Accountant - General Ledger Job Olympia area,Washington USA,Finance & Banking

About the Position

Responsible for performing a variety of accounting, auditing and analytical activities for the City of Olympia. Work involves maintaining all financial information and systems to ensure appropriate record‑keeping, reviewing bank statements, reconciling transactions between separate systems, and posting journal entries. Maintains point‑of‑sale (POS) systems and provides technical guidance on financial transactions. Assists in preparing financial statements and internal and external audits, serving as lead contact for component‑unit audits.

About

the Position

This is an Accountant position within the Finance Department that specializes in General Ledger. The role requires specific knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) in General Ledger; KSAs for other financial sectors are provided for reference only and are not required for this role.

Ideal Candidate Profile

Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) accounting for government entities.
Experience with accounting software and its integration with external systems. The City uses Workday as its system of record.
Independent and curious problem solver invested in continuous improvement of processes.
Experience assisting with the facilitation of required external audits.
Experience reviewing and reconciling transactions posted in the general ledger for accuracy and appropriateness.
Ability to track and reconcile grant billings, projects in progress, and fixed‑asset transactions.

Essential Functions

Reviews and reconciles cash transactions through the City’s bank statements, ensuring accurate and transparent financial practices.

Reconciles and posts daily transactions from the City’s various software systems to the general ledger.

Assists in preparing the City’s financial statements by calculating, posting and adjusting accrual entries and providing support during statement preparation.

Facilitates the City’s required annual audits, including component‑unit audits.

Performs risk assessments and internal audits to ensure the City’s policies and procedures adhere to accurate accounting practices.

Provides technical guidance and support to accounts payable, billing and collections, grants and cashiering staff to ensure accurate recording of financial transactions.

Reconciles various accounts including clearing, suspense, revenue and expense accounts.

Prepares and audits financial reports and statements ensuring adherence to GAAP.

Processes a variety of financial transactions, including quarterly and monthly excise tax returns, ensuring accuracy.

Maintains detailed and complex financial records, including journals and ledgers.

Audits local businesses’ records to ensure compliance with taxation laws and regulations.

Analyzes financial data; identifies and resolves discrepancies or issues.

Handles sensitive and confidential financial information according to policies and procedures.

Punctual, regular and reliable attendance is essential for successful job performance.

Typical Qualifications General Ledger

Knowledge of state BARS accounting.
Skill in verifying and reviewing accounting transactions.
Skill to monitor and control accounting activities in the recording of financial transactions (e.g., accounts receivable, accounts payable, collections and fixed assets).
Ability to develop, modify and implement accounting systems, standards, procedures and financial controls.
Ability to prepare complex and detailed financial accounting reports, financial statements and schedules.
Ability to perform operational audits and review internal controls; recommend and advise management regarding the need for improved accounting controls.
Ability to make appropriate corrections, entries and adjustments to ensure accuracy of reports.

Budget and Capital Project Analyst

Knowledge of fixed‑asset accounting and capital‑asset‑related GAAP.
Knowledge of the cycle and principles of capital project management.
Ability to perform capital facilities project accounting.
Ability to provide advice and technical assistance in the preparation of annual budgets.
Ability to employ cost‑benefit analysis to review financial requests, assess program trade‑offs, and explore alternative…