Accounting Manager

Job Summary

Under the general direction of the Finance Manager leads, directs, and administers accounting functions to foster effective processes that support improved efficiencies, support organizational outcomes and include appropriate internal controls. Prepares complex financial analysis of operations for use in well-informed decisions about the county's operations. Primary areas of responsibility include: overseeing the day-to-day activities and processes for accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger, cash management, cash receipting, collections and fixed assets.

Job Description

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• ?Supervises staff and processes related to accounting and fiscal management activities including, but not limited to, accounts payable, accounts receivable, fixed assets, collections, cash control, and the general ledger; ensures accurate and timely collecting and processing of financial transactions and information.

• Maintains a high level of customer service, providing consultation, guidance and is responsive to county staff in the development of new and modification of existing accounting processes; ensure processes support efficiency in County operations and service delivery outcomes while also ensuring compliance with accepted accounting practices, established laws, county procedures, Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) Statements, and recommendations of the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA).

• Establishes and maintains processes and controls which verify the integrity of all, processes and data; continually develops and improves internal controls to ensure compliance with all state and federal audit requirements. Leads effort to continually improve processes and procedures to improve efficiencies and organizational outcomes while also preventing fraud.

• Ensures user departments receive timely and consistent financial systems and processes training.

• Uses sound fiscal analysis principles and practices to evaluate all aspects of accounting operations and makes recommendations for improvements to systems and processes.

• Calculates and prepares complex financial and statistical studies and reports; keeps abreast of legislative changes and issues and advises on their impact on county operations and fiscal policies.

• Formulates, recommends, and implements practices to improve fiscal management, analysis and reporting for the county, and ensures and supports the accessibility of financial data, measurement of outcomes, and improved quality of information for decision making.

• Assists in the development and management of the annual department budget; oversees and authorizes expenses.

• Performs supervisory duties as defined in MN Statute 179A.03 Subd. 17.

• 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 related duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor's Degree in Finance or Accounting (or similar degree) and six years of progressively responsible accounting and fiscal management experience. A reliable form of transportation for the performance of work responsibilities is required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATION(S)

Three years of experience supervising professional accounting staff and/or related public sector leadership experience and certification as a public accountant (CPA)

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS
The incumbent is under broad policy and procedure guidance and direction from the Finance Manager.

The incumbent directs and oversees the work of others; including, program/service planning and delivery, personnel selection, evaluation of work performance, training, and disciplinary activities. Performs supervisory duties as defined in MN Statute 179A.03 Subd. 17.

The incumbent promotes employee professional development and provides coaching and mentoring to others.

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 accounting principles, Office of the State Auditor (OSA) guidelines, applicable state and federal statutes and rules, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and GASB Statements.

Knowledge in integrated, financial Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) applications – setup, use, maintenance, and continual improvement.

Knowledge of county financial policies, business functions, processes, and financial systems.

Knowledge of county policies, procedures, and labor contracts.

Abilities – Ability to analyze financial systems, processes, and procedures.

Ability to effectively present analysis and recommendations through spoken written and electronic communications.

Ability to identify and resolve problems in a timely manner and gather and analyze information efficiently and effectively.

Ability to speak clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations, has group presentation skills and conduct effective meetings.

Ability to synthesize complex and diverse data into meaningful information for organization decision makers.

Ability to bring innovation and creativity to the financial systems and functions of the county.

Ability to provide leadership and develop a team approach to solving problems and communicating solutions.

Ability to adapt the organization to changes in the business environment.

Ability to prepare and to supervise the preparation of comprehensive and detailed financial records and reports.

Ability to work in arenas of conflict and bring diverse opinions to a resolution or consensus.

Ability and skill to organize, direct, and coordinate the activities of professional, technical, and administrative support staff.

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. The position is multi-task oriented and includes periods of stress when balancing multiple and varied needs/demands of services.

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.