Accountant - Health and Human Services

Job Summary

Performs professional accounting work involving the preparation and maintenance of financial records and reports. Responsible for coordinating and performing various accounting functions for the county’s Health and Human Services Division relating to accounts payable, billing and accounts receivable, cash receipting, general ledger, grants management, and financial reporting in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), county policy, state statutes, and federal laws and regulations. Incumbent provides fiscal support to Program Coordinators in the management and reporting of various grants and allocations and assists with audit preparation and a variety of financial projects.

Job Description

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Prepares, analyzes, records, maintains, and reconciles complex financial transactions involving state and federal grants and county funds.    
• Assists Health and Human Services staff with accounting and financial matters; provides input on financial matters as requested.  
• Prepares various monthly and quarterly reports for internal and external customers timely and accurately.
• Assists with designing and generating reports from assigned accounting modules for analysis and auditing of compliance with various accounting standards and statues. 
• Codes invoices, procurement card statements, and cash receipts in a multi-department division that uses activity-based accounting; finds and corrects any coding errors. 
• Creates accounts receivable invoices and processes medical assistance and insurance billings derived from an analysis of various complex financial transactions involving various grants and funds; adheres to strict applicable state, local, and federal statutes regarding funding requests. 
• Receipts electronic payments from insurance companies, the state and/or federal government and applies those payments.
• Researches unidentified electronic payments received.
• Reviews revenue and expense accounts; researches issues and initiates adjustments as needed.    
• Assists with the management of local, state, and federal grants.    
• Assists division staff with accounting and financial matters typically related to revenue receipts, GL coding, CFDA reporting, and grant/project accounting; provides input on financial matters as requested. 
• Reviews and analyzes year-end activities and prepares revenue accruals journal entries.
• Assists in audit preparation and priority-based budget exercises, and contributing to policy and procedure development and relative technology implementations.
• Identifies control weaknesses and procedural issues and initiates resolutions.  
• Compiles various statistics upon request and presents them in a professional format to be used in conversations with decision-makers.  
• Works the hours and/or shifts assigned and begins and ends work on time.
• Performs other related duties as required or assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Requires equivalency of a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field OR six years of related accounting experience. A reliable form of transportation for the performance of work responsibilities is required.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The employee is under general guidance and direction from the Accounting Supervisor. 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 exercises independent judgment in implementing new work methods and procedures.

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 government finance.
• Knowledge of fiscal policies and budgetary procedures.
• Knowledge of various accounting and finance software applications.
• Knowledge of state and local guidelines related to accounting practices.
• Knowledge of agreement-driven fiscal guidelines.
• Knowledge of office terminology, policies, practices, and services of division.
• Knowledge of requirements and documents pertaining to division services.
• Abilities – Ability to analyze and audit financial and accounting reports.
• Ability to prepare and present written reports and statistics.
• Ability to maintain complex financial records.
• Ability to speak, present, and interact in public arenas with composure, professionalism, and discretion.
• Ability to respond to public requests and/or complaints in a timely, tactful, and confidential manner.
• Ability to use MS Office software and various accounting programs.
• Ability to operate office equipment related to the job.
• Ability to use appropriate discretion in dealing with matters of a confidential nature.
• Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
• Ability to successfully manage time and prioritize workload independently.

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.