Senior Accounting Specialist

The Senior Accounting Specialist performs advanced clerical and accounting work involving financial calculations, reconciliation, and recordkeeping. This position is responsible for balancing and reconciling daily revenues for the Douglas County Office of Clerk and Recorder, and verification of department balancing software against financial reports.

Additional responsibilities include management of accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll administration support, and preparation of financial reports for departmental funds. The Senior Accounting Specialist analyzes and prepares financial schedules for internal and external use and performs complex accounting tasks in compliance with fiscal rules, policies, and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: (The following examples are illustrative only and are not intended to be all inclusive.)

• Prepare customized accounting, financial, and fiscal reports for special projects.
• Enter financial data into accounting systems, including revenues, disbursements, transfers, and adjusting entries.
• Maintain accounting summaries, statements of accounts, and generate accounting reports.
• Create and maintain spreadsheets for posting, tracking, analyzing, and reporting financial information.
• Ensure compliance with fiscal rules and regulations; identify inaccuracies, analyze records, reconcile discrepancies, and prepare corrective actions.
• 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, invoices, and other accounting transactions.
• Reconcile cash accounts, bank statements, and outstanding payments; ensure deposits are recorded accurately.
• Verify p-card purchases comply with County policies and procedures.
• Assist in developing and implementing process improvements to increase efficiency in payments and financial workflows.
• 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 returned payments (NSFs) for all Clerk & Recorder divisions; send correspondence, update payment records, and notify customers of outstanding payments.
• Assist auditors by providing financial records and documentation.
• Maintains confidentiality of information consistent with applicable federal, state, and county rules and regulations.
• Participate in training and professional development opportunities.
• 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

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE: 

• A high school diploma or GED equivalent is required.
• Associates or bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration or similar field preferred.
• At least three (3) years of experience with financial recordkeeping, reconciliation, and journal/ledger entries required.
• A combination of education and experience may be considered.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge: 

• Applies administrative systems across multiple functions and adapts processes to department-specific needs.
• Applies service principles in a variety of complex situations; escalates concerns appropriately.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (including Excel) and uses advanced features for reporting and data organization.
• Knowledge of bookkeeping principles, practices, and financial recordkeeping methods.
• Knowledge of finance and accounting concepts, including budgeting, reporting and internal controls.

• Knowledge of data processing systems and procedures related to maintaining accurate fiscal records.

Skills: 

• Interpret and respond to verbal and non-verbal cues.
• Show empathy and maintain relationships.
• Problem-solving and sound judgment.
• Proficient use of tools, equipment, and computer applications.
• Detail-oriented and thorough.
• Apply modern office practices and operate standard office equipment.
• Perform basic mathematical calculations.
• Provide professional customer service.
• Analyzes and presents data using advanced features.
• Produce audience-appropriate written information.
• General typing, filing, and collating.
• Leads or participates in process improvement projects affecting multiple work areas.
• Analytical, reasoning, and troubleshooting abilities.
• Establish effective work relationships.
• Accurate data entry input, 10-key by touch and cash reconciliation.

• Proficiency in cash management required.

Abilities: 

• Embrace the organization's Vision, Mission, and Core Values.
• Communicate effectively in both oral and written form; fluently speak, read, and write in English.
• Set and achieve goals, generate alternatives, consider risks, and make informed decisions.
• Understand, interpret, and explain written materials (e.g., manuals, process documents).
• Interpret and carry out various instructions in written, verbal, or diagram form.
• Execute multiple complex tasks simultaneously, both independently and as a team member.
• Encourage and facilitate cooperation, commitment, trust, and team spirit; work with others to achieve goals.
• Resolve potential miscommunications and deal calmly and effectively with stressful situations.
• Retain information and apply knowledge to daily duties.
• Adapt to changing tasks without loss of efficiency or composure.
• Maintain confidentiality of information consistent with applicable federal, state, and county rules and regulations.
• Perform basic arithmetic operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division) using whole numbers, fractions, and decimals.

• Ensure reliable attendance and punctuality for onsite work.

CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, & REGISTRATIONS: 

• Must possess a valid Colorado Driver’s License upon hire or within 90 days of hire, with complying insurance. Review of motor vehicle record is required at time of hire and periodically throughout employment.
• U.S. Citizenship required. 

For more information on job functions, requirements and to apply please visit: https://douglasco.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/5/home/requisition/3223?c=douglasco

Douglas County offers an excellent comprehensive benefit package including but not limited to: Medical/Dental/Vision. 
For a more detailed overview please view the full Employee Benefit Guide.

Salary : $48,906 - $73,360