Accountant I

Job Description

This position is open until filled with a first review date of August 17, 2026. 

Job Summary

This position performs professional accounting duties and corrections to ensure proper classification and treatment under the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB), generally accepting accounting principles (GAAP), City ordinance, and other state statutes in support of City financial functions and operations.

Essential Functions

*  Participates in the preparation of the Annual Financial Report (AFR); ensures compliance with Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) reporting standards and other schedules as required by the State Auditor’s Office (SAO).
*  Assists in the development of the annual city budget by providing data, reports, and insight to City Management. 
*  Assists in decision making, goal setting, scheduling, planning, and problem solving within the accounting division. 
*  Assures financial system integrity through monitoring and analysis of a full range of accounting activities to include system problem solving. 
*  Assists in oversight of the general ledger accounting functions. Prepares routine journal entries when required, establishing a clear and concise audit trail. Analyzes accounts and performs account reconciliations. 
*  Maintains fund accounting system, including general ledger, subsidiary ledgers, and journals; verifies, posts, and reconciles transactions; resolves discrepancies; documents procedures and leaves a clear audit trail. 
*  Provides accounting support for Finance functions including payroll, accounts payable, miscellaneous accounts receivable, investments and utility billing. Updates and maintains supporting state schedules and statistical information for AFR; develops representative graphs and historical data as defined. Performs specialized and complex financial and cost accounting analysis for multiple departments, including grant and special project accounting. 
*  Responds to requests for information from City staff, auditors, and regulatory agencies, explaining accounting processes and procedures. 
*  Prepares a variety of regular and special financial reports; develops representative graphs. 
*  Uploads financial information into EMMA for reporting compliance. 
*  Reviews financial documents for accuracy and completeness.
*  Assists in the resolution of accounting, budget, and business software system issues, often working with third party consultants. 
*  Assists with preparation of monthly bank reconciliation. 
*  Performs additional related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required by the Position

*  Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). 
*  Knowledge of Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) guidelines. 
*  Knowledge of the Budgeting, Accounting and Reporting System (BARS) accounting structure and guidelines.
*  Knowledge of auditing principles. 
*  Knowledge of budget development and management principles.
*  Knowledge of relevant federal and state laws, City ordinances, and department policies and procedures. 
*  Knowledge of computers and job-related software programs. 
*  Knowledge of internal controls standards. 
*  Skill in interpreting and applying guidelines, regulations, and policies. 
*  Skill in performing financial, statistical, budgetary, and cost analyses. 
*  Skill in problem solving. 
*  Skill in prioritizing and planning. 
*  Skill in interpersonal relations. 
*  Skill in oral and written communication.

Supervisory Controls

The Assistant Finance Director assigns work in terms of very general instructions. The manager spot-checks completed work for compliance with procedures and the nature and propriety of the final results.

Guidelines

Guidelines include GAAP, GASB, BARS manual, internal control procedures, relevant state and federal laws, and city and department policies and procedures. These guidelines require judgment, selection, and interpretation in application.

Complexity/Scope of Work

*  The work consists of varied financial accounting duties. Strict regulations and the need for accuracy contribute to the complexity of the position. 
*  The purpose of this position is to provide accounting support for assigned city financial operations.  Successful performance ensures the efficiency and effectiveness of those operations.

Contacts

*  Contacts are typically with coworkers, representatives of other government agencies, bankers, investment professionals, auditors, vendors, and the general public. 
*  Contacts are typically to exchange information, resolve problems, justify matters, and provide services.

Physical Demands/Work Environment

Work is performed in an office environment and requires the ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time and access all areas of the facility including stairs. Work requires eye/hand coordination and manipulation skills to operate a personal computer, telephone, and other equipment; normal range of hearing and visual acuity, and occasionally moving items in excess of 25 pounds.

Supervisory and Management Responsibility

None. 

Minimum Qualifications

*  Bachelor's degree in accounting from an accredited university is required.   
*  Sufficient experience to understand the basic principles relevant to the essential functions of the position, usually associated with the completion of an apprenticeship/internship or having had a similar position for three (3) to five (5) years.
*  All applicants must be able to successfully pass a background check process which includes reference checks and criminal history checks, or other.

Company Description

Moses Lake is a diverse, connected and supportive community of innovation and opportunity that values its namesake lake, small town vibe, growing arts and cultural scene, aerospace, manufacturing and agricultural heritage, and an abundance of sunshine and outdoor activities. 

Working for the City will afford you the opportunity to support the vision of Moses Lake, grow professionally, and work among diverse and dedicated staff with a goal to provide a service-oriented government that works with all interests in the community to implement our vision. 

Our location and climate allow our residents to enjoy a variety of interests surrounding the Moses Lake community. Moses Lake is centrally located between Seattle and Spokane on Highway I-90 between fields of agriculture, freshwater lakes, vineyards and popular recreational destinations. 

Moses Lake boosts active community parks and events, athletic venues and tournaments, a campground, and the popular Surf 'n Slide water park. The surrounding Columbia Basin area is filled with wine tours, a wildlife refuge, the Gorge Amphitheater, local fresh markets with direct-from-the-farm produce, and boutiques.

The City of Moses Lake is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Our objective is to provide equal opportunity in all terms, conditions, and privileges of employment for qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, or status as a covered veteran.

Benefits

The City of Moses Lake offers a comprehensive benefits package.  Employees (and their families) are eligible to enroll in medical, dental, and vision coverage.  In addition to basic life insurance coverage, AD&D, dependent life, additional life insurance, long-term disability, EAP and LifeFlight are also offered.  Retirement is through the Department of Retirement Systems - Public Employees Retirement System.  Optional deferred compensation is offered with a City match of up to 2% of the employee's base salary. Beginning January 1, 2024, the City began offering an optional Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for healthcare and dependent care. Employees of the City receive eleven (11) paid holidays plus one (1) floating holiday annually. Vacation accrual begins at 12 days annually and increases with years of service. Sick leave is accrued at the rate of eight (8) hours per month.