Chief Accountant – Chelan County Public Works

Job Description

Are you a critical thinker who flourishes in a team environment? Do you enjoy transportation or want to learn more about it? The award-winning office of Chelan County Public Works seeks applications for a full-time Chief Accountant.

We are a small office with big responsibilities, so we are looking for someone who fits in well with our team-oriented atmosphere and who embraces community service. We want someone who not only enjoys working closely with interoffice peers and outside departments and agencies, but also prioritizes top-notch customer service.

This position serves as the department lead in coordinating, processing and reporting on various accounting and administrative needs for the county`s road department. The position oversees financial activities and management; designs, modifies, and maintains accounting systems to track funds; performs the analysis and audit of records; and prepares and submits annual reports and budgets.

 

This position is open until filled. The first candidate review will occur on March 4, 2026.

This is a full-time, non-exempt bargaining position.

Work Schedule: Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. or a flex schedule, with every other Friday off

This position reports directly to the Director/County Engineer.

 

SUMMARY OF JOB DUTIES:

Develop and maintain accounting systems, on an accrual or modified accrual basis to provide useful, accurate and timely financial information for management of the Public Works Department and for annual financial reporting as required for the State. Acts as the Chief Accountant for the Public Works Department; which has the following budgets: County Roads, Equipment Rental & Revolving, Motor Pool, Solid Waste, Solid Waste Planning, Storm Water Utility, Flood Control Zone District, Paths and Trails and Safety Enhancement Patrol. Responsible for the gathering of all pertinent fiscal data needed by management to prepare or monitor budgets and construction projects. Analyzes impact of legislation on assigned area of responsibility; designs methods and prepares procedures to implement change to existing accounting and related computer systems.

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES:

Plan, organize, review and direct the financial activities of the Public Works Department, including but not limited to:  receipts, payroll, accounts payable, purchasing, licensing, receivables, rental rates, road levy, utility billing and collections and special assessments. Perform the financial management of all accounting records, agreements, ordinances, resolutions, contracts and other official documents related to finance.

Responsible for the management, access to and maintenance of the financial software (Cascade Software Systems WINCAMS and Tyler Technologies EDEN software).

Design or modify accounting systems to provide records of assets, liabilities, retained earnings and financial transactions pertaining to Public Works funds. Maintain general ledger, fixed asset and depreciation schedules, inventory valuation methods and grant accounting procedures for all Public Works funds.

Analyze and perform cost accounting reports for the various funds, material and labor, payroll accounting, personnel record keeping, equipment rental, motor pool and construction costs.  Recommend, implement and monitor internal controls to safeguard Public Works assets.

Perform account analysis and audit of financial records for completeness and conformance to established accounting policies and procedures. Act as the Department lead in the coordination of the State Auditor`s annual examination of the Department`s financial statements, internal control and compliance with state laws.

Maintain accounts and records of disbursements, expenses, tax payments and maintenance of accounting controls over inventory and purchases for all funds administered by Public Works.

Classify financial data and prepare financial statements as required by management and the State.  Prepare annual reports for county forces work, annual construction report (contract work) cost of repair, replacement and reconstruction, motor pool and equipment rental and revolving fund expenses and maintenance activities.

Assist in budget preparation by providing data for individual revenue and expenditures items in all funds; assist Department managers in monitoring and reporting departmental budgets. Assist in long-range planning for capital and operational needs.

Verify costs, quantities, and purchasing/invoicing methods used in Motor Pool, Equipment Rental, Central Stores, Fabrication Shop and Pits and Quarries.

Account for building and rental equipment values and allowance for depreciation.

Determine labor and parts costs for repairing and servicing of all equipment within the Equipment Rental and Revolving and Motor Pool Funds. Analyze data to determine proper equipment and motor pool rental rates and make adjustments as necessary.

Coordinate with various departments and the State Auditor`s Office concerning financial operations of the Public Works Department.

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

 

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor`s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a closely related field; four years of increasingly responsible experience in government finance, accounting, auditing, financial reporting, and budgets; OR an equivalent skillset based on a combination of education and experience in performing the duties of the position.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Knowledge of: Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and Practices (GAAPP) and their application to State and County accounting operations; principles and practices of auditing, cost accounting and modern office management methods; automated procedures and computer-based accounting software and reporting.

A valid Washington State driver license.

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.

Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference and trigonometry. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.

Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions with minimal direction or supervision. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with abstract and concrete variables.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit. The employee frequently is required to talk and hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.

The work environment characteristics are an office environment. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

 

BENEFIT INFORMATION & HOW TO APPLY FOR THIS POSITION

Employees receive a progression of steps (salary increases).

The position includes outstanding benefits, including enrollment in the state retirement system (PERS), with a deferred comp program available.

Health insurance package includes medical, dental and county contributions to a personal health savings account (HRA/VEBA).

11 paid holidays, 2 floating personal holidays and monthly accrued vacation and sick leave. We also offer a flex schedule, with every other Friday off.

Applications, a detailed job description, and full benefit details are available on the Chelan County Human Resources Career Opportunities page https://www.co.chelan.wa.us/human-resources/jobs

The application, letter of interest, and resume must be submitted through the online portal on our Career Opportunities page or returned to the Chelan County Human Resources Department; human.resources@co.chelan.wa.us