Accounting Coordinator - Finance

Under the general supervision of the Assistant Finance Director, the Accounting Coordinator is responsible for providing timely and accurate financial information for the citizens, governing officials, oversight bodies, resource providers, investors, and creditors of Blue Earth County. This position performs complex work in the oversight of accounting services and provides a high level of accounting and auditing knowledge and computer software proficiency.ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Interprets and leads implementation of new Government Accounting Standards.
2. Recommends and assists in the developing of County-wide financial processes, internal controls and reporting that adhere to County policy and State Statutes. Verifies that financial policies and procedures are adhered to by conducting internal control audits.
3. Responsible for ensuring financial records are closed accurately and on time.
4. Analyzes state and federal financial reporting requirements and recommends policies and procedures for compliance.
5. Oversees the County's Capital Asset system. Researches, interprets, and implements new capital assets standards. Oversees all capital assets data provided to auditors.
6. Conducts special projects as assigned by the Assistant Finance Director.
7. Administers and implements new property tax laws related to settlement of taxes Implements changes to the County Tax System. performs internal audits of the tax system to ensure accuracy of data, provides complex assistance, guidance and direction to both internal and external customers, taxing authorities, and tax groups.
8. Assists with annual audit. Plans and coordinates with external auditors and department heads to clarify issues. Completes audit in a timely manner to comply with requirements. Evaluates criteria required to satisfy requirements for the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting Award.
9. Assists with budget planning, preparation, and analysis.
10. Assists other departments with complex questions including contracting, grant applications, grant reporting, and other financial information.
11. Coordinates accounting policies and procedures and aids with technical staff to ensure adherence.
12. Promotes a diverse, culturally competent, and respectful workplace.
13. Interacts positively with internal and external customers. Communicates and interacts effectively and respectfully with employees, supervisors, individuals from other organizations, and customers.
14. Performs the Physical and Mental Demands of the Position.
15. Attends Work During Regularly Scheduled Hours.

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Performs general office duties. Prepares reports, handles request from Finance Director, County Administrator, and other department heads.
2. Trains and mentors new staff as requested.
3. Prepares financial reports, as requested.
4. Participates in Professional Staff Development. Participates in training and education opportunities to maintain and improve proficiency. Attends and participates in professional organizations. Associates with agents and departments from other counties and states to learn about and maintain professionalism.
5. Performs other related functions as apparent or assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree with a major in Accounting or Finance (with at least 24 semester hours of accounting at the intermediate or advanced level); and
• 3 years progressive experience working with general ledger accounting and financial reporting utilizing an Enterprise Resource Planning system, or a combination of 3 years' experience in general ledger, budget or audits.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Fluent in understanding and speaking languages other than English such as: Spanish, Somali, Chinese, Sudanese, or Arabic.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
• Experience working with in any of the following: governmental accounting, Minnesota property tax, contracts and grant administration

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• Must comply with organizational and departmental policies and regulations.
• Must possess a valid driver's license and be able to drive in the State of Minnesota.
• Must successfully pass a background check.
• Must comply with data practices policies and standards relative to not public data. Any access to not public data should be strictly limited to accessing the data that are necessary to fulfill the employment responsibility. While data are being accessed, incumbent should take reasonable measures to ensure the not public data are not accessed by individuals without a work reason. Once the work reason to access the data is reasonably finished the not public data must be properly stored according to county policy and the Minnesota Statutes.

Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Some evening and weekend hours may be required.Employment Type: Full Time