Accounting Manager

Under the direction of the Finance Director, perform professional accounting and/or analytical functions.  Research and analyze complex issues and trends, develop/create analytical models, reports and policy recommendations related to city budget and financial matters.  The Accounting Manager supervises Accounting Specialists, Accounting Technicians, Payroll Analysts and/or Financial Analysts.

Key responsibilities are monthly/annual accounting and the daily, weekly, and bi-weekly processes that contribute to reliable financial reporting. The Accounting Manager is expected to present findings/results to internal city staff and City Council’s monthly Finance Economic Development and Regional Affairs Committee. Accounting Manager often leads projects or coordinates efforts that cross departments and/or is citywide in nature independently.Perform a variety of complex and professional financial planning and accounting duties, including directing and coordinating municipal accounting and budgeting projects.

Plan, organize, coordinate and participate in major projects and activities; develop project criteria and policies; train, provide direction and review work of assigned personnel; assure timely and proper completion of work.

Coordinate and facilitate interdepartmental project teams for specific projects as assigned; facilitate communication across departmental lines to assure adequate support is provided.

Oversee and participate in the preparation of the annual/biennial budget; provide instructions and assistance to departments.

Provide project evaluation and technical direction to assigned personnel regarding specialized government accounting and budgeting standards, principles and procedures.

Represent the Finance Department before the City Council and other boards, commissions, public organizations; present reports, updates, status of projects and recommendations as required by the Finance Director.

Coordinate preparation of short and long term economic, revenue and expenditure forecasts, including the Capital Investment Plan (CIP)’s forecasting, budgeting and planning.

Responsible for grant and other accounting functions as assigned.  Assure compliance with appropriate federal, state and local laws and regulations; interpret and apply grant agreements; coordinate with departments on grant project accounting, reimbursements; compile, analyze and summarize capital projects for the various responsible managers and departments.

Prepare a variety of special reports, including analyses of legislation, policy changes, etc., requested by key decision makers.

Coordinate implementation of an internal controls and audit preparation, including special management or program/performance analyses.

Assist in managing cash flow forecast for each city fund, with an aggregated forecast for portfolio management purposes.

Directly supervise staff, including selection, training, motivation, assignment and review of work, and discipline and performance evaluations.

Representative Duties:
Analyze budget and financial documents and information submitted by departments or consultants/contractors; and review for consistency and compliance with City guidelines.  Modify policy options and recommend alternatives that are consistent with Council/Mayor goals/directions.

Perform program and financial analyses on city budgets; evaluate departmental submittals and work out differences; identify issues; make recommendations to Mayor, Director; prepare documents required by the budget process.

Coordinate and ensure budget documents' timely, accurate, and quality production.

Coordinate with Finance Director on CAFR preparation.

Assist departments in their budget presentation before the Mayor and City Council.

Monitor and research issues such as revenue stream adequacy, capital project plans, debt issues, human services policies, etc.

Identify and monitor key fiscal trends and variances for clear and easy reference by program managers and decision makers.

Establish, monitor and report upon monthly budgetary estimates of revenue and expenditure performance for comparison purposes.

Alert appropriate managers and directors any substantial change in project schedule, cost, or other project management problems.

Prepare and document budget, financial and administrative policies and procedures as assigned.

Analyze and monitor grants and contractual services.

Perform related duties as assigned.Any combination equivalent to: a bachelor's degree in accounting, financial management, business or public administration and five years of experience in budget, financial or economic research analysis, or a related field. 

At least three years of municipal accounting experience is required.  Supervisory experience preferred but not required.

Licenses and Other Requirements:
Certifications such as the Association of Government Accountants’ CGFM (Certified Government Financial Manager), Government Finance Officers Association’s CPFO (Certified Public Finance Officer), Association of Public Treasurers of US and Canada’s CPFA (Certified Public Finance Administrator) and Government Investment Officers Association’s CGIP (Certified Government Investment Professional) are preferred but not required. 

Training and education specific to Washington Finance Officers Association, Washington Public Treasurers Association, and Government Finance Officers Association are preferred but not required.

Knowledge of: 

• Government accounting standards and budgeting practices.
• Governmental budgeting and annual reporting concepts, principles and best practices.
• Preparation of Annual Comprehensive Financial Report
• Management of audit preparation 
• Management of internal controls
• Ability to teach, train and manage staff in all components of weekly, bi-weekly, monthly and annual accounting cycles
• Management of Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, Payroll and Financial Reporting
• Intermediate to advanced ability in Microsoft Excel
• Working professional-level ability in Microsoft Word and PowerPoint, sufficient to create internal and external technical documents and presentation
• SQL or other utility to extract data from database from central accounting system.
• Washington laws regarding local government revenues, budgets, and financial reports.
• Using information as tools for reporting and decision making.
• Local government structure, financing, operations, policies and objectives. Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.

• Contribute to a departmental philosophy of courtesy, helpfulness, positive can-do support for city service delivery and active professional development of department staff
• Absorb and analyze information rapidly, draw sound conclusions, and make recommendations quickly which address technical, financial and people?related consequences.
• Positively and effectively interact with diverse individuals to accomplish a common goal.
• Communicate effectively and persuasively, both orally and in writing.
• Command confidence and develop strong working relationships with divergent groups 
• Simplify and communicate technical details to non-financial people.
• Communicate and justify proposals and recommendations to key decision makers
• Project positive image of City policy and operations.
• Plan and organize; establish and meet schedules and time lines; ability to work against unusually demanding deadlines during the budget period.
• Physical ability to perform the essential job functions.