THE WACOG DIFFERENCE
Western Arizona Council of Governments (WACOG) recognizes and appreciates the strengths of our workforce. We strive to provide a professional, supportive environment where each employee can achieve their career goals. We encourage our workforce to focus on their strengths and abilities and to use those qualities to reach their full potential.
The WACOG Finance Department provides overall support and/or guidance to all WACOG programs and initiatives within a team-oriented environment. We are dedicated to keeping WACOG functioning smoothly and effective, and we continuously strive to provide resources that enhance the programs’ successes and long-term viability within La Paz, Mohave, and Yuma Counties.
SUMMARY STATEMENT
Under general supervision, research, analyze, and apply accounting, budgeting, and financial policies, regulations and guidelines in support of financial management objectives.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities.
1)Ensure organizational financial practices are compliant with financial management rules and regulations.
2)Implement financial policies and procedures in accordance with the organizations’ plans and requirements.
3)Analyze program expenditures and budgets throughout the fiscal cycle and provide monthly expenditure reports to Executive, Program, and Operations Directors.
4)Draft and formulate budgets, task plans, and budget execution plans.
5)Actively work with program staff to provide fiscal support (e.g. budget development, budget narratives) in response to program improvement, expansion/duration, and continuation solicitations.
6)Work collaboratively with the other leaders within the Fiscal Department, IT staff, management, and third-party experts to optimize systems/tools utilized.
7)Work closely with the Operations Director and IT staff so position acts as the subject matter expert (SME) for WACOG’s Financial Systems Environment (FSE) (e.g. MIP, Microix, PowerPlan).
8)Assist the Finance team with enhancing usage of FSE software tools and aid in developing and improving financial business processes and internal procedures.
9)Effectively troubleshoot systems issues/problems; manage and develop reports; establish and implement enhancements within the system; interface with MIP directly and outside systems consultant(s); develop and facilitate FSE training plans for a variety of employees with differing levels of understanding.
10) Lead in implementing a multi-year FSE improvement strategy targeted at: enhancing overall financial systems in a manner that improves the efficacy of the organization’s financial management capabilities, maturing the overall financial systems environment, and strengthening accountability and financial stewardship.
11)Ensure project goals are accomplished within the prescribed time frame and funding parameters
12)Act as fiscal liaison and representative for designated program(s).
13)Complete and submit accurate, timely financial program and Board reports.
14)Ensure accuracy of assigned financial duties and manage Excel accounting workbooks, when necessary
15)Perform period-end accounting duties.
16)Participate in separation of duties to ensure compliance and best practices (e.g. bank reconciliations, due to/from reports, positive pay).
18)Attend meetings as needed.
19)Travel within WACOG service area, including overnight stays as needed; additional travel may be required.
20)Maintain reliable and predictable attendance; work outside of standard business hours as needed.
21)Utilize tact and discretion to maintain confidentiality of information and a positive image of WACOG.
22)Perform other duties as necessary to carry out the administrative/ programmatic goals and objectives of WAGOG and/or department.
KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES (KSAs) The individual who holds this position must be able to perform the essential duties and responsibilities satisfactorily. The KSAs listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities needed for satisfactory performance.
– Strong numerical and analytical skills
– Working knowledge of the varying requirements associated with federal, state, and local funding
– Understanding of how to explain recommendation for funding requests to others both inside and outside the organization
– Excellent and demonstrated ability to research, interpret data, grant terms and conditions, grant rules, laws, and regulations
– Able to process a variety of information, evaluate costs and benefits, and solve complex problems
– Ability to provide effective leadership, mentoring and training skills as it relates to the position with effective communication skills that allow for the provision of clear, defensible analyses and recommendations in discussions and meetings
– Skill to research that allows for the creation of accurate, efficient, coordinated budgets based on careful analysis of each budget item
– Robust math and writing skills to assess and present technical information that is understandable to the intended audience
– Working understanding of General Acceptable Accounting Principles (GAAP) and 2 CFR Part 200 – Uniform administrative requirements, cost principles, and audit requirements for federal awards
– Able to utilize a variety of office automation software (e.g. word processing, presentation, spreadsheet, graphics, databases) to support financial management initiatives
– Ability to work with program directors and coordinators to develop organization budgets
– Proven aptitude to of complex understanding of financial systems and their impact on organizational and fund management with the ability to produce system results based on organizational needs
– Excellent ability to exercise self-motivation and facilitate collaborative working partnerships
– Demonstrated ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines
– Ability to acquire and apply a knowledge of the principles, policies and operating details of the accounting system and knowledge of accounting procedures and general accounting office operation
– Skilled user of financial management system software, spreadsheets, and databases
– Able to enter (post) financial transactions into the appropriate computer software
– Ability to compute large and complex amounts of information with a high degree of accuracy
– Ability to work collectively within a diverse environment and maintain priorities and deliverables in a timely manner
REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
An Associates’ Degree in Accounting, Finance, or other applicable degree and four years of experience in fund accounting. A comparable combination of education and experience may be considered.
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (e.g. Excel, Word)
PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Bachelor or Master’s Degree in Accounting or Finance
Proven experience and knowledge of GAAP and 2 CFR Part 200.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Current Health Physical and TB Clearance-If incumbent paid primarily (≥50%) out of Head Start department funds
Current AZ DPS Fingerprint Clearance Card/ Criminal History Affidavit/Central Registry Background Check
Comfortable working in a fast-paced, high-energy environment
(Ability to secure and maintain a driver’s license valid in the state of Arizona, or an acceptable alternative means of transportation. May be required to drive an agency vehicle. Employees authorized to operate a private vehicle for WACOG business are required to carry liability insurance minimums. For purposes of vehicle insurance, minimum 21 years of age.)
EOE/ADA
