Accountant II (Temporary) - City of Moses Lake

Job Description

This is a temporary, part-time position which will work 24–29 hours per week, with a possible duration through 3/31/2026. 

JOB SUMMARY

This position performs professional accounting duties and corrections to ensure proper classification and treatment under the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB), generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), City ordinance, and other state statutes in support of City financial functions and operations. This position also provides peer review and support to the Accountant I position.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Leads in the preparation of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR); ensures compliance with Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) reporting standards and other schedules as required by the State Auditor’s Office (SAO).
• Assists in the development of the annual City budget  by providing allocation data analysis, historical data, system reports, and insight to City Management. Assists in decision making, goal setting, scheduling, planning, peer review, and problem solving within the accounting division.
• Performs specialized and complex financial and cost accounting analysis for multiple departments, including grant and special project accounting. 
• Manages fixed assets which includes monitoring, analyzing, and reconciling revenue and expenditures related to capital project portfolios.
• Maintains the Construction in Progress assets and records the disposal and depreciation of fixed assets.   
• Assures financial system integrity through monitoring and analysis of a full range of accounting activities to include system problem solving. 
• Assists in oversight of the general ledger accounting functions. Prepares journal entries when required, establishing a clear and concise audit trail.  Analyzes accounts and performs account reconciliations.
• Maintains fund accounting system, including general ledger, subsidiary ledgers, and journals; verifies, posts, and reconciles transactions; resolves discrepancies; documents procedures and leaves a clear audit trail.  Reconciles the legacy system to the Caseware reporting system. 
• Provides accounting support for Finance functions including payroll, accounts payable, miscellaneous accounts receivable, investments and utility billing. May provide limited work direction to subordinate staff performing these functions. 
• Responds to requests for information from City staff, auditors, and regulatory agencies, explaining accounting processes and procedures.
• Prepares a variety of regular and special financial reports; develops representative graphs; develops forecast and projections; explains variances and makes historical comparisons.
• Uploads financial information into City website for reporting compliance.
• Reviews financial documents for accuracy and completeness.
• Assists in the resolution of accounting, budget, and business software system issues which includes aiding in new system set-up.
• Performs additional related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

• Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).
• Knowledge of Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) guidelines.
• Knowledge of the Budgeting, Accounting and Reporting System (BARS) accounting structure and guidelines.
• Knowledge of auditing principles.
• Knowledge of budget development and management principles.
• Knowledge of relevant federal and state laws, City ordinances, and department policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of computers and job-related software programs.
• Knowledge of internal controls standards.
• Skill in interpreting and applying guidelines, regulations, and policies. 
• Skill in performing financial, statistical, budgetary, and cost analyses.
• Skill in problem solving.
• Skill in prioritizing and planning.
• Skill in interpersonal relations.
• Skill in oral and written communication.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The Accounting Division Manager assigns work in terms of very general instructions. The manager spot-checks completed work for compliance with procedures and the nature and propriety of the final results.

GUIDELINES

Guidelines include GAAP, GASB guidelines, SAO BARS manual, internal control procedures, relevant state and federal laws, and City and department policies and procedures. These guidelines require judgment, selection, and interpretation in application. 

COMPLEXITY/SCOPE OF WORK

• The work consists of varied financial accounting duties. Strict regulations and the need for accuracy contribute to the complexity of the position.
• The purpose of this position is to provide accounting support for assigned City financial operations. Successful performance ensures the efficiency and effectiveness of those operations.

CONTACTS

• Contacts are typically with coworkers, representatives of other government agencies, bankers, investment professionals, auditors, vendors, and the general public.
• Contacts are typically to exchange information, resolve problems, justify matters, and provide services. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Work is performed in an office environment and requires the ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time and access all areas of the facility including stairs. Work requires eye/hand coordination and manipulation skills to operate a personal computer, telephone, and other equipment; normal range of hearing and visual acuity, and occasionally moving items in excess of 25 pounds. 

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY

None.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge and level of competency commonly associated with the completion of a baccalaureate degree in a course of study related to the occupational field.
• Sufficient experience to understand the basic principles relevant to the major duties of the position, usually associated with the completion of an apprenticeship/internship or having had a similar position for three to five years.
• All applicants must be able to successfully pass a background check process which includes reference checks and criminal history checks, or other. 

The statements contained herein reflect general details necessary to describe principal functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skills typically required, and the scope of responsibility; and such statements should not be considered all-inclusive.  Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas, to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or to balance workloads. 

Management reserves the sole right to add, modify or exclude any duties at any time with or without notice.  Nothing in this job description, nor by completion of any job requirements by the employee, is intended to create a contract of employment.

At its sole discretion, the City of Moses Lake may consider combinations of education, experience, certifications, and training in lieu of specifically required qualifications contained herein.

Company Description

Moses Lake is a diverse, connected and supportive community of innovation and opportunity that values its namesake lake, small town vibe, growing arts and cultural scene, aerospace, manufacturing and agricultural heritage, and an abundance of sunshine and outdoor activities. 

Working for the City will afford you the opportunity to support the vision of Moses Lake, grow professionally, and work among diverse and dedicated staff with a goal to provide a service-oriented government that works with all interests in the community to implement our vision. 

Our location and climate allow our residents to enjoy a variety of interests surrounding the Moses Lake community. Moses Lake is centrally located between Seattle and Spokane on Highway I-90 between fields of agriculture, freshwater lakes, vineyards and popular recreational destinations. 

Moses Lake boosts active community parks and events, athletic venues and tournaments, a campground, and the popular Surf 'n Slide water park. The surrounding Columbia Basin area is filled with wine tours, a wildlife refuge, the Gorge Amphitheater, local fresh markets with direct-from-the-farm produce, and boutiques.

The City of Moses Lake is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Our objective is to provide equal opportunity in all terms, conditions, and privileges of employment for qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, or status as a covered veteran.

Benefits

This temporary position does not receive any city-sponsored benefits but does receive state-mandated sick leave.