NATURE OF POSITION

Analyze, coordinate, manage and document City accounting systems.  These systems include financial reporting, investments, accounts payable, debt administration, fixed assets, project and grant accounting, inventory, equipment maintenance and purchasing.  Train, supervise and evaluate the work performance of assigned staff.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

General direction and oversight are provided by the Finance Director.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Employees of the City of Walla Walla are expected to model and foster the City’s core values:   Service - Integrity - Collaboration - Equity - Leadership – Community
2. Direct, plan, organize and assign work activities and personnel to perform work and projects in the assigned areas of the Finance Department. Supervise and evaluate the performance of assigned staff including but not limited to the following: interview, select and recommend candidates for hire; recommend transfers, reassignment, termination, and disciplinary actions; plan, coordinate and arrange for appropriate training for subordinates. 
3. Oversee the City's debt administration program, including compliance monitoring.  Assist the Finance Director in preparing financial information and presentations associated with the issuance of bonds or other financing transactions.
4. Evaluate accounting system requirements and make recommendations regarding system needs, internal control improvements and enhancements: develop accounting tools to automate financial reporting and reconciliations.  
5. Oversee assigned year-end reporting and closing functions, including the preparation of the City's Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) and other annual budgetary and financial reports.
6. Maintain journals, ledgers, and other complex financial records and establishes the total financial status of various funds and reconciles discrepancies.
7. Understand, monitor, evaluate, detect, and correct errors in assigned financial systems.
8. Take initiative to propose alternative processing or internal control procedures in assigned financial systems.
9. Support assigned departments in obtaining and analyzing budget historical information.  Facilitate the budget process with assigned departments and follow up with all related budget adjustments, chart of account changes, etc.   Coordinate with various departments in implementing the grant agreements. 
10. Coordinate all aspects of the City’s accounting functions to ensure governmental accounting concepts are being correctly applied. Improve and ensure accurate input of financial data in all systems including all subsystems; document and resolve discrepancies in all reports and systems. 
11. Manage revenue cycle systems such as daily cash flows, short-term and long-term investing activities to maximize interest earnings and still meet the cash flow needs of the City, banking operations, and the disbursement cycle systems such as the purchasing, accounts payable, fixed asset, equipment maintenance, and inventory systems.
12. Serve as the City’s expert on purchasing rules, policies, and processes.
13. Communicate complex financial information to a wide variety of audiences in writing and verbally in such a manner that is clear, concise, patient, and positive; assist staff in doing same. 
14. May assume duties of Finance Director in their absence.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS

1. Demonstrate punctual, regular, and reliable attendance, which is essential for successful job performance. 
2. Present a positive, professional image; maintain cooperative and effective working relationships; assure excellent customer service with internal and external customers.
3. Execute assignments, projects, and job responsibilities efficiently and within defined timeframes, work independently and effectively with little direction.
4. Demonstrate good judgment and employ critical thinking to execute duties, identify issues, seek solutions, and recommend improvements in support of departmental goals.
5. Assist staff and higher-level management; participate in resolving operational or interpersonal concerns; participate in training, meetings, and on committees as assigned.
6. Respect the value of diversity in the workplace and the community.
7. Perform other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

•  Generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), budgeting principles, rules, laws, and regulations for assigned areas.
• State of Washington Budgeting, Accounting, and Reporting System. Accounts payable, receivable, payroll and debt.
• Ability to interpret federal, state, and local grant requirements.
• Effectively communicate both orally and in writing appropriately for the audience and situation.  
• Apply principles of research and analytical skills.
• Effectively gather useful information from a variety of other sources to create understanding and knowledge.
• Transition between managing the revenue cycle and the disbursement cycle systems.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED

Computers, Microsoft Office, and financial applications, including but not limited to word processing, spreadsheets, and database software packages. Copier, scanner, and telephone.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Sitting or standing for extended periods of time; dexterity of hands and fingers to operate computers and other office equipment; seeing to read and analyze financial and statistical data; bending at the waist; lifting light objects. The work schedule may involve hours in excess of a standard forty (40) hour work week.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Office environment; subject to evening or variable hours.

REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Any combination equivalent to:  Bachelor's degree in accounting or closely related field from an accredited college or university, five years progressively responsible accounting experience in public finance and three years of supervisory experience.  

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Master’s degree in business administration or accounting and/or CPA is highly desirable. Previous municipal experience, and knowledge of the Washington State Auditor’s Budgeting Accounting Reporting System (BARS). Bilingual in Spanish.