Accountant / Financial Analyst

Accountant

Forsyth County's Department of Finance is seeking a qualified candidate to join their team as an accountant. The accountant performs professional accounting work, account reconciliation and transactional analysis. Ensures the proper accounting and financial reporting of all County activities in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, sound business practices, and relevant local, state, and federal regulations. The position addresses support requests received from department users regarding system functionality, proper accounting procedures and account classification. The successful candidate possesses an understanding of the statutory and regulatory accounting (GASB, GAAP) requirements for N. C. local government practices and financial reporting, as well as the ability to analyze, document and recommend effective business processes that meet both departmental needs and operational controls. Candidate must excel at problem solving and identification of transactional irregularities, enjoy working in a collaborative team environment, and communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Distinguishing Features

Deep and thorough understanding and knowledge of GAAP accounting and governmental accounting (GASB) standards.

Extensive knowledge and understanding of accounting principles, statutory financial requirements and an intricate understanding of the County's accounting system structure.

Ability to execute complex analytical review and application of requisite knowledge.

Advanced knowledge of Oracle Cloud ERP, Oracle Cloud Transactional Business Intelligence (OTBI) and Financial Reporting Studio (FRS) reporting tools, and organization-wide accounting structures.

High proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, in particular Excel and SmartView add-in.

Ability to read financial reports, and / or legal documents.

Ability to apply fundamental concepts of theories, work with advanced mathematical operations methods, and functions of real and complex variables.

Ability to communicate with others tactfully and courteously over the telephone and in person.

Ability to maintain effective working relationships with other employees.

Minimum Education and Experience

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, business administration, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the necessary knowledge and skills to perform the job.

At least two (2) years of accounting experience or a combination of education and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform accounting functions effectively.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel and Word) is required. Familiarity with financial management systems (e.g. Oracle, SAP, or similar ERP platforms) is preferred.

A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license in the State of North Carolina or an NCGFOA certification is preferred but not required.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Perform complex professional accounting work and transactional analysis.

Ensure that financial events are accurately recorded.

Determine the appropriate accounting classification to be used for each operating transaction.

Identify accounting cost centers and natural accounts to enable reporting financial information for organizational and functional accountability, to meet internal and external reporting requirements, and to demonstrate compliance with legal and contractual provisions.

Routinely review trial balances and operating reports for all funds for reasonableness.

Analyze apparent discrepancies. Determine and direct action to be taken to correct erroneous entries or to enter unrecorded transactions.

Verify accuracy and completeness of budgetary control and project funds for all funds and project ordinances. Work with Budget staff to identify and correct identified errors.

Prepare monthly and quarterly journal entries, account analysis and sub-ledger reconciliations.

Prepare general ledger adjusting entries at fiscal year-end.

Assist with the implementation of GASB statements.

Evaluate current system business processes in relation to user needs, internal accounting controls, County policy, efficiency and effectiveness, and recommend modifications.

Prepare analytical review workpapers and comments at year end as requested by external auditors.

Perform additional analytical work as assigned.