Senior Governmental Accountant (Controller) - County of Berks

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.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Senior Governmental Accountant assists assigned departments with daily accounting related processes, reconciles bank statements, creates complex journal entries, as well as determines and implements the accounting necessary to properly present the financial condition of the County. Makes decisions for the designated departments by classifying, analyzing, and reporting financial data using generally accepted accounting principles, which include the pronouncements of the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB), the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB), and HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability Access Act).  May work with confidential and HIPAA restricted information. 

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

Essential Functions

 The duties and responsibilities of this position include, but are not necessarily limited to:

• Maintain accurate, complex and technical accounting records, assists in preparation of the County’s financial statements. 
• Develop and prepare various reports required by the assigned departments.
• Assist in preparation of various financial reporting schedules for independent auditors in relation to preparation of Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the County. 
• Ensure that HIPAA reporting requirements are met and that appropriate security measures are in place for HIPAA sensitive information.
• Provide guidance and training to other accountants within the Office of the Controller and provides the necessary technical expertise and training to the fiscal personnel in other departments to ensure the accuracy of financial reports issued by the County. 
• Review fixed asset schedules and ensures that the appropriate costs are included in the value of assets reported. He/she determines that appropriate useful lives have been assigned to the assets, and that appropriate entries are made to record depreciation and original cost in the general ledger. 
• Exercise independent professional judgment for all the above, and in resolving problems that arise within his/her assigned work areas. Monitor on-going compliance with generally accepted accounting principles and pronouncements. Develop and implement procedures to ensure compliance with both GASB and FASB policies and principles. 
• One or more occupants of position will provide on-going accounting services to the Retirement Fund and the Retirement Fund Board, ensuring that complex financial transactions are properly handled, and that the Board is fully informed of the financial condition of the Fund. 
• One or more occupants of position will provide on-going reviews of the records on all bond issues to ensure that the financial records of the county are properly stated. Ensure that all proceeds are properly accounted for and that all necessary documentation is in place.
• Perform monthly review analysis and journal entries of a multitude of the County of Berks bank accounts representative of the various County of Berks departments.
• Perform training to COB departments needing access to current financial systems and training aids.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting. 
• Certification as a Certified Government Finance Manager (CGFM), a Certified Public Finance Officer (CPFO), or as a CPA with prior governmental accounting experience. 
• Four years of accounting experience in either public or corporate setting, fluent with generally accepted accounting principles as they apply to governments. 
• Applicable experience may be substituted for any requirement at the discretion of the Controller.

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 and the Financial Accounting Standards Board. 
• Ability to analyze and objectively evaluate complex financial related activities.
• Working knowledge of current tax reporting requirements, and the principles of good 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, Access, and Power point. 
• Must have excellent oral and written communication skills. 
• Ability to collaborate on projects and teams or committees.
• Ability to persuade fiscal officers and management to improve and maintain effective internal controls.
• Knowledge of the HIPAA privacy requirements as they relate to the documents 
• Thorough knowledge of FASB and/or GASB pronouncements. 
• Ability to handle stress.
• Physical presence in the office is required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

May occasionally be required to lift and move heavy files and boxes of stored records of approximately 20 lbs.

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.