Chief Accountant

Salary : $102,349.92 - $124,365.60 AnnuallyLocation : Hillsboro, ORJob Type: Full Time RegularRemote Employment: FlexibleHybridJob Number: 2425-017-FIN-1Department: FinanceOpening Date: 01252025FLSA: Exempt THE POSITIONWashington County's Finance Department is looking for a Chief Accountant to join our team!This position will remain open until filled. We encourage interested candidates to submit their applications, as the first round of applications will be reviewed within three weeks of receipt starting February 16th, 2025. Please be aware that the posting may close at any time without further notice. Applications received after February 16th, 2025, may be considered if needed.The OpportunityThe Chief Accountant is responsible for providing professional-level accounting and finance support, including supervising the preparation of financial reports, managing external audits, and ensuring compliance with accounting standards and regulations. This position plays a critical role in maintaining the integrity of the County's financial operations through general ledger reconciliation, grant management, and financial reporting. In this role, you will lead system evaluations, implement process improvements, and provide technical support and training to accounting staff and operating departments.Ideal Candidate ProfileTechnical Skills:Proven experience in leading the preparation of Annual Comprehensive Financial Reports (ACFR), with a deep understanding of Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) standards and pronouncements.Extensive external audit management experience, including overseeing the entire audit process, variance analysis, and corrective action implementation.Experience with financial systems evaluation and improvement.Proficiency in Excel, including advanced formula (i.e. IF, VLOOKUP, HLOOKUP, COUNTIF, etc.), creating and managing tables, PivotTablesPivotCharts and financial analysis tools.Leadership & Collaboration:Proven experience successfully supervising accounting teams, including mentoring and workload coordination.Stellar ability to collaborate with various departments to ensure consistent accounting practices.Exceptional analytical & problem-solving skills:Ability to conduct complex financial reconciliations and variance analyses.Experience with internal controls evaluation and process munication & Training:Exceptional communication skills Ability to provide technical guidance and training to staff.Experience presenting complex financial data clearly to diverse pliance & Audit Management:Expertise in managing external audits and ensuring regulatory compliance.Why Washington County?Are you interested in challenging, meaningful, and rewarding work? Join Washington County in our commitment to advancing racial equity. Our Board of Commissioners worked closely with various community stakeholders and subject matter experts to develop anEquity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Resolution. Adopted in February 2020, this resolution commits to the equitable delivery of Washington County's services, resources, and opportunities for growth and development to every county resident.ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES To review the required knowledge, skills, and abilities for this classification, please use this link: Chief Accountant. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Education and ExperienceA Bachelor's Degree in finance or accounting, or closely related field; ANDSix (6) years of progressively responsible professional accounting experience performing budgetary or financial analysis, or auditing, which includes at least three (3) years of supervisory or lead worker experience spanning responsibilities in the defined principle duties of this position classification.Preferred Qualification:Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license.Please be clear and specific in the applicable sections of the employment application about how your background is relevant. This information must also be consistent with your supplemental question responses. Please note: Answers to the supplemental questions are typically evaluated separately from your application. SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION Apply today!In addition to a resume, you are required to complete and submit an online application, which will be used to screen for minimum qualifications (MQs) and to determine starting pay in accordance with the provision of the Oregon Equal Pay Act. Minimum Qualification Review: HR will screen applications for MQs continuously. The first initial screening will be conducted the week of February 16th, 2025.Subject Matter Expert Review: Your SME answers may be evaluated and scored by a panel of subject matter experts. Your total score for this examination will affect your placement on the eligible list (a list of candidates eligible for interviews). This process will begin after February 23rd, 2025.Panel Interview(s): Panel interviews will be scheduled for the top candidates who successfully pass the initial screening step. First round interviews will be conducted the week of March 2nd, 2025.Conditional Offer of Appointment: Human Resources will conduct a salary analysis for the successful candidate(s) and extend an offer of appointment.Start Date: A start date will be determined after all conditions of employment have been met.Please note: Candidates that are successful in the evaluation process may have their applications referred for additional vacancies in the same classification, or job family. Our Commitment to YouWe are committed to using a merit-based system in which recruiting, selecting, and advancing employees is based on their relative knowledge, skills, and abilities. Washington County values a culture of equity, diverse perspectives, and life experiences. Our organization embraces innovation, collaboration, and work-life harmony. We offer job stability, a comprehensive benefits package, and an opportunity to serve and support our diverse community. We are an equal-opportunity employer with a commitment to diversity and an inclusive workforce. Women, minorities, veterans, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Status of Your Application:You will be advised by e-mail of your status at each step in the application process, from initial application to final employment disposition. Please note that Washington County communicates with all candidates via email. If you "opt out" or "unsubscribe" from email notifications from NEOGOV it will impact our ability to communicate with you about job postings.Veterans' Preference: If you are a veteran and would like to request veterans' preference points for this recruitment, please review instructions using this link: Veterans' Preference Points.Accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act: A reasonable accommodation is available to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing this application or participating in the selection process for this recruitment. To obtain confidential assistance, please contact Human Resources at 503-846-8606 or at least 48 hours before the step(s) of the selection process for which you feel you need an accommodation.Questions (?) Regarding This RecruitmentYvonne Villa, Talent Acquisition Business Additional Resources:New to ? Visit for a comprehensive, step-by-step guide on the application process.For technical support, contact Government Jobs' Live Application Support at 855-524-5627. * Washington County is a drug-free workplace *Management, Administrative and Professional Personnel System (MAPPS) - FLSA exempt employees are paid on a salaried basis. The premise of