Under the general direction of the Director, serves as Controller for the Public Works Department. Plans, organizes, manages, and oversees the Department’s Accounting Division. Maintains the accuracy and integrity of the cost and financial information for the Department including maintaining compliance with all applicable laws and regulations for all funds. Manages and monitors the preparation for all Public Works budgets. Serves as the Internal Auditor for the Department. Analyzes financial information and provides financial advice and assistance to Senior Management in attaining the objectives of the organization. Reports and interprets financial data to assist Senior Management in decision-making. As a member of the Public Works Senior Management, provides policy advice to the Director and works closely with the Division Managers to manage complex processes.

• Salary upon hire is step 1 through 3, ($8,339.04/mo. - $8,932.14/mo.), dependent on qualifications.
• Progressive increases are based on years of service with Skagit County, up to 10 total steps (top step $11,088.60/mo.). The Controller/Accounting Division Manager is range 31 of the General (Non-Union) salary schedule.

Responsible for the maintenance of the financial records of the Department for all funds. Ensures compliance with all federal, state, and local laws, rules and regulations regarding financial information.

Works independently with minimal supervision from the Director or designee. Exercises direct supervision of the Accounting Division staff including assigning and evaluating work, training, and making recommendations regarding hiring, discipline, transfer, and termination of same.

Provides oversight on all accounting functions for the Department including accounts payable, accounts receivable, inventory, cash handling, deposits, general ledger, financial statements, and payroll.

Oversees various financial analyses including cash flow and rate setting for all Department operations including ferry, solid waste, vehicle rental, overhead, inventory prices, and administration fees.

In conjunction with the Financial Systems Administrator and Public Health Controller, assists with set up and maintenance of cost accounting system. Responsible for the Public Works cost accounting system and oversees the testing of the financial system’s inventory, equipment, and job cost sub-systems.

Acts as the Department’s liaison with various offices including County Auditor and Treasurer, State Auditor and Budget and Finance. Provides information and assistance to the County Auditor and State Auditor’s offices during the annual audit.

Develops original documentation for presentations including agenda items and represents the Department during presentations before the Board of County Commissioners and other groups as needed.

Collaborates with Division Managers on a diverse range of procurement activities, including contracting with architects, engineers, and contractors to support the execution of capital construction projects while ensuring process consistency. Continuously monitors and reviews all contracts to verify accurate content, proper coding, and compliance with purchasing requirements. Provides support in preparing Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and Calls for Bid (CFBs) specifically for construction contracts

Provides oversight on allocations, coordinates grant reconciliations, and oversees all adjusting entries as needed.

Responsible for the Annual Inventory of all fixed assets and infrastructure for the Department as well as periodic inventory of the Equipment Division.

Responsible for monitoring cash balances of all Department funds and preparing/requesting resolutions for interfund loans as appropriate.

Responsible for the timely preparation and submittal of various reports to other entities.

Develops, recommends, reviews, modifies, implements, and monitors policies and procedures for the Accounting Division.

Acts as the Finance and Administration Section Chief within the Incident Command System as defined by the National Incident Management System (NIMS) in the event of a disaster.

Supervisory:

Directly supervises Accounting Technicians and Records Assistant.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:

May be tasked with performing related duties. Related duties as required are duties that may not be specifically listed in the position description but are within the general occupational series and responsibility level typically associated with the employee’s classification of work.

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical path to obtain the required qualifications would be:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Finance, or related field required; OR equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Five (5) years accounting experience including cost accounting, financial reporting, and supervisory responsibility required.
• Minimum of three (3) years of management experience in the field.
• Additional relevant experience which provides the skills, knowledge, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position may be considered as a substitute for CPA Certificate/License.

Licenses and/or Certifications:

CPA Certificate/License is preferred

Requires knowledge of:

• Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) regulations and auditing standards.
• Accounting functions including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, fixed assets, grants, payroll, and cost accounting.
• Budgeting, Accounting, and Reporting System (BARS).
• Budget development and analysis, cash flow analysis, grant monitoring, and reconciliation verification.
• Financial statement preparation, fund accounting, contract preparation/recommendations, and cost allocations.
• Comprehensive Annual Financial Reporting requirements.
• Data processing principles and accounting applications.
• Supervisory practices and procedures.
• MS Office software and computer accounting systems.
• Contracting, competitive bidding, and contract administration.

Requires the ability to:

• Work independently with minimal supervision.
• Select, supervise, train, and evaluate Accounting Division staff effectively.
• Delegate authority and responsibility for various projects to appropriate staff.
• Provide administrative and professional leadership and direction to the Accounting Division.
• Evaluate accounting information technology proposals and upgrades.
• Communicate clearly and succinctly both verbally and in writing.
• Design and implement cost control systems.
• Operate standard office equipment, including ten-key calculator and computer, spreadsheets, word processing, financial and payroll applications.
• Interpret and translate facts and information.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Work is performed primarily in an office environment. Extended periods of time spent at a desk using a computer required. Hazards include those present in a normal office environment with possible repetitive motion injuries.

Hazards:

Those present in a normal office environment.