Chief Accountant

Rates posted are upon budget approval for 2024.Why It's a Great Opportunity:
As Pierce County's Chief Accountant, you will have a highly responsible administrative role as a key member of County Finance Department's management team. You will be the principle authoritative accounting resource for all County departments and numerous outside districts as you lead and manage Pierce County's financial oversight, reporting, and accounting operations.
As Chief Accountant you will lead three teams that handle the County's payroll, accounts payables, and provide core centralized financial reporting and accounting services for Pierce County. You will develop and implement policies and procedures while giving direction to financial managers in other County departments and outside districts, so that County accounting, financial management, and reporting practices conform with local, state, and federal laws, regulations, Governmental Accounting Standard Board, and State Auditor requirements.
Why It's a Great Department:
As a central management agency for the County, the Finance Department is responsible for financial management, risk management, information technology, procurement and contracts, budgeting, accounting, employee benefits, worker safety programs and insurance, fleet and records management, and treasury services for the County and numerous independent districts.

How to be Successful in the Role:
The ideal candidate will have extensive accounting experience - especially with enterprise-wide financial systems - as well as the ability to communicate positively with their teams, departments, and outside entities. The Chief Accountant will focus on completing yearend closing tasks and oversees the successful preparation and presentation of the County's annual financial reports. Much of your work will be done with Microsoft Office products and in the County's Workday Financials system.

Your Future in this Role:
You will work with talented, professional staff who are committed to the highest principles of public service so will be able to immediately contribute to the team's success. Throughout the onboarding process you will meet with the Managers, Supervisors, teams, and Finance Department leadership to regularly to discuss expectations, set goals, identify priorities, and learn current policies, procedures, and strategic measures. Pierce County offers professional development through the Leadership Certification program, robust online learning, and other training opportunities that are available throughout your career.
Core Daily Responsibilities:

• Manage and oversee all financial and accounting operations for Pierce County including payroll, accounts payable, and/or accounts receivable, and other related activities.
• Oversee and manage the County's bi-weekly and semi-monthly human resource and payroll systems, feeders, databases, and operations.
• Prepare County's annual Comprehensive Annual Financial Report.
• Develop procedures for handling accounting and financial activities including pre-audit, posting of expenditures and revenues, payroll, and other related activities.
• Set the Accounting standards for the County and communicate those standards to all County finance staff and managers. Provide guidance to other accountants and assist with decision making that supports accurate timely accounting.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with County officials, governmental agencies and departments, community social services agencies, public and private officials, and the general public.

A classification description with a more detailed list of essential functions can be found here.Minimum Qualifications:

• A resume and cover letter are required for this position.
• Graduation from a four-year college or university with major course work in finance, accounting, public administration, business administration or a related field.
• Four or more years of experience in governmental accounting.
• Two years' experience in a supervisory of professional, technical and/or administrative personnel.
• Additional education or experience may substitute for the recruiting requirements.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Work experience in public fund investments, debt service, cash management.
• Possession of Washington State Certification as a Certified Public Accountant is preferred.

As a condition of employment, the applicant will need to authorize and complete a background check. Information received from the background check is reviewed case-by-case and will not necessarily remove an applicant from consideration.
To be considered for this opportunity please:

• Complete and submit a detailed online Pierce County Employment Application by selecting "APPLY" above or go to: www.piercecountywa.org/jobs.
• If you have a question about this opportunity, please email the Recruitment Team at PCHRRecruit@piercecountywa.gov and specify the Job Number and Title.
• If you do not have internet access, you may visit your local public library or any WorkSource location and use their computers.
• Individuals needing accommodation in the application, testing process or need this job announcement in an alternative format may call Human Resources at (253) 798-7480, at least two days prior to the need.

This is a competitive selection process. Your application will be reviewed and evaluated for the quality and quantity of education/experience in the areas listed. Applicants whose qualifications most closely correspond to the County's needs will be eligible for further consideration. Notification of application status normally occurs 2 to 3 weeks after the closing date. Short notice may be given to applicants to participate in further selection processes which may include assessments, phone screen, and interviews.
At Pierce County, diversity, equity, and inclusion means commitment, not a single step. We strive to foster an inclusive environment that supports equitable access to opportunities throughout your career. We want to recruit, develop, and maintain a talented workforce from various backgrounds, cultures, lifestyles, and perspectives, committed to our vision. Employees of the County have local, direct, and visible impact in our diverse community. Will you join us in keeping Pierce County a great place to live, work, and raise a family?Employment Type: Regular - Other