Job Information
City of Lacey Accountant II in Lacey, Washington
Accountant II
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Accountant II
Salary
$7,271.42 - $8,646.54 Monthly
Location
Lacey, WA
Job Type
Full Time
Job Number
2025-00003
Department
Finance
Opening Date
02/24/2025
Closing Date
3/13/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
Benefits
Questions
BASIC PURPOSE
Reporting to the Accounting Manager, under limited supervision, performs professional level financial accounting, grant accounting and administration, budgeting and reporting tasks in the Finance Department. This position is responsible for duties which include, but are not limited to, assisting with preparation of annual financial reports; developing the budget, preparing grant reimbursement requests; preparing timely, accurate and complex financial documents and reports as directed; assisting in training staff on grant administration or financial processes and procedures; and performing various complex financial forecasts, research, and analysis.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The duties include, but are not limited to the following:
Grant Accounting:
Prepares grant reimbursement requests by verifying the costs claimed to the general ledger and grant project cost reports.
Prepares draw-downs and maintains records including financial reports for state and federal grants.
Prepares annual grant expenditure schedules for audit.
Provide training and support to staff regarding grant administration.
Budget:
Plan and carry out budget processes and procedures.
Perform budget monitoring and analysis.
Conduct research and analysis on various policies, rate studies, legislative changes, and special projects.
Prepare staff reports and other necessary correspondence.
Maintain various budget and financial sustainability models.
Coordinate the production of monthly and quarterly financial reports
Coordinates assembly of the annual budget for the City.
Assists Accounting Manager and departmental staff with development, presentation, monitoring, reporting, and review of the budget process throughout the year.
Provide training and support to staff regarding the budget policies and procedures.
Assists with developing equipment rental rates and information management services rates to aid with annual budget.
Assist with budget development, publication and support in the creation of the budget book.
Completes technically complex financial forecasts, research, and analysis.
Audit and Annual Financial Reports:
Prepares significant components of the Annual Financial Reports and schedules for SAO annual report filing.
Reviews and prepares financial reporting schedules for external auditors.
Prepares and provides necessary documentation or explanation of accounting records for audits by various agencies.
Assists State Auditor's staff in the audit of individual fund accounting records and financial statements.
General Duties:
Prepares technically complex financial, budget, and statistical reports, statements, and tax returns in accordance with city, state, and federal guidance and requirements which may include research of GASB standards and other related accounting literature and guidance.
Reviews, audits, and maintains a variety of systems and processes that record financial transactions, which may include investments, outstanding debt, mitigation and impact fees, prevailing wage, LID/ULID, custodial funds, and special revenue funds.
Backup for maintaining checking accounts and reconciles daily cash receipt postings and bank deposits to the general ledger and to the bank statements. Maintains level of knowledge sufficient to be able to perform entire process whenever necessary.
Prepares and presents financial management reports and projections to customer departments, City Officials, and the general public.
Assists City departments with procurement questions for the purchase of goods and services.
Prepares or assists with the development of ad hoc financial reports or projects at the request of a supervisor or customer departments.
Ensures all financial transactions and reports are supported with adequate and professional working papers.
Assists with implementation of new Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) pronouncements and regulations.
Assists with developing and administering training for City personnel and work groups on new and existing financial processes and procedures.
Acts as accounting project manager on various city projects.
Performs internal audit tasks and provides training as needed in order to correct any deficiencies found.
Systematically reviews and recommends proper internal controls for accounting process.
Coordinates sale/use tax audits.
Reconciles accounts and adjust irregularities.
Performs research as requested and makes recommendations to appropriate personnel.
Reviews and edits batches from parks and recreation software applications.
Audits and recommends proper procedures in accounting for various petty cash funds.
Initiates and leads accounting projects and process and system improvements.
Other Duties Assigned :
Assists with payroll when necessary; maintains level of knowledge sufficient to be able to back up or run payroll whenever necessary; may perform services related to new payroll initiatives.
Performs other duties or special projects as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
An Associate’s degree in Accounting, or related field AND four (4) years of professional accounting experience which includes performing grant administration and reporting, or contracts administration.
OR
A Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, or related field AND two (2) years of professional accounting experience which includes performing grant administration and reporting, or contracts administration.
May have a combination of experience, education, and training that would substitute for the above requirements.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Governmental accounting experience and experience with an agency that follows Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) basis of accounting.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS OR LICENSE(S):
Must pass a background check (including financial background investigation) and successfully complete reference checks.
Must maintain a level of physical and mental fitness necessary to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without a reasonable accommodation.
Must be attentive to job safety considerations and follows all required safety policies, procedures and techniques.
Must possess and maintain a valid Washington State driver's license and a driving record acceptable to the City and the City's insurance carrier, OR must be able to provide own transportation to and from job, meetings, and related job sites.
Verification of identity and United States work authorization must be complete a required by the Immigration Reform and Control Act.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of:
Generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and procedures, accounting and the Washington State budgeting, accounting and reporting system (BARS).
Methods and techniques of professional accounting.
Laws, rules and regulations related to accounting and budgeting in government operations.
Operational characteristics of computerized financial reporting programs.
Modern office practices, procedures and equipment including personal computers, related software such as word processing and spreadsheet programs (including Microsoft Office products such as Word and Excel).
