Finance Supervisor (Finance Focus)

This is a non-represented, exempt, professional level position.

Under the direction of the Assistant City Manager of Administrative Services, the incumbent will be primarily responsible for one of the following professional level accounting functions, and will serve as backup for other. The two primary functional areas are Accounting and Finance. Accounting is responsible for payroll, accounts payable, cashiering, accounts receivable, purchasing, financial analysis and statement preparation, and reporting. Finance is responsible for financial analysis, assisting with City-wide budget, financial reporting, capital assets, fleet and equipment administration, internal service fund accounting and allocation, grant administration, month-end and year-end closing. Both functional areas assist with annual audits; assist with the preparation of the biennial budget; establishment, review, and recommendation of internal control procedures; and supervision of staff.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

ACCOUNTING FOCUS:

Prepare the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR); compile and provide statistics, schedules, and other supplemental data as required.

Maintain daily investments of City funds using an on-line system; make investment decisions within guidelines and policies of the City and State laws; establish and maintain cash flow forecasts for effective cash management; responsible for daily cash management, maintenance of investment records, and establishing and implementing proper internal controls for cash receipting and other functions.

Develop and maintain the chart of accounts; assure that the computer system contains current information; evaluate the integrated accounting system to assure it is operating most efficiently and effectively.

Analyze, review, and prepare a variety of complex financial statements and reports related to specific functions; draw conclusions and make appropriate recommendations; analyze financial data for discrepancies and errors, and make corrections through journal entries; perform City account and bank reconciliations.

Coordinate implementation of internal audit functions, including special management or program/performance analyses.

FINANCE FOCUS:

Maintain and review the City’s operating budgets, capital projects, grants, and financial reporting to ensure efficiency and compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, policies, procedures, GAAP, GASB, and BARS.

Assist with the preparation of the budget and monitor budget performance. Validate the accuracy of budget data entered into the City’s financial system. Investigate and resolve department inquiries regarding inaccuracies, and ensure all transfers, adjustments, grant monies, updates, etc. are properly reflected in the department budgets.

Analyze short and long-term trends in revenues and expenditures to determine future problems or opportunities facing the City’s operations; develop options and recommendations.

Prepare recommendations for financial systems business practice efficiencies; conduct workflow analysis to determine the extent of compliance with established rules; and recommend business process changes, policy and procedure amendments, and/or City Code updates, as necessary.

Investigate and audit transactions, records, and reports, including taxpayer records, to ensure fair and proper collection of taxes, fees, and other revenues.

Assist with the preparation and publication of accurate financial and budgetary information in timely manner.

BOTH ROLES:

Supervise the day to day operations of the respective work group, including hiring, performance evaluations, disciplinary actions, train, mentor, and develop staff, as well as create a collaborative and effective team environment.

Assure compliance with laws, codes regulations, principles and procedures relating to the assigned functions; maintain high professional standards; initiate damage control measures by providing early warning of potential problems on issues of concern to the City.

Establish and assure proper recording of complex financial transactions in compliance with City, state, local, federal regulations, as well as GAAP, GASB, and BARS.

Initiate timely and accurate processing of reports at the closing of accounting periods and fiscal year end; complete and summarize financial data and reconcile assigned accounts. Provide a variety of special reports and analyses as requested.

Prepare financial and administrative policies and procedures as assigned.

Cooperatively participate in the implementation and ongoing enhancements to the automated financial system; participate in system training, decision making, testing, problem solving, and version updates to software; clarify, summarize, and resolve issues relating to specific assigned modules or processes.

Provide expert guidance and assistance to management, staff, and outside agencies regarding budget, accounting, policies and procedures, internal control matters, and system operations.

Serve as a resource to the City’s collective bargaining teams to advise on labor relations activities and operational impacts to draft proposals. May serve on the City’s negotiation team.

Perform other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Must be at least 18 years of age.

Any combination equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, business administration, or related field AND three (3) years professional-level accounting experience. This is a relevant combination of seven (7) years.

Experience in supervision, investing and cash management, data collection and modeling for forecasting and analysis is highly desirable.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

KNOWLEDGE OF:

Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.

Governmental Accounting Standards Board Statements.

WA State Budget and Accounting Reporting System (BARS) for municipalities.

Municipal financial analysis and research techniques.

Laws, rules, and regulations related to accounting in governmental operations.

Data processing applications to accounting and auditing functions.

Governmental budgeting and annual reporting processes.

City organizations, operations, policies, and procedures.

Cash management and investing procedures and regulations.

Principles and practices of administration, supervision, and training.

Cost and revenue analysis.

Budget control and revenue projections.

ABILITY TO:

Prepare, analyze, and balance the City’s financial statements and budget.

Prepare financial analysis, projections, and forecasts.

Analyze and maintain complex financial systems and make recommendations for improvement.

Utilize computers and automated equipment to produce and audit reports.

Compose reports, narratives, and statistical charts.

Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Read, interpret, apply, and explain rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.

Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships.

Plan and organize work to meet schedules and timelines.

Exercise a high degree of independent judgment in problem solving and decision making of professional accounting duties.

Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective and appropriate course of action.

Provide technical expertise and information regarding accounting policies and procedures.

Develop, modify, and recommend improvements in existing accounting procedures.

Demonstrate ability to positively interact with diverse individuals to accomplish a common goal.

The City of Lakewood is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.