Finance Specialist

The Finance Specialist I independently performs complex accounting, reconciliation, and financial analysis work requiring specialized technical knowledge, sound judgment, and exceptional accuracy. This position manages daily revenue reconciliation, verifies financial system data integrity, develops and analyzes financial reports, and ensures compliance with fiscal policies, County procedures, and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). The role also supports departmental audits, provides guidance on financial processes, and leads process improvements to increase accuracy and efficiency.

(The following examples are illustrative only and are not intended to be all inclusive.)

• Prepare complex and department-wide accounting, financial, and fiscal reports for special projects and routine operations.
• Enter and validate financial data, including revenues, disbursements, transfers, and adjusting entries.
• Maintain accounting summaries, statements of accounts, and generate accounting reports.
• Develop, maintain, and analyze advanced Excel spreadsheets and financial models to support forecasting, budgeting, and reporting.
• Conduct detailed variance analysis and recommend corrective or preventive actions based on financial trends.
• Research and analyze variances in financial reports and statements, trace and correct discrepancies in accounts, documents, data entries, reports, and records.
• Communicate with County and department staff regarding financial discrepancies.
• Review and process vendor invoices, cash deposits, disbursements, and other accounting transactions.
• Reconcile cash accounts, bank statements, deposits, disbursements, and outstanding payments; ensure transactions are accurately recorded and coordinate cash orders with financial institutions as needed.
• Verify p-card purchases comply with County policies and procedures.
• Monitor internal control practices, identify areas of risk, and recommend process improvements that support compliance, accuracy, and operational efficiency.
• Provide guidance to department staff on accounting procedures, policies, and issues.
• Maintain organized and efficient filing systems.
• Gather and calculate data for departmental budget preparation.
• Track, reconcile, and facilitate recovery of NSF (non-sufficient funds) returned payments for all Clerk & Recorder divisions; maintain payment records, send required correspondence, notify customers of outstanding balances, and monitor collection and repayment activity.
• Assist auditors by providing financial records and documentation.
• Participate in system, policy, and fiscal training to remain current with evolving County, State, and Federal financial requirements.
• Maintains confidentiality of information consistent with applicable federal, state, and county rules and regulations. o Performs other duties as assigned in support of business operations and statutory compliance and department needs
• All Clerk & Recorder employees may be required to work in the Elections Division in any capacity that is needed during election cycles

The employee performs duties under minimal supervision and is expected to apply advanced accounting knowledge and independent judgment to routine and non-routine situations. Work is reviewed periodically for accuracy, compliance, and alignment with County fiscal standards.

No supervisory duties.

Work is guided by established accounting principles, County policies, statutes, rules, and procedures. The employee exercises independent judgment in analyzing financial information, resolving discrepancies, reconciling accounts, identifying process improvements, and determining appropriate corrective actions. Unusual or unprecedented situations are referred to supervisory staff for guidance.

• A high school diploma or GED equivalent is required.
• Minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in financial recordkeeping, reconciliations, journal and ledger entries, or related accounting functions required. An Associate’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a closely related field is preferred and may substitute for one (1) year of the required experience.
• A combination of education and experience may be considered.

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of administrative and financial systems, recordkeeping practices, and business processes.
• Knowledge of customer service…