Accounting Manager

The NWESD aspires to be a racially and culturally inclusive staff that reflects the diversity of those we serve. We believe this strengthens our organization, stimulates creativity, promotes the exchange of ideas, and enriches staff engagement.

Summary:

The Accounting Manager is responsible for managing, maintaining and coordinating the internal NWESD business office (accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger, grant accounting, asset inventory, and financial reporting) to ensure financial transactions for all funds are made in accordance with prescribed accounting practices, legal requirements and good internal controls. In addition, the Accounting Manager provides financial support to the Human Resource Department.

Essential Functions:

• Supervision of fiscal technicians, including scheduling, planning, and initiating strategies for performance, setting goals, evaluating performance, assigning and directing work, training, and resolving conflicts. Provides ongoing consultation with the Assistant Superintendent of Finance & Compliance regarding human resource needs such as staff performance and disciplinary matters.
• Continuously monitors and researches new accounting guidance published by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB). Implement all new relevant GASB statements timely to ensure agency financial statements are in compliance with accounting standards.
• Reviews grant applications for legal requirements and financial considerations prior to submittal to grantors.
• Manages agency accounting activities (accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger, grant accounting, asset inventory and financial statement preparation) for the purpose of ensuring that all allocations are accurate, related revenues are properly presented, expenses are within legal and budget limits, and fiscal practices are followed.
• Maintains and refines account coding and classification systems including, but not limited to, assigning program, activity, object, and management codes as required by the Accounting Manual for Educational Service Districts and internal management needs. Oversees voucher processing and audits Accounts Payable vouchers to ensure payments are made meeting legal requirements and NWESD policy. Reviews voucher documentation to determine if it adequately supports and validates the related transaction.
• Oversees agency invoicing by program and fiscal staff, and prepares invoices as appropriate, to ensure all services are accurately billed and recorded in the underlying accounting records.
• Oversees entries into the accounting system, including review of journal vouchers to ensure correct coding, adequate supporting documentation and compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Ensures necessary changes are made and/or communications are made to the appropriate agency staff.
• Oversees the submission of claims on grants and contracts. Works with granting agencies on grant problems.
• Oversees reconciliation of NWESD financial records with: 1) outside agencies such as the County Treasurer and County Auditor – including daily investments and related reports, annual interest accruals, monthly reports, and EFTPS payments; and internal records such as the general ledger accounts receivable account to outstanding accounts receivable.
• Oversees the fixed asset inventory and is responsible for the periodic physical inventory of such.
• Oversees and monitors the recording, depositing and investment of revenues for the General Fund and other funds under the control of the NWESD.
• Maintains all revolving funds and related NWESD resolution records.
• Reviews and prepares general ledger account reconciliations on a monthly, quarterly, annual basis.
• Analyzes financial data and other related reports for the purpose of ensuring accuracy of data and identifying and acting on problem areas.
• Provides financial support to the NWESD Human Resource Department.
• Processes payroll account code changes to ensure accurate reporting on the annual S-275 report.
• Provides support for program staff requests for research on payroll related transactions, encumbrances, and related reports.
• Prepares payroll related reports required by outside agencies and in response to internal departmental requests.
• Performs routine audits of the payroll/HR system and recommend changes, or make changes to HR/Payroll systems records, as appropriate.
• Oversees the monthly fiscal department review of the NWESD payroll reports. Ensures payroll certification and other documents are ready for monthly Board meetings.
• Oversees and provides, as appropriate, training to NWESD departments on proper fiscal and accounting procedures and processes. This is to include onboarding training of new program staff as well as training developed based upon needs of continuing program staff.
• Provides guidance and, assistance to all departments in the application and interpretation of accounting policies and procedures.
• Prepares the F-185 (OSPI’s Annual Financial Report) and oversees the preparation of required and requested local, state, and federal reports such as quarterly Department of Revenue tax reports, periodic grant reimbursement requests, and monthly reports for the Board.
• Prepares year-end financial statements, schedule of federal awards, and related footnotes in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, and acts as the primary liaison for annual financial statement and performance audits by regulatory and state agencies.
• Oversees and prepares, as appropriate, the NWESD budget process including the workbooks and other tools used to prepare the budget documents along with the documents themselves including, but not limited, to the OSPI F206 Budget, PowerPoint presentation used for budget presentations and other handouts.
• Serves as the NWESD representative on the statewide ESD Accounting Committee.
• Assists the Assistant Superintendent of Finance & Compliance with financial matters related to the operations and programs of the NWESD.
• Keeps the Assistant Superintendent of Finance & Compliance apprised of any significant changes or questionable activity in the fiscal arena.
• Performs related duties as assigned. Related duties may not specifically be listed but are within the general occupational series and responsibility level typically associated with the employee’s classification of work.

Required knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures of governmental accounting and auditing obtained through formal education and experience.
• Working knowledge of Qmlativ software accounting system for educational service districts.
• Knowledge of county, state, and federal laws, rules, and regulations pertinent to the activities of a Washington state educational service district.
• Ability to use proper grammar, spelling, proofreading, and punctuation skills.
• Skill in using effective supervisory, leadership, and decision-making techniques.
• Skill in the use of Microsoft Excel, Word and other applicable software applications.
• Ability to effectively coach staff supervised to enhance performance and goal achievement.
• Ability to analyze, interpret, and apply appropriate laws, policies, and procedures while considering the impact of the decisions on staff activities. Ability to communicate complex regulations to individuals with varying levels of accounting backgrounds.
• Ability to work independently using effective time management and organizational skills.
• Ability to answer substantive questions relating to agency accounting policies and procedures, and the ability to follow through in a timely manner with requests and/or problems that arise.
• Ability to work well with others to accomplish system objectives.
• Ability to prepare accurate, clear, and concise statistical statements and reports. Ability to interpret financial reports and statements.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships, while using tact, discretion, and courtesy in working with agency staff, as well as with the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, State Auditors, vendors, county offices, vendors, and the public.
• Ability to work with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail. Ability to develop and make improvements in financial accounting and auditing systems, procedures, forms, and records.
• Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written format.

Qualifications:

A Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Business, Public Administration or related field and a minimum of five years of applicable governmental accounting and/or auditing experience. Demonstrated knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles. CPA designation and supervision experience preferred. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted which provides the skills, knowledge, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position. Requires a valid Washington State driver’s license. Washington State Patrol background clearance required.

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements:

Work is performed primarily in an office environment; however, travel may be required for workshops, committee representation or conferences. Lifts and carries a maximum of 40 pounds.  Adequate manual and finger dexterity, hearing, speech, and vision are necessary to perform the essential functions of this position.

Hazards: Those present in a normal office environment; no known significant hazards.

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the essential functions of this position, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise to balance the workload. Changes to the position description may be made at the discretion of the employer.

It is the policy of the Northwest Educational Service District No. 189 to not discriminate against any person with regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, marital status, physical or mental disability, or citizenship or immigration status.