POSITION SUMMARY:
The Senior Governmental Accountant performs advanced professional accounting work in support of the County's financial operations and reporting requirements. This position is responsible for overseeing and coordinating complex accounting activities for assigned departments, including analyzing financial transactions, preparing and reviewing journal entries, reconciling bank and general ledger accounts, and ensuring compliance with applicable accounting standards and regulations. The Senior Governmental Accountant develops, implements, and improves accounting processes and internal controls to ensure the accurate recording and reporting of financial information.
This position assists in the preparation of financial statements, annual audits, and other regulatory reports; researches and resolves complex accounting issues; provides technical guidance and support to departmental staff; and serves as a resource on governmental accounting matters. The incumbent exercises independent judgment in classifying, analyzing, and reporting financial data in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) pronouncements, and County policies and procedures. The position may have access to confidential, sensitive, and HIPAA-protected information and is expected to maintain strict confidentiality in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:
Essential Functions
The duties and responsibilities of this position include, but are not necessarily limited to:
- Maintain complex accounting records and general ledger accounts in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) pronouncements, and County policies and procedures.
- Assist in the preparation of the County's Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR), annual financial statements, and other required financial and regulatory reports.
- Prepare, analyze, and review complex journal entries, account reconciliations, financial schedules, and supporting documentation to ensure the accuracy and integrity of financial records.
- Coordinate and prepare financial reporting schedules, audit workpapers, and supporting documentation required by independent auditors during the annual audit process.
- Research, interpret, and implement new accounting standards, regulatory requirements, and reporting guidelines, ensuring ongoing compliance with GASB, federal, state, and local requirements, as applicable.
- Develop, implement, and continuously improve accounting procedures, internal controls, and financial reporting processes to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and compliance.
- Provide technical guidance, training, and mentorship to accounting staff within the Office of the Controller and serve as a financial resource to fiscal personnel throughout County departments.
- Exercise independent professional judgment in analyzing financial transactions, resolving accounting issues, and making recommendations regarding financial reporting and accounting treatment.
- Monitor compliance with financial policies, accounting standards, grant requirements, bond covenants, and other applicable regulations affecting County operations.
- Provide ongoing accounting, financial reporting, and advisory services to the Retirement Fund and Retirement Fund Board, including preparation of financial analyses, investment-related accounting entries, and periodic financial reports.
- Review and monitor accounting records related to County debt issuances and bond-funded projects to ensure compliance with debt agreements, regulatory requirements, and proper accounting treatment of proceeds, expenditures, and related liabilities.
- Perform monthly and year-end reconciliations, analyses, and adjusting journal entries for County bank accounts, investments, and other complex financial accounts.
MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance.
- Preferably Certified Government Finance Manager (CGFM), a Certified Public Finance Officer (CPFO), or a CPA with prior governmental accounting experience.
- Minimum four years of accounting experience in either public or corporate setting, fluent with generally accepted accounting principles as they apply to governments.
- Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
- Working knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles.
- Working knowledge of the technical requirements of accounting standards as prescribed by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board
- Ability to analyze and objectively evaluate complex financial-related activities.
- Familiarity related to internal controls.
- Ability to objectively analyze operational situations in various work environments and develop and make recommendations for improvements to processes.
- Excellent personal computer skills in Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
- Must have excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Knowledge of the HIPAA privacy requirements as they relate to the documents
- Knowledge of GASB pronouncements.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
- Physical presence in the office is required.
- Ability to handle stress.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Work involves standing, walking, sitting, lifting, carrying, talking, hearing, using hands to handle, feel objects, tools, or controls, and reaching with hands and arms. Vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds a distance of 15 feet or less.
WORKING ENVIRONMENT:
Normal office environment.
This position description serves as a guideline for communicating the essential functions and other information about the position to the applicant/employee. It is not intended to create a binding employment contract nor cover every detail of the position and may be changed where appropriate.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
The County of Berks provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, political affiliation or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
About Us:
Berks County is a combination of rich farm country, industry, beautiful parks, entertainment, and top-notch educational institutions. Whether you are interested in County services, the availability of our parks, tax rates, or other county information, this is the place to start.
