This position is appointed by the Cowlitz County Auditor and works closely with the Auditor, Chief Deputy Auditor, Comptroller, Staff Accountant, and Accounting Department staff within the Cowlitz County Auditor’s Office, and Department Heads and Elected Officials over other County departments. This position assists with controlling, monitoring, analyzing and administering the financial accountability of Cowlitz County and the recording and reporting of financial data, including but not limited to, the Annual Financial Statements, as well as providing independent, objective appraisal of operations within the County, including analytical reviews of internal controls and accounting records of County departments. Additionally, this position consults with and advises other departments on recommendations identified during review. This position is also responsible for special projects related to accounting, finance, and grants and administering and maintaining current salaries and any changes as they occur in addition to creating and maintaining policies and procedures for the Payroll and Payables Division in the Auditor’s Office ensuring we are in compliance with all applicable statute and regulations.

This position is open until filled, the first review of applicants will take place on 11/22/2024.

Benefits Information:

Cowlitz County offers a generous benefits package which includes:

Medical/Dental/Vision (includes dependent coverage)
VEBA/Health Retirement Account for those who qualify
Retirement through Washington State Public Employees Retirement System
Life Insurance
Deferred Compensation plans available (457b)
Vacation, Bonus and Leave Days Paid
11 Paid Holidays
Reasonable work hours

The County

Cowlitz County is a great place to live and work. Located along the Columbia River less than an hour from the Cascade Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Cowlitz County provides an abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities and easy access to the Arts. The I-5 corridor runs right through Cowlitz County providing quick access to the Vancouver, Washington and Portland, Oregon metropolitan areas.

Drafts, reviews, and maintains Auditor’s Office policies and procedures as they pertain to Payroll and Payables Divisions in the Auditor’s Office.
Administer special projects related to accounting, finance, and grants.
Perform professional level accounting services for the Auditor’s Office and provide professional assistance to County departments in developing and maintaining adequate accounting procedures and controls to meet fiscal reporting requirements.
Ensure compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Government Accounting Standards Board (GASB) standards, Generally Accepted Auditing Standards (GAAS), as well as applicable Federal, State and local rules and regulations.
Assist with implementation of all new GASB standards.
Assist in preparing the Annual Financial Statements and accompanying notes and schedules, and submission of reports to the State Auditor’s Office.
Perform internal reviews of operations within the County, specifically evaluating the security of county assets, the adequacy of internal controls, and accuracy/reliability of accounting records.
Confirm compliance with county policy, state laws, and the State Constitution.
Identify conditions that need improvement.
Assist Department Heads and Elected Officials in promoting efficiencies and implementing recommendations identified during reviews.
Follow-up with departments identified by the State Auditor’s Office in exit items, management letters or findings to ensure compliance with recommendations made.
Assist with remedying items listed by the State Auditor's Office as errors.
Submit an official audit report after each internal audit to the Auditor, Department Head, and Elected Official of the department under review.
Follow-up with departments identified by the State Auditor’s Office in management letters or findings to ensure compliance with recommendations made.
Perform other duties as assigned.

A bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance.
Three years of accounting experience.
Experience using and supporting integrated financial enterprise software systems.
Advanced Microsoft Office applications skills.
Proof of eligibility to work in US is required.
Must be bondable (able to be covered by the County’s liability/risk insurance).

Preferred Qualifications:

A master’s degree in accounting or finance.
Experience in a government entity similar to Cowlitz County, or other complex government, education, or non-profit organization.
Two years of experience in a management/supervisory role.
Knowledge of Washington State BARS accounting manual, Government Accounting Standards Board (GASB) accounting rules and Governmental Accounting, Auditing, and Financial Reporting (GAAFR) rules prescribed by the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA).
Proficient at creating standard governmental financial statements, and other operational/organizational ad hoc financial reporting.
Knowledge of state and federal grant accounting rules and preparation of the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA).

Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills to courteously interact with the public and others requiring services, and handle/diffuse tense situations under pressure. Ability to develop and maintain effective working relations with Auditor’s Office staff and other County departments, as well as other local and state agencies.
Ability to interpret and analyze complex financial data, prepare complex financial accounting reports and statements, as well as develop and evaluate accounting methods and processes.
Work well independently, as well as in a cooperative team environment. Complete or ensure that tasks and department responsibilities are met within prescribed deadlines per procedures or statutes. Be creative and resourceful in problem-solving.
Work well in a multi-task work environment; maintain focus while attending to different tasks simultaneously.
Skilled at effectively communicating and explaining processes and legal aspects to the public and employees. Excellent communication skills, oral and written, in a professional matter. Possess public speaking skills.
Possess a good understanding of the statutes and ordinances applicable to the functions of the department and ability to enforce them.

Cowlitz County

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