Correct grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary.
Skill in:
Communicating complex, highly technical information relating to accounting functions.
Applying planning principles and practices to specific problems and formulate recommendations.
Preparing financial reports, documents, memoranda, notes and the closing of books.
Maintaining accurate financial and statistical records.
Dealing with the City department staff in a courteous and tactful manner.
Systematically gathering, organizing, and analyzing data.
Building consensus among groups and individuals with competing interests.
Ability to:
Collaborate and work in a team environment on projects to meet department and City goals.
Meet deadlines under time and other constraints.
Apply effective written and verbal communication skills.
Use computers, complex financial management databases and related software and/or systems and automated equipment to produce worksheets and reports.
Prepare financial reports, documents, memoranda, notes and the closing of books.
Maintain accurate financial and statistical records.
Provide technical expertise and information regarding accounting principles, practices and policies.
Perform special projects, financial analyses and research records as needed.
Organize and prioritize assignments to achieve maximum efficiency and to meet deadlines.
Work independently, make decisions and follow through on situations requiring evaluation and judgment.
Train City personnel and work groups on new and existing processes and procedures.
Exercise sound and ethical judgment in the decision-making process.
Maintain confidentiality of information.
Work well under pressure.
Establish and maintain positive, effective working relationships with those contacted in the performance of work.
Work effectively with other City departments to meet City's financial mandates and requirements.
Maintain regular, reliable and punctual attendance.
Work overtime when necessary to achieve departmental goals and as authorized by supervisor.
The City of Lacey understands the importance of benefits and offers a competitive and full benefits package for all regular full-time employees.
Generally, represented employees may receive some, or all, of the benefits listed below, based on their union contracts. Those employees should consult their union agreements for specific information about their benefits, which can be found on the City web page here (http://www.ci.lacey.wa.us/city-government/city-departments/human-resources/union-contracts-and-policies) . This position is represented by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Local 618-L.
Medical Insurance Benefits:
- Medical - Choice of Regence BlueShield (PPO) or Kaiser Permanente (HMO) plans offered through the Association of Washington Cities (AWC) Trust.
The employer pays 100% of employee's monthly premiums and 90% of qualified dependent/domestic partner's premiums.
Vision - VSP with low co-pays
Dental – Choice of Willamette or Delta Dental plans and orthodontia coverage.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – Program that provides resources to employees, their immediate family (including dependent children) and anyone living in the employee’s household. The EAP can provide help with matters such as stress/anxiety, parenting, grief, workplace issues, legal services, financial services, and more.
Life Insurance & Long Term Disability & Accidental Death and Dismemberment
Employer paid life insurance plan
Employer paid long term disability plan
Employer paid accidental death and dismemberment plan
Leave Benefits:
96 Hours of Vacation on Accrual Basis (increasing with years of service)
11 Paid Holidays
2 Floating Holidays
8 Hours Sick Leave Accrued per Month
Jury Duty/Military Leave
Bereavement Leave
*All benefits and accruals are outlined in the collective bargaining agreement found here: Policies, Union Contracts, Pay & Benefits - City of Lacey (https://cityoflacey.org/union-contracts-policies-pay/)
Investment and Retirement Programs:
State retirement pension plan – Includes employer paid contributions to the State of Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS)
457 Deferred Compensation (voluntary)- two options MissionSquare and DRS
Social Security benefit (for Public Employee Retirement Systems (PERS) covered staff) – Our Employee Benefits include employer paid contributions to Social Security and Employees pay the employee portion of Social Security tax.
HRA/VEBA plan- A designated monthly amount (a City and/or employee contribution) is paid into a Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) VEBA account. An HRA is a type of health plan savings account for your family’s medical care expenses and premiums, which can be accessed during employment with the City or saved and used at separation or retirement.
1% Benefit - Employer provides a 1% contribution of your monthly salary pre-tax towards two options; 1) applied to insurance premium amount owed for dependent coverage or invested into a 457 deferred compensation account; OR a cash disbursement amount applied to your check monthly but the amount is taxed.
Voluntary Benefits:
Optional plans for additional life insurance, disability, and accident coverage
Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Plan - employees can contribute pre-tax contributions toward IRS allowed, qualifying medical and/or daycare expenses.
Wellness Program:
- The City has a robust employee Wellness program that offers a variety of resources and activities for employee well-being.
Flexible Working Arrangements:
In recognition of Commute Trip reduction efforts, the City of Lacey provides flexible and alternative work schedules for many of our workforce positions.
City Hall is within minutes driving from I-5 Exit 108, and within walking/biking distance from Park and Ride Transit Martin Way Location and the Chehalis Western Trail.
Tuition Reimbursement:
- The City promotes a learning environment and encourages opportunities for employees to continue to grow in their positions and careers. The City offers tuition reimbursement (as outline in City Personnel Policies) for eligible employees.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF):
- Employees are also eligible to apply to The Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. This program is a United States government program that was created under the College Cost Reduction and Access Act of 2007 to provide indebted professionals a way out of their federal student loan debt burden by working full-time in public service.
*Note: Regular part-time employees may be eligible for pro-rated benefits (medical/dental/vision) depending on the hours of work assigned to the position. Their spouses and dependents are not eligible for health insurance coverage.