Lead Accountant/Business Manager

Position Details

 

The Lead Accountant/Business Manager has a crucial role in the financial management and accountability.
of Public Health initiatives. With a focus on accuracy, compliance and transparency, the responsibilities encompass a wide range of financial functions, including budgeting, financial analysis and reporting, all of which contribute to the success of Public Health programs. Serves as a lead to administrative staff as it relates to finances, provides backup in their absence and provides assistance regarding work direction as necessary. Provides support to solve problems, develop procedures and record systems.

 

Accounting Duties and Responsibilities

• Prepares and maintains Account Payables: verifies, expenses to correct grant/activity, attaches to voucher, uploads to applications, submits to Auditor’s office and enters into expense journal.
• Works with outside auditors.
• Calculates formulas to allocate employees time, pay and benefit records to include COLA adjustments and step increases to ensure accuracy.
• Prepares and maintains Account Receivables:  codes, confirms third party billing payments and adjustments, verifies and codes deposits and enters into receipts journal.
• Monitors and analyzes actual grant performance versus approved grant budgets and requests budget modifications from grantees when necessary.
• Responds to requests for accounting information from Director, Grant Managers and other departments and agencies.
• Responsible for producing, managing and ensuring regulatory compliance of multiple grant budgets for both Wadena County and the Morrison-Todd-Wadena Community Health Board. Calculates actual performance versus approved budget and provides recommendations to ensure achievement of financial performance objectives. Keep grant managers, Morrison and Todd County’s accountants and directors updated on available grant funds after submitting financial reports required by grantee.
• Leads and facilities budgeting for the Public Health Department, including development, preparation, reconciliation, and monitoring. Works closely with Director to assure department goals and objectives. Monitor and analyze performance versus approved budget and recommend alternative courses of action to ensure achievement of department financial performance objectives.
• Reviews, maintains and investigates financial and accounting records. Monitors and verifies fund integrity, researches accounting, billing, and grant information to resolve related issues, as needed.
• Assures accuracy, timeliness and quality of Public Health financial activities. Monitors and verifies compliance with regulations governing County fiscal activities.
• Maintains monthly journals.
• Prepares a variety of reports.
• Facilitate annual audits by coordinating with external auditors. Provides necessary documentation, explanations and clarifications to ensure a smooth and successful audit process.

 

Ancillary Duties and Responsibilities

• Guides and directs support staff regarding financial and business activities, including resolving issues and providing backup.
• Procures supplies and materials, locating key suppliers, negotiating purchase agreements and making sure materials and products meet specifications of the grant.
• Develops Administrative meeting agenda and assures follow up.
• Serves on the Risk Management Committee and the CHB Accountant's Council.
• Represents Public Health within and outside the organization.
• Attends training/educational sessions, meetings and seminars.
• Attends and participates in staff meetings.
• Maintains knowledge of policies, rules and regulations regarding duties.
• Participates in emergency preparedness activities, including a role in finance and tracking in a National Incident Management System for Public Health Emergency

While these are the primary focus of the position, we believe strongly in teamwork and employees will be called upon to perform a variety of duties as part of their role with the County.

Position Requirements
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of accounting terminology and practices.
• Knowledge of spreadsheets and database software.
• Knowledge of general record keeping and filing systems.
• Knowledge of state and federal funding/grant guidelines and governing statutes.
• Ability to understand and carry out detailed written and oral instructions.
• Ability to reconcile and/or balance financial transactions and accounts.
• Ability to interpret accounting records and documents and prepare information in summary form.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, co-workers, other agencies, and the public.
• Ability to perform detailed work with speed and accuracy.
• Ability to use various computer and software programs.
• Ability to handle confidential information and follow data practices requirements.
• Ability to administer operating rules.
• Ability to provide work direction and training to staff.
• Ability to use analytical ability to select, evaluate and interpret data from several sources; interpretation of guidelines, policies and procedures is required.
• Ability to maintain effective communication and working relationships with department and other departments, outside agencies and public on specialized matters requiring detailed or technical responses.

 

Education and Experience

• Requires Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance or a closely related field; and
• Three years' work experience in Accounting or Finance; or
• Equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred Experience

•  Governmental or Non-Profit Accounting Experience

Equipment and Tools

• Office equipment and technology

 

Physical and Mental Requirements

This job typically requires sitting, standing, walking, feeling, manual dexterity, grasping, talking, hearing, typing, and seeing. There is prolonged exposure to computer keyboards and video screens. This position is generally light-duty and may require the exertion up to 20 pounds of force.

The physical demands described here are representative to those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

 

Working Conditions

Work is performed in an office or other in-door environment. 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative to those an employee encounters while performing essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

 

Competencies Common to All County Positions

• Develop, maintain a thorough working knowledge of, and comply with all departmental and applicable County policies and procedures.
• Demonstration by personal example the spirit of service, excellence, and integrity expected from all staff.
• Develop respectful and cooperative working relationships with co-workers, including willing assistance to newer staff so job responsibilities can be performed with confidence as quickly as possible.
• Confer regularly with and keep immediate supervisor informed of all-important matters which pertain to the applicable job functions and responsibilities.
• Represent Wadena County in a professional manner to the public, outside contacts and constituencies.

Wadena County is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer