Mediabistro logo
job logo

SENIOR ACCOUNTANT

Lewis and Clark County, Helena, MT, United States


Brief Description
The Accounting Division under the Treasurer/Clerk and Recorder Office is hiring a Senior Accountant. Under the general direction of the Accounting Manager, this position performs high level accounting and financial duties for the County Treasurer’s Office and Finance Department.

Who We Are
The Accounting Department records all transactions relating to the operations and functions of Lewis and Clark County. The Department is also responsible for the payment of debt, including principal and interest. The Department annually prepares the financial statements and supplemental reports in accordance with governmental accounting and financial reporting standards.

Benefits

Health Coverage – 2 Types of Health Plans which includes medical, dental, vision, and pharmacy coverage.

Traditional Plan – cost for employee only is $50 per month and with the Wellness incentive, the cost may be reduced to $0 per month for full‑time employees.

High Deductible Health Plan – cost for employee is $0 per month and an additional $1200 per year to a Health Savings Account for full‑time employees.

PureView Health Center – preferred clinic provider and no cost to the employee and his/her dependents.

Retirement plans.

Paid Vacation and Sick Leave and Holidays.

Employees are provided with $25,000.00 of Life Insurance and $25,000.00 of AD&D insurance as a new employee.

Wellness Screening Incentive.

Gym Membership Reimbursement.

Voluntary Supplemental Life Insurance.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) – Employment with the County may qualify you to receive student loan forgiveness under the PSLF. Look here to learn more and see if you may qualify! https://fed-pro.org/public-service/

Other Benefits

Working in a fast‑paced environment.

Opportunity to serve on a variety of different committees.

Professional development and training opportunities.

Cost of living increases.

Market adjustments.

Step based wage increases.

Paid parental leave.

Requirements
The knowledge, skills, and abilities are typically acquired through a combination of education and experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in accounting or related field, and four (4) years of experience in accounting and/or finance. Local government experience preferred.

Other combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Duties and Responsibilities

Collects information and prepares schedules, narratives, charges, and graphs to be used in the County’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR).

Reviews and evaluates Government Accounting Standards Board (GASB) regulations and updates and assists with implementation of new standards.

Completes high level accounting and finance projects requested by County leadership and County departments.

Evaluates and assists in updating County finance and accounting policies and procedures.

Assists in all aspects of recording and reporting financial transactions, including cash receipts and coding, posting, balancing, and reconciling the general ledger, subsidiary accounts, grant funds and cash accounts.

Reviews and evaluates internal controls for compliance and assists departments with creation and adherence of related policies and procedures as needed.

Performs internal audits of department’s accounting procedures.

Advises and trains accounting support staff.

Prepares, proofs, and edits the County’s financial reports.

Performs daily bank account management; initiates electronic deposits, transfers, and payments.

Prepares adjusting journal entries and reviews for cash balancing and coding errors.

Assists other County departments and outside agencies in performing and reconciling general ledger transactions, banking, cash transactions, and other complex financial matters.

Prepares annual compliance reports required for federal and state reporting.

Conducts annual physical inventory of County assets, maintains and reconciles asset management system and prepares asset financial statements for the ACFR and maintains list of assets being disposed of.

Performs other administrative and financial duties to support the Treasurer’s/Clerk and Recorder’s Office and Finance Department when needed.

Supports and carries out the mission of Lewis and Clark County and the Treasurer/Clerk and Recorders office.

Acts as backup for Accounting Division staff and Accounting Manager when required.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities required for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and tasks may change with or without notice.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Examples of Knowledge

Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).

Government Accounting Standards Board (GASB) requirements.

Federal and state laws and regulations pertaining to accountability of funds.

Lewis and Clark County and department policies and procedures.

Financial and accounting principles and practices.

Administrative and clerical procedures and systems.

Auditing principles and practices.

Internal control processes and procedures.

Examples of Skills and Abilities

Complete financial schedules and financial reports in accordance to state law and generally accepted accounting principles and standards.

Use common office equipment, computers, and computer systems.

Learn software programs and apply to existing systems.

Use math concepts to find and solve problems.

Interpret and understand laws, regulations, policies.

Communicate positively and effectively verbally and in writing.

Respond positively and promptly to co‑workers and internal and external customers.

Use procedures, processes, and equipment in place to prevent workplace injuries to self and others.

Prepare reports according to prescribed standards.

Establish priorities and manage multiple projects at a time.

Understand and follow oral and/or written policies, procedures, and instructions.

Establish and maintain effective relationships with supervisors, staff, vendors, community, state and federal agency representatives.

Special Requirements
Local travel is required occasionally; travel is primarily local during the business day, but some out‑of‑area and overnight travel may be expected.

Physical Demands
Duties are generally performed in an office environment where hazards and discomforts are controlled and modifiable. This position requires the ability to bend at the waist, kneel, reach over the head, talk, hear, and see. Must be able to move or lift documents and materials weighing up to 20 pounds. Position requires knowledge and use of typical office equipment including telephone and personal computer. Position requires frequent contact with fellow employees and occasional contact with citizens.

Disclaimer: Equal Opportunity Employer

#J-18808-Ljbffr