salariedexempt employment is that established compensation recognizes the time and effort needed to accomplish all assigned job duties. Job responsibilities may require work outside of the employee's standard work week or a work week in excess of 40 hours.For more information on the MAPPS policy, please review the specific document using this link:This position is not represented under a collective bargaining agreement.Regular and limited duration full-time employees working 30 hours or more per week and job share employees are eligible for benefits beginning on the first of the month following employment. Job share employees are responsible for 50% of the premium. Part-time regular, variable hour, and temporary positions are not eligible for medical, dental, and vision benefits. Check Out Our Award-Winning Benefits & Wellness Program! Washington County values your dedication to lead the future of our community through public service. Our total compensation package, which is comprised of more than just your annual salary, was built to show our commitment to the physical and financial health and wellbeing of you and your family. Your total compensation package includes a comprehensive benefits program with medical, dental, and vision coverage at up to 95% employer paid! Other benefits you'll enjoy as part of your total compensation package include: Paid Time Off - 11 paid holidays including one floating holiday, 12 vacation days for new employees (accrual rates increase based on length of service), AND up to 96 hours of sick leave per year (unused sick leave accumulates from year to year without limit to provide pay and security if needed). Wellness Program - Washington County has been named one of Oregon's Healthiest Employers by the Portland Business Journal for the past 7 years. We are proud to receive this award and will continue to make your health and wellbeing a priority by providing resources and support to help you and your family live and work well. Resources include smoking cessation, weight management, and stress management classes (online or telephonic with a personal health coach); discounts on gym memberships, fitness activities, and sports tickets; and Health & Wellness events and onsite flu shot clinics. Alternative Care Coverage Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Life and Disability Insurance (both County-provided and voluntary) Oregon Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) 457b Deferred Compensation Plan Emergency Travel Assistance TriMet Hop Card at no cost to the employee Bike lockers and repair stations A charitable giving program Oregon College Savings PlanTo learn more about our Benefits and Wellness program and view our current benefits guide, plan summaries, and premium rates, click hereAlready have medical, dental, and vision coverage? No problem! Full-time employees who choose to waive medical, dental, and vision coverage will receive a $125 monthly contribution into a tax-free Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) VEBA account, which can be used to reimburse you for qualified out-of-pocket medical care costs, such as copays, deductibles, and prescription drugs. HRA accounts offer many benefits including significant tax savings, and no annual "use it or lose it" requirement. Proof of other creditable coverage is required.01 Select the option that best describes your highest related level of education completed. Masters degree or higher Bachelors degree None of the above 02 Select the option that best describes the focus of your college education andor degree. Accounting Business Finance Other related field Unrelated field I do not possess a college education andor degree 03 If you selected "other related field" in the previous question, please list the focus of your related college education andor degree here. If you do not have a college education andor degree, enter NA. 04 Are you currently a licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA)? Yes No 05 Please select your years of professional accounting experience performing budgetary or financial analysis, or auditing. This includes experience in financial report preparation, including notes and schedules. 10 or more years of experience 9 years but less than 10 years of experience 8 years but less than 9 years of experience 7 years but less than 8 years of experience 6 years but less than 7 years of experience Less than 6 years of experience No experience 06 Please select your years of experience in a supervisory or lead role in a financeaccounting team. 6 or more years of experience 5 years but less than 6 years of experience 4 years but less than 5 years of experience 3 years but less than 4 years of experience Less than 3 years of experience No experience 07 SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT REVIEW: The following supplemental questionnaire will be used to assist us in determining if you possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities to succeed in this position. Your responses to the questions will be evaluated and scored by a panel of subject matter experts. Your total score for this examination will affect your placement on the eligible list (a list of candidates eligible for interviews). The higher the score, which includes any applicable veterans' preference points, the higher the ranking on the eligible list. Generally, top 6 - 8 candidates are referred for each vacancy starting with the top ranked candidates.We want to hear your authentic voice and original answers. Plagiarism in any form may result in lower scores andor candidate removal from a recruitment. The County defines plagiarism as presenting the work of others as your own. Examples include copying work, using AI-generated text, and receiving assistance from structions & Helpful TipsAnswer each question carefully and accurately in the space provided. Unless otherwise instructed, ONLY the answers included in the space provided will be considered. Make sure your responses are clear, concise, and complete. Your responses should also reflect what is documented in the education and work experience sections of your employment application.If a question consists of multiple parts, answer each part separately.Provide examples! Examples should be relevant to this position and question, and can be from your formal education, work experience (paid, internship, volunteer), andor training, unless otherwise indicated in the question.When describing a process or procedure, make sure to clearly describe your duties and responsibilities.Minimize the use of jargon, abbreviations, and acronyms. Each question is scored separately, so do not combine answers or refer to your answer from a different question.Before submitting your application, proofread your answers including grammar and spelling.Failure to follow the instructions may result in an incomplete application and removal from consideration.By selecting yes below, you are indicating that you have read and understood the information provided, and agree to the above instructions.If you have any questions, please contact the assigned Talent Acquisition Business Partner or email Yes 08 In at least 200 words, please describe your experience with general ledger reconciliation (if applicable, in a governmental setting). How do you ensure accuracy and compliance with GASB pronouncements and other financial regulations? 09 In at least 200 words, please explain your approach to managing an external audit, including how you would prepare variance analyses and ensure the timely submission of required reports. Provide a specific example of how you successfully managed a prior audit. Required Question

Created: 2025-03-06