Senior Accountant/Chief Deputy Tax Collector

The Position

The Senior Accountant/Chief Deputy Tax Collector works under the direct supervision of the Finance Director/Custodial Officer/Treasurer/Tax Collector and performs professional accounting and financial analysis for the County’s Governmental and Proprietary funds.

The position requires knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles, methods, and practices, with a strong background in governmental fund accounting preferred. The Senior Accountant exercises independent and highly technical judgment in financial management and is responsible for preparing reports, statements, and analyses; overseeing accounts receivable, payroll, fixed assets, monthly journal entries and reconciliations; and supporting other operational fiscal activities of the Finance/Tax Department as needed.

Opportunities & Challenges

A Strong Internal Team: The Finance Director has nearly nine years with the County and has held every role within the department. A current team member brings three years of County experience across two Finance roles and has temporarily absorbed specific Senior-level responsibilities during previous vacancies. The next Senior Accountant/Chief Deputy Tax Collector will be joining a team that knows this work from every angle.

Modernization: Modernization is a priority for the department, and every member of the Finance team has a voice in shaping it. This role will contribute to ongoing improvements, including new grant management software implementation and other updates that support long-term efficiency.

Room to Streamline: There is room to rethink reconciliation and reporting processes while maintaining strong internal controls. The role also offers a chance to draft and weigh in on County finance policy updates.

Budget and Strategy: The position takes part in annual budget preparation and the strategy behind it, offering a view into both department-level needs and the Countywide financial picture.

Cross-Department Collaboration: Finance connects with every County department through budget, grants, and payroll. This role collaborates across those lines regularly and gains exposure to a broad range of County operations.

Succession Planning and Mentoring: The department is committed to succession planning and sharing knowledge across roles. In a collaborative environment, this position offers opportunities to mentor colleagues in the department's supporting Finance roles.

Professional Development: The County is committed to professional development and supports conference attendance along with training through GFOA and OGFOA.

Access to Leadership and New Ideas: Time with the Director comes easily through weekly team meetings, an open-door policy, and everyday collaboration. The Director actively welcomes new ideas and encourages modern strategies, believing the most limiting words in any department are "we have always done it this way," which will allow this role to consistently present new ideas.

Ideal Candidate Profile

Education and Experience: A bachelor’s degree in business with an emphasis in accounting from an accredited four-year college or university and three (3) years’ experience in a progressively responsible financial and managerial accounting capacity; or equivalent experience in a related field. Candidates may alternatively possess an associate’s degree as listed above and have five (5) years of experience; or eight (8) years of an equivalent combination of related education, training and experience to perform the aspects of the job.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Specialized professional knowledge of the principles and practices of financial accounting, including cost-benefit analysis and the financial management of projects and programs.
• Working knowledge of general payroll laws, regulations, procedures, practices, and applicable fair employment practices and employment laws.
• Basic knowledge of common employee benefit plan provisions, including group insurance, paid time off, retirement programs, and capital accumulation plans.
• Demonstrated skill in accessing relational databases, retrieving information, and verifying the accuracy of numerical and demographic data.
• Experience entering, updating, and maintaining information in established data entry systems with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Proficiency in a variety of PC-based software applications, including spreadsheets, financial systems, database applications, and other business-related programs.
• Strong numerical and analytical skills for reviewing financial information, identifying discrepancies, reconciling data, and supporting accurate financial and payroll processing.
• The ability to communicate effectively and professionally with the public, employees, administrators, and other stakeholders in an open, courteous, and friendly manner.
• The ability to perform account and variance analyses, identify discrepancies, and explain differences in financial information.
• The ability to prepare account adjustments, financial statements, and customized reports using PC-based financial software, spreadsheets, and related systems.
• The ability to manage competing priorities and frequent interruptions from the public, employees, and internal departments while remaining focused on time-sensitive responsibilities.
• The ability to perform detailed work involving numerical, financial, demographic, and legal information with accuracy and consistency.
• The ability to interpret and follow written and verbal instructions, established policies, procedures, regulations, and other technical guidance.
• The ability to adapt to changing priorities while continuing to meet established timelines and maintain the quality of completed work.
• The ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively, using initiative to complete assigned responsibilities while coordinating with others as needed.
• The ability to maintain professionalism, discretion, and confidentiality when handling sensitive financial, payroll, personnel, and employee-related information.

Compensation & Benefits

• $76,323 - $96,275 DOQ
• Regence Blue Cross/Blue Shield medical, vision, and dental coverage with a $200 individual/$600 family deductible; employee premium is $149.08 per month for single, married, or family coverage.
• VEBA HRA with a $1,000 annual employer contribution.
• Vacation starting at 14 days per year and increasing with longevity up to 26 days per year, with the option to front-load six months of vacation leave upon hire.
• Sick leave accrued at 8 hours per month, with the option to front-load six months of sick leave upon hire.
• 11 paid holidays, plus Christmas Eve when December 24 falls on Monday through Thursday.
• Oregon PERS Retirement (employer/employee participation varies).
• 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plans.
• Flexible Spending Accounts for healthcare and dependent care.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Supplemental insurance plans, including life, short-term disability, accident, cancer, critical illness, dental, hospital, and vision.
• Discounted air ambulance membership.
• Up to $40,000 in employer-paid life insurance, subject to plan eligibility and annual continuation provisions.