Grant Accountant

This position is located in Gallatin City-County Health Department and performs professional level accounting duties that support the vision, mission and goals of the Department. This position is responsible for coordinating accounting services for a diverse department and providing various administrative support services. The position reports to the Health Officer and exercises a leadership role in reporting and review of accurate and complete financial records to maximize resources and ensure compliance with generally accepted accounting and audit standards.

ACCOUNTING SERVICES

• Coordinates and leads the department’s efforts to provide accurate, transparent and efficient accounting and finance services to support a growing and diverse department, achieve consistently clean audits and maintain ethical processes and accounting systems that are based on accounting standards and best practices.
• Coordinates with County staff to ensure compliance with pronouncements issued by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board and implement needed changes related to those standards or County financial policies.
• Proficient in use of the  of county’s  Accounting Information System related to processing and reporting on the essential business functions of the Department ( i.e., Payroll, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, General Ledger, Budget to Actual).
• Monitors expenditures and ensures adequate funding for payment of expenditures. This includes reviewing invoices, and ensuring charges are paid from the proper accounts.
• Works closely with the County Finance department in entering and maintaining Health Department budgets. 
• Processes claims, following County accounting procedures, by the later of the vendor’s stated payment terms, or 14 days from receipt of invoice. 
• Submits documentation for County issued credit card purchases according to County procedures and timelines.
• Ensures proper internal controls are in place when staff are handling cash payments.

 GRANTS MANAGEMENT

• Communicates and interacts with external auditors and the Gallatin County grants department.
• Gathers documentation and financial data needed to complete financial reconciliations, the schedule of expenditures of federal awards and other activities related to the annual external financial audit.
• Prepares financial reports and data for Board of Health, Health Officer, Department Directors, Compliance Officer, County Finance Office, State Health Department, and others by compiling and formatting relevant information, reviewing information for errors or omissions and correcting them, and providing explanation or follow-up as requested. 
• Oversees contracts received by the Gallatin County Health Department to ensure accuracy of accounting information and compliance with fiscal requirements.

 ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

• Works collaboratively with Health Officer and Directors and representatives of other departments regarding fiscal responsibilities of Health Department.
• Assists the Health Officer and Directors with the annual budget, and with various grant budgets and applications.
• Helps support orientation of all new staff to the department by explaining time and effort tracking policies and provides training to all new managers on accounting protocols.
• Implements quality improvement methods and engages in continuous improvement of policies, programs, services, and organizational performance. 
• Provides customer service to clients, vendors, other departments, and the public by responding to general and specific inquiries, interpreting information needs, locating applicable resources, or connecting them with the appropriate staff member or office.

This work requires knowledge and experience using accepted accounting principles, reporting methods, specialized and standard computer systems and software (including Microsoft Office products and accounting information systems) and program requirements. This position requires a working knowledge and understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), financial statement preparation, financial analysis, general ledger, accounts payable, fixed assets and the use of financial software and the ability to learn governmental accounting practices and procedures. In addition, this position requires knowledge of accounting theory, spreadsheet proficiency, and the ability to carry out Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) pronouncements and State statute. This position also requires knowledge of accounting systems and funding structures; research methods and techniques; statistics; tax policies and procedures, local state and federal financial reporting requirements. This position requires the ability to present complex information to a variety of audiences with diverse levels of understanding; analyze and interpret accounting data and problems; and communicate effectively both verbally and in writing. This position also requires the ability to handle stress and meet deadlines, direct special projects, work with a varied and diversified group of personalities, analyze and find solutions for complex operations, social and organizational skills, multi-task, be attention detail oriented, must be able to perform with diplomacy and tact and must be able to work as a team member.

The required knowledge, skills, and abilities are typically acquired through a combination of education and experience equivalent to a four-year degree in accounting or finance or a related field, or an unrelated four-year degree and two to four (2-4) years of related work experience, preferably in governmental accounting.

Licenses and Certifications:  Applicants for this position must possess a valid driver’s license, provide own transportation to conduct out of office job duties (mileage reimbursement provided under the County policy), and to be insurable under the County’s liability policies. 

As a condition of hire, the final candidate will be required to successfully pass a criminal history check and background investigation. 

To apply for this position please be prepared to attach the following documents listed below:  

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• Three (3) work references                     

Gallatin County is an Equal Opportunity Employer:

Gallatin County is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment on the basis of merit and qualifications without regard to race, creed, religion, color, or national origin or because of age, physical or mental disability, marital status, or sex when the reasonable demands of the position do not require an age, physical or mental disability, marital status, or sex distinction.  

Salary : $31 - $35