Accounting Analyst Lead

Chelan County Public Utility District is seeking a Lead Accounting Analyst to join a collaborative, mission-driven Finance team that supports reliable, affordable, and sustainable public power for our community. This is an exciting opportunity to step into a key technical leadership role as the District and Accounting team prepare for significant change, including a multi-year Business Transformation, ERP modernization, evolving financial systems and processes, and planned leadership transitions.

We are looking for an experienced accounting professional who values public service, demonstrates integrity and accountability, and brings strong technical expertise, adaptability, collaboration, and a growth-oriented mindset. The Lead Accounting Analyst will play an important role in building the Accounting team of the future, providing technical leadership and mentoring, strengthening cross-training and knowledge transfer, and helping develop broader capabilities across the team.

The position will also have meaningful opportunities to help shape accounting processes, internal controls, financial reporting, and technology-enabled improvements as the District modernizes its systems and prepares for the future.

Overview
Provides advanced accounting expertise for the District's accounting and financial reporting functions. Performs complex accounting and financial reporting activities, supports the consistent application of accounting standards and policies, and helps ensure compliance with applicable accounting, regulatory, and District requirements. Serves as a technical accounting resource to Accounting staff and supports Accounting management with financial systems, process improvements, and departmental initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Lead and perform complex accounting, financial reporting, and analysis activities for the District. Review significant accounting transactions, reconciliations, and financial information to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with applicable accounting standards, regulatory requirements, contractual obligations, and District policies. Lead preparation and review of financial statements and external reporting.

• Provide technical leadership and guidance to Accounting staff by serving as the department's technical resource for complex accounting matters. Mentor staff, facilitate cross-training and knowledge transfer, perform secondary reviews of complex accounting transactions and reconciliations, and promote the consistent application of accounting standards, policies, and procedures.

• Lead technical accounting activities by researching accounting issues, interpreting accounting standards, developing accounting recommendations, and leading implementation of new accounting guidance. Lead Accounting activities supporting internal and external audits and provide technical guidance on complex accounting and tax matters.

• Determine the proper tax treatment of District transactions, including complex contracts,
  power sales agreements and multi-million-dollar purchase contracts. Serve as the
  District's tax specialist, providing support District-wide on state excise tax issues. Lead or support
  state tax audits. Provide a financial review and perspective on proposed legislation that
  has a potential impact to the District.

• Lead the administration and continuous improvement of Accounting's financial systems, business processes, and accounting framework. Support financial system enhancements, maintain the Chart of Accounts and reporting structures, support development and maintenance of accounting policies and standardized procedures, and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, consistency, and internal controls.

• Provide technical accounting and tax expertise and financial guidance to District departments, leadership, and cross-functional teams. Represent the Accounting Department on assigned committees, projects, and organizational initiatives, and support financial analysis and recommendations for management decision-making.

• Support departmental operations through special projects, strategic initiatives, and technical assignments. Serve as the technical backup for designated accounting and financial reporting responsibilities and perform other duties as assigned.
• Maintain regular and predictable attendance:
  Perform related duties and responsibilities as required. Comply with District policies. Complete all required training. Maintain a working knowledge and comply with District safety procedures and specific safety requirements of this position, and those in accordance with applicable provisions of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) and Washington Administrative Code (WAC).
Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's Degree (B.S. or B.A.) in Accounting, Business Administration, Finance, or related field is required.

• Equivalent experience (year for year) may substitute for required education.

Experience

• 7+ years of accounting experience is required.

• Experience providing technical leadership, guidance, or work…