Accountant

Accountant Position

The Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission is recruiting candidates for the Accountant position. The incumbent Accountant will perform professional accounting work that requires application of accounting theories, concepts, principles, and standards to the financial activities of the organization. The work includes preparing, analyzing, interpreting, and presenting accounting data; operating, maintaining, and modifying accounting systems; using accounting information to recommend solutions to management and structuring of organizational programs.

Essential Functions : The functions listed below are characteristic of the type and level of work associated with this group and pay band. They are not all-inclusive. Individual positions may perform some or all, as well as other similar work.

• Review AP and AR transactions : review all AP and AR transactions to ensure accuracy and completeness prior to posting.
• Manage Cash and Cash Equivalent Accounts : responsible for recording all deposit transactions weekly and account reconciliations monthly.
• Month-End Close : execute and manage the timely and accurate month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes, including preparing and posting complex journal entries.
• Account Reconciliation : perform regular and thorough reconciliation of all Balance Sheet General Ledger accounts (e.g., cash, accounts receivable, prepaid, fixed assets, accrued liabilities).
• Financial Reporting : assist in the preparation of financial statements for internal and external, including the Balance Sheet, Income Statement, Statement of Cash Flows, and Contract Budget Status Report as needed.
• Compliance & Audit : ensure compliance with company policies, GAAP, and regulatory requirements. Assist in preparing documentation for annual independent and / or governmental audits.
• Analysis & Improvement : conduct financial analysis and variance explanations for federal, state and other contracts as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge Required by the Position :

At the lower end of the range, the Accountant has professional knowledge of accounting, auditing concepts, principles, and methods sufficient to work independently using conventional procedures and practices that apply to most situations encountered. In addition, the Accountant has a basic, general knowledge of the organization's business practices as they pertain to accounting for payroll, purchases, maintenance, and services sufficient to relate to the needs of serviced organizations.

At the upper end of the range, the Accountant has comprehensive knowledge of theories, practices, methods, and techniques of accounting. In addition, the Accountant has auditing ability and knowledge of organizational or program practices, policies, and functions sufficient to :

Additional Mandatory / Desirable Knowledge :

Supervisory Controls :

At the lower end of the range, the supervisor or other designated employee discusses possible problem areas and defines objectives, plans, priorities, and deadlines. The employee independently plans and carries out the assignment in conformance with accepted accounting practices. The employee resolves commonly encountered work problems and deviations but brings controversial information or findings to the supervisor's attention for direction. The supervisor does not usually review methods used in detail. Work is evaluated for technical soundness, adequacy of the investigation and analysis, and validity of conclusions.

At the upper end of the range, the supervisor outlines overall objectives and available resources. In consultation, the employee and supervisor discuss timeframes, scope of the assignment, stages, and possible approaches. The employee is fully experienced in applying concepts and methodologies and is fully competent to plan and carry out the assignments, resolve most of the conflicts that arise, coordinate his / her work with others, interpret policy and regulatory requirements, develop changes to plans or methodology; and / or provide recommendations for improvements that better meet program objectives. Problems brought to the supervisor's attention include major problems in completing accounting systems installation or inability to meet key budget and program deadlines, or the equivalent.

Guidelines : Primary guidelines include generally accepted accounting principles, federal travel regulations, OMB regulations and directives, federal circulars, PSMFC Personnel Policy Handbook, and PSMFC standards and policies. Because of the variety of transactions, the employee must thoroughly understand all the guidelines to determine the best approach for researching and resolving any given problem. The employee uses judgment to adapt the guidelines to specific cases or problems and / or to interpret the very large number of varied policies and regulations.

Complexity : While contracts commence and conclude throughout the fiscal year and accounting transactions are voluminous, the basic program operations are stable, and system requirements are established and documented. The employee studies existing reports, accounts and instructions to streamline operations or to provide more meaningful financial information.

The employee must recognize problems, understand past procedures for resolution, and have current knowledge of all rate and contract changes that may affect the information entered and adjustments needed in the accounting system database. The incumbent then proceeds using independent judgment based on extensive knowledge and experience.

Scope and Effect : The work assures the accuracy and validity of contract charges for which PSMFC seeks reimbursement from the funding agency. The fiscal section and program managers depend on correct project accounts information for budget expenditure and balance reports, and revenue forecasting and billing to contract agencies. Accuracy, reliability, and timeliness of project accounts are essential in maintaining PSMFC credibility and reputation with the many federal, state, and private contract sources that fund PSMFC work.

Personal Contacts : Contacts within PSMFC include working with all PSMFC staff including field employees in five states. Contacts outside PSMFC include working with vendor accounting and purchasing departments and various state and federal agency contract and project supervisors.

Purpose of Contacts : Contacts are for the purpose of clarifying or resolving questionable items on claims and invoices. This requires diplomacy in seeking or exchanging information and resolving problems, and clarity in documenting and justifying final decisions and resolutions.

Physical Demands : The work is sedentary. Employee may need to carry light items such as files, books, or notebooks, but no special physical effort is required.

Work Environment : The work area is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated. The work environment involves everyday risks or discomforts that require normal safety precautions.

PSMFC is an EEO / AAP Employer. We maintain a drug-free workplace.