Under the general direction of the Director, serves as Controller for the Public Health 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 Health 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 Health 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 ($8,560.02/mo. - $9,168.84/mo.) dependent on qualifications.
• Progressive increases are based on years of service with Skagit County, up to 10 total steps (top step $11,382.45/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 and Assistant Director. 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, cash handling, deposits, general ledger, and payroll.

Oversees various financial analyses including cash flow and rate setting for all Department operations. Responsible for managing all contract and grant billing and fiscal functions.

Reviews and evaluates financial systems, recommends and implements process improvements to increase efficiency and effectiveness. Develops and implements strategic short- and long-range plans, programs, goals and objectives for assigned area. Reviews and updates planning recommendations. Identifies trends and problems hindering progress and develops and implements recommendations for problem resolution with staff and higher level management.

In conjunction with the Financial System Administrator and the Public Works Controller, assists with set up and maintenance of the cost accounting system. This includes periodic testing or multiple systems as needed.

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.

Responsible for implementation of Board of County Commissioners policies and/or directives under the limited guidance of the Director.

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.

Works with Division Managers on a wide variety of procurement activities including bidding and contracting to ensure consistency. Continuously monitors and evaluates all contracts for proper content, coding, and the fulfillment of proper purchasing requirements.

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 .

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

Oversees the annual budget preparation under the guidance of the Director and monitors budgets throughout the year. Performs budget analyses and works with Senior Management to ensure budgetary compliance. Prepares budget amendments as needed.

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

Under ESF 6 and ESF 8 activation, acts as the Finance and Administration Section Chief within the Public Health Incident Command System as defined by the National Incident Management System (NIMS) in the event of a Public Health disaster.

Supervisory:

Directly supervises Accounting Technicians.

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.

Five years accounting experience including cost accounting, financial reporting, and supervisory responsibility required. CPA Certificate/License is a plus.

Minimum of three 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.

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.

Licenses and/or Certifications:

Valid Washington State driver’s license required at the time of hire or within three months of hire.

CPA Certificate/License is a plus.

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.