The Orange County Finance and Administrative Services Department has an opening for an Accountant. The work is primarily responsible for performing complex accounting and auditing work, including the preparation of financial statements and analyses in accordance with standard professional accounting procedures. An employee in this class is responsible for reviewing and maintaining records manually and electronically, and providing support in the areas of audits, fixed assets, capital improvement projects and debt administration.
Work is performed under the general supervision of the Accounting Manager with considerable leeway considerable leeway to exercise independent judgment within the guidelines of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and North Carolina General Statutes as well as the framework of applicable rules, regulations, policies and procedures in the performance of duties, both in terms of planning and accomplishing work, and in making decisions regarding customer needs and requests and conducting project assignments. Supervision is not a responsibility of this class. Does related work as required.

• Background Check is required.

Examples of Essential Functions
Following are examples of typical work activities and responsibilities. The incumbent may be responsible for performing other related duties and responsibilities as required or assigned. A position may not include all the work examples given, nor does the list include all that may be assigned.
Supports the Finance Department accounting team in the maintenance of accounts, financial records and internal audits.
Monitors and ensures timely postings of transactions to the County’s financial system.
Reviews all funds balance sheet including capital project balances and outstanding debt and provides account reconciliations.
Assists in the preparation of schedules, financial statements and reports to support the annual financial audit and single audits; assists auditors as required.
Assists in the preparation of various federal, state and local financial reports.
Maintains and makes adjustments to the Fixed Assets module including additions and retirement disposals, and performs inventory audits.
Provides support in the Capital Investment Plan through collaboration with both the Budget Office and the Asset Management Services Department
Reviews and audits compliance with the County purchasing card program and provides general support to Purchasing administration throughout the Procure-to-Pay cycle.
Supports the Finance Department’s automated workflow initiatives to increase business process efficiency between County departments and integration with the financial software systems.
Adheres to the department’s safety rules and regulations.
Uses computer applications or other automated systems such as spreadsheets, word processing, calendar, e-mail and database software in performing work assignments.

FULL PERFORMANCE OF KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Thorough knowledge of the theories, principles, practices, terminology and techniques of accounting, GAAP, public administration, public finance, and cost accounting.
Thorough knowledge of department policies and procedures regarding finance administration.
Thorough knowledge of auditing principles in order to assist with audits
Thorough knowledge of the local, state and federal laws, ordinances, standards and regulations pertaining to County finance and operations.
Thorough knowledge of special requirements pertaining to accounting and investment of government funds.
Good knowledge of the functions and structure of County government.
Skill in complex data analysis, applying budget and cost accounting theories, and evaluation/research techniques and methodology.
Skill in public and interpersonal relations, and written and oral communication.
Skill in establishing priorities and organizing work, and the ability to meet strict deadlines while maintaining accuracy.
Skill in using financial software systems with preference to the County Financial Software Tyler MUNIS and ERP general ledger, relational databases and operations.
Ability to demonstrate sound judgment, integrity, resourcefulness, accuracy, and thoroughness and the physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.
Ability to interpret and apply federal and state financial regulations and local policies.
Ability to identify, analyze and resolve complex financial and accounting issues.
Ability to compile, analyze, interpret, comprehend and communicate complex statistical data.
Ability to prepare clear and concise reports, and to compile and analyze financial statements and reports.
Ability to work extensively with financial information in a detail-oriented and deadline-based environment.
Ability to perform accounting and financial functions adhering to internal control policies and procedures with the appropriate segregation of duties and systems controls.
Ability to concisely communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Ability to establish and maintain effective professional relationships with County management and staff, auditors and outside contacts.
Ability to collaborate with others and work as part of a team.
Ability to perform advanced mathematical computations.
Ability to effectively use computer applications such as Excel with deference to Pivot tables and V-Look-ups, Microsoft suites including Business Intelligence reporting.
Ability to effectively use computer applications such as spreadsheets, word processing, calendar, e-mail and database software.
Ability to demonstrate sound judgment; integrity; resourcefulness; accuracy; thoroughness and the physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in accounting, business, finance, public administration or closed related field which includes 24 credit hours of accounting, AND two (2) years of experience in local government accounting or budgeting with direct work experience in fund accounting, cash management, financial reporting, and fixed assets; OR
An equivalent combination of training and experience as defined above. A higher degree does not substitute for work experience.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
All offers of employment are conditional upon successful clearance of a background check. Employment cannot commence until the employee has been cleared.
May be required to obtain additional certification(s) as deemed necessary by the Chief Financial Officer or Deputy Finance Officer.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND POSSIBLE HAZARDS
Ability to physically perform (with or without reasonable accommodation) basic life operational functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing and repetitive motions of the hands/wrists.
Ability to perform light work exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally to move objects.
Possess the visual acuity to prepare and analyze data and figures, perform accounting and extensive reading, and perform work on a computer.