide financial processes and reporting that adhere to county policy and internal controls. Verifies that financial policies and procedures are adhered to by conducting departmental spot audits. 

• Performs highly responsible administrative duties involved in building and maintaining financial ERP processes, reporting, and required analysis that may involve confidential matters. 

• Assists with accounting and financial matters. Works collaboratively with others to create and enhance financial systems to meet service needs. 

• Assists in the development of financial modeling, security, planning, and reporting. Identifies control weaknesses and procedural issues and initiates resolutions. Reconciles general ledger accounts, including subsystem analysis. 

• Analyzes financial transactions and records for inconsistencies. 

• Works the days and hours necessary to perform all assigned responsibilities and tasks. Must be available (especially during regular business hours or shifts) to communicate with other employees, supervisors, customers, vendors, and any other person or organization with whom interaction is required to accomplish work and employer goals. 

• Performs other duties as required or assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Requires equivalency of a bachelor's degree in accounting, Finance, or related field and four years of experience in financial analysis, reporting, and budgeting in an ERP applications environment. Project management and ERP experience are highly desirable. A reliable form of transportation for the performance of work responsibilities is required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATION(S)

Financial certifications e.g. CPA, GPFO are also highly desired.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The employee is under general guidance and direction from the Administrative Services Director and receives work direction from Division Directors and the County Engineer. Work is performed according to established department guidelines and procedures, as well as accounting and auditing standards as determined by county, state, or federal regulations. The employee is expected to exercise considerable independent judgment in recommending, developing, and implementing new work methods and procedures to improve tracking and record-keeping capabilities. Due to the expertise of this position, the position regularly mentors, coaches, and advises others throughout the county on financial matters.

CORE COMPETENCIES AND ABILITIES
Customer Service - Delivers government services in a respectful, responsive, and solution-oriented manner.

Communication - Is always clear about what we're doing and why we're doing it.

Collaboration - Works with partners – communities, schools, faith groups, private business, and non-profit agencies – to see that services are not duplicated but rather are complimentary, aligned, and provided by the partners who can deliver the service most effectively.

Stewardship - Works proactively to make investments, guided by resident input, which will transform lives, communities, and government.

Empowerment - Works with individuals and families to affirm strengths, develop skills, restore hope, and promote self-reliance.

Resiliency - Fosters public preparedness and responds when families and communities face health and safety emergencies.

Innovation - Takes informed risks to deliver services more effectively and learns from successes and failures.

Knowledge – Knowledge of general accounting principles and techniques.

Knowledge of the fundamentals of governmental finance expertise.

Knowledge of fiscal policies and budgetary procedures.

Knowledge of Infor or other ERP software applications. Broad and deep knowledge of various modules, able to mentor others.

Knowledge of state and federal highway record keeping methods; and OSA, GFOA, and GAAP accounting standards.

Knowledge of state and local guidelines related to accounting practices.

Abilities – Ability to identify control weaknesses and develop process improvements.

Ability to prepare and present effective training related to accounting procedures and financial systems.

Ability to use a computer and related software applications.

Ability to recognize and maintain private and confidential records and data.

Ability to conceptualize complex problems and then envision and implement technical solutions to address them.

Ability to research, understand, and follow federal, state, and legal guidance related to financial matters and requirements.

Ability to administer ERP systems including broad security.

Ability to recognize fraudulent transactions and to seek alternative verification methods to avoid hackers and fraud events from compromising county assets including reputation. 

Ability to analyze and audit financial and accounting reports.

Ability to prepare and present written reports.

Ability to maintain complex financial records.

Ability to analyze organizational and automation systems (ERP) problems and to prepare and present ideas for their solution.

Ability to remain calm and composed in emotionally charged settings.

Ability to speak, present, and interact in public arenas with composure, professionalism, and discretion.

Ability to use MS Office software for the performance of essential duties.

Ability to use appropriate discretion in dealing with matters of a confidential nature.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Typical characteristics of the regular, ongoing work environment of this position requires inside work, typically in an office setting.

Physical activities include sedentary to light work: Reaching, sitting, standing, walking, pushing, lifting, pulling, fingering, grasping, feeling, stooping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions. Lifts and/or navigates up to 35 pounds on a routine basis in handling files and equipment necessary for performing the essential duties of the job.

SELECTION PROCESS

Selection for this position will be based on a minimum qualifications screening and rating of training and experience. Top candidates will be forwarded to hiring manager or supervisor for consideration for interview and/or additional assessments. Final selection will include a background check and approval by the County Board.