Financial Specialist I

Job Announcement

The Department of Neighborhood and Community Services (NCS) is part of the Fairfax County Health and Human Services System and provides a wide variety of critical programs and supportive services to County residents of all ages. Under the general supervision of a Financial Specialist II, this position performs and supervises a variety of complex accounting functions for the Department of Neighborhood and Community Services (NCS) and its programs. This is a great opportunity to make an impact in the local community and help provide critical resources and services to county families and children. We are looking for a highly motivated individual with a passion for public service and a desire to support a wide range of financial operations within a large agency. Performs a variety of complex financial and budget functions supporting various programs in the department as part of the department's Finance AP/AR Team. Performs accounts receivable and accounts payable activities, program cost allocations, and ensures compliance with county, state, and federal policies and procedures. Duties will include:

• Analyzes revenue and customer accounts, and applies internal and external policies, County standards, and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) to accurately maintain revenue accounts for revenue generating programs.
• Manages the daily deposit process which consists of wire transfers, ACH deposits, remote check deposits, and credit card payment from various programs.
• Responsible for monitoring and oversight of revenue collection and cash handling procedures for NCS centers and programs. This includes training NCS staff on proper procedures and maintaining/updating training manuals as required.
• Responsible for accounts payables activities, such as issing refunds, processing local travel documents, and paying utility bills. Also analyzes and appropriately allocates costs according to program usage of the various internal service charges each month.
• Assists Financial Specialist III in monthly revenue reconciliation for all the revenue generating programs.
• Other responsibilities include specialized analysis, project coordination, monthly and other required reconciliations, payment processing and billing, completing journal entries, and preparing reports and documentation for audits.
• Works collaboratively with county corporate partners, the department's procurement staff, and other members of the financial team to ensure that financial and budget matters are handled timely, accurately, and in accordance with program needs to maintain continuity of operations and services for county residents.

Illustrative Duties

• Prepares financial statements and reports and reviews for accuracy;
• Oversees the processing of budget, procurement, and/or payment documents;
• Analyzes cost, revenue and operating expenses;
• Maintains special revenue/account funds;
• Develops, prepares and justifies the budget for a small agency or assists with budget development for a large agency.

Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of accounting theories, bookkeeping, public budgeting, and grant administration;
• General knowledge of laws ordinances and regulations governing municipal finance;
• Ability to interpret automated financial reports and financial policies and procedures;
• Ability to analyze revenue and expenses and make projections;
• Ability to complete budget documents in accordance with the Department of Management and Budget.

Employment Standards

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 a bachelor's degree in accounting; or a bachelor's degree in business administration or related field that has been supplemented by at least 6 credit hours of basic accounting principles and concepts. BRIDGE CLASS EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS:

• Experience and considerable knowledge of accounts receivable/accounts payable processes and documentation requirements.
• Strong analytical, computer, oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to effectively work with staff across organizational lines and explain policies and procedures to ensure compliance.
• Strong working knowledge of the application of internal controls to safeguard County resources.
• Ability to multi-task, address urgent issues that arise, and meet strict County, state, and federal deadlines.
• Experience working with a general ledger, completing journal entries, and reconciling monthly revenue and expenditures.
• Experience interpreting and analyzing data in order to make recommendations.
• Experience managing procurement card processes and reconciliation.
• Considerable experience using Microsoft Office Suite computer software, particularly Excel, and governmental accounting and financial systems.