Financial Specialist III

Works as the financial accounting manager for the Accounts Payable (AP)/Accounts Receivable (AR) Unit. Serves the county in a dynamic, team-based environment supporting the values and human service mission of the Department of Family Services. Manages the Department of Family Services (DFS) AP/AR Unit of approximately 12 staff responsible for DFS accounts payable, accounts receivable and procurement activities. Ensures proper training, accounting compliance, reconciliations, and timeliness of processing. The position is responsible for monitoring and reporting based on Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB), federal, state, and local policies and procedures. Oversees and ensures accuracy and timeliness in the agency's monthly reporting to the state, via the state LASER system. The position is a key collaborator with the Department of Finance (DOF), the Department of Procurement and Materials Management, (DPMM), and other DFS financial management units to ensure compliance in accounts payable, receivable, and procurement policies and procedures.

Partnering with the DFS Financial Compliance Manager, this position ensures all related agency policies and procedures are properly written and documented and ensures that policy changes are addressed in a timely manner. It regularly attends and actively participates in unit information sharing meetings as well as program-wide and County-wide meetings to address problems, policy changes, new agency and County initiatives, etc. Interprets County, state and federal policies and regulations, and ensures that DFS staff follow established procedures governing accounts payable (AP), accounts receivable (AR), procurement, and related reporting requirements. Receives and responds in writing and verbally to daily questions from DFS program staff, County staff, clients, vendors and others regarding requests for policy information and procedure guidance on receipts, disbursements and procurement.

Works collaboratively with procurement lead to ensure timely processing of purchasing requests and establishment of purchase orders (PO); ensures that payments are made in a timely manner, prompt payment discounts are taken, and unauthorized procurement activity is addressed. Reviews and authorizes financial documents relating to accounts receivable, and non-PO accounts payable. Monitors posted expenditures and revenues of the agency's general fund, grant fund, gift fund, and special welfare fund to ensure that revenues and expenditures are accurately reflected in the appropriate fund and appropriate program/fiscal year. Works collaboratively with DFS, County and Virginia Department of Social Services staff to identify financial considerations to ensure they expenditures are properly identified and addressed for proper accounting treatment. The position directs and monitors agency reconciliation activities, on a monthly basis, and submits the monthly certification to the DFS Financial Compliance Manager in accordance with established DOF Accounting Technical Bulletin agency reconciliation requirements. Coordinates year-end activities related to the processing of AP, AR, and Procurement expenditure accruals. The position provides documentation in response to audits and ensures the proper retention of financial documents to meet federal, state and local regulations.

Participates in the formulation and documentation of agency fiscal policies and procedures;
Maintains numerous fund/subfund accounts;
Reviews long range revenue and expenditures estimates to ensure availability of funds;
Prepares and/or oversees the preparation of large agency budget;
Applies budget, procurement, and payment procedures in accordance with established county policies, accounting principles (GAAP and GASB), and local and state policies and procedures;
Researches budget, finance and procurement requirements, analyzes impact on current operations and recommends means of implementation.

(The knowledge, skills and abilities listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list.)

Considerable knowledge of the principles, methods, and practices of governmental budgeting and fiscal management and the ability to apply them to complex governmental systems;
Considerable knowledge of federal, state and county policies, procedures, regulations and legislation impacting the maintenance of financial records;
Ability to effectively supervise and coordinate the activities of staff;
Ability to develop and implement fiscal policies and procedures.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Any combination of education, experience, and training equivalent to the following:
(Click on the aforementioned link to learn how Fairfax County interprets equivalencies for "Any combination, experience, and training equivalent to")

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with either a bachelor's degree in accounting, business administration, public administration, public policy or related field; plus, three years of professional-level experience in finance, business administration, budgeting, or contract management, a master's degree in a related field or CPA may substitute for 1 year of experience.

CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES REQUIRED:
None.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
The appointee to this position will be required to complete a criminal background, a credit check, and a Child Protective Services check to the satisfaction of the employer.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master's degree in public administration, finance, accounting or a related field is preferred
• CPA, certification in governmental accounting, or certification in internal controls is preferred.
• Considerable knowledge of, and four years of experience, with accounts payable and receivable activities, financial document retention, procurement, and audit response
• Three years of supervisory experience
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively
• Strong verbal and written communication skills to resolve vendor and client questions on billing and invoicing, and to communicate policy and procedural guidance to County program staff.
• Considerable experience with Microsoft Office Suite, including high level of proficiency with Microsoft Excel to organize, analyze, pivot, and manipulate data.
• Experience with the county's FOCUS system, Oracle, and/or similar Enterprise Resource Management System for financial management and processing.

Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. TTY 703-222-7314. DHREmployment@fairfaxcounty.gov EEO/AA/TTY.