Manager - Retirement Finance And Accounting (financial Specialist Iv)

Job Announcement

Leads the Finance and Accounting team in processing financial and investment transactions, reconciling custodial bank and county FOCUS records, producing annual financial and other reports, analysis of financial activity, coordinating the annual audit, and other financial activities for the county's three defined-benefit retirement systems. The manager is also responsible for monitoring financial data and making recommendations for improvement in the agency's financial operations. Works u nder direct supervision of the deputy director.

The Fairfax County Retirement Systems office is an agency of the Fairfax County government responsible for managing the County's three defined benefit retirement systems: the Employees’, Police Officers, and Uniformed Retirement Systems.

The Manager-Finance and Accounting will:

• Establish accounting team priorities, educate agency staff on purchasing and accounting practices, and supervise Accountant and limited term staff
• Lead the preparation of annual financial reports (ACFRs), including coordinating with other agency staff, county financial staff, the Systems' actuary, and external auditors
• In coordination with the Investment Operations Team, maintain and monitor accounting activities involving the systems' investment managers, and ensure proper accounting for manager fees, balances, and transactions.
• Project cash balances, and coordinate with the Chief Investment Officers on cash management transfers to and from the systems' investment portfolios
• Serve as the agency's primary contract with the county Purchasing and Finance departments and manage the use of purchasing cards by agency staff
• Ensure that employer and employee contributions are reconciled each pay period and lead the reconciliation of accounts between the county and the custodial bank
• Participate in the agency's strategic planning processes and recommend improvements in techniques and processes to enhance internal controls and efficiency.
• Lead the development of the agency's annual budget, including budgets for the three retirement systems

The ideal candidate will have the following demonstrated and proven skills and experience:

• Working knowledge of general accounting principles
• Demonstrated knowledge of governmental accounting standards and practices
• Proficiency with standard Microsoft Office software applications; Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint
• Experience using large financial and procurement systems
• Knowledge of and experience with managing projects
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with other individuals and teams
• Ability to lead a small team of accounting professionals

Illustrative Duties

(The illustrative duties listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list. A complete list of position duties and unique physical requirements can be found in the position job description.)

• Prepares or oversees the preparation of large, complex agency budget;
  
• Directs all budgeting, purchasing, and payment activities for the agency;
  
• Oversees development and implementation of fiscal management and accounting procedures for the agency;
  
• Coordinates and oversees audit processes;
  
• Prepares grant proposals and reports;
  
• Ensures compliance with all applicable Federal, State and County regulations and procedures.

Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities

(The knowledge, skills and abilities listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an-all inclusive list.)

• Extensive knowledge of the principles, methods, and practices of governmental budgeting and financial management;
  
• Thorough knowledge of intergovernmental financial management, grant management and contract management;
  
• Ability to plan and implement activities in order to ensure effective and efficient utilization of resources.

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; plus five years of professional-level experience in finance, business administration, budgeting, or contract management, to include 2 years of supervisory experience. A Master's degree in a related field or CPA may substitute for 1 year of experience.

CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES REQUIRED: None.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
The appointee to this position will be required to complete a criminal background check and credit check to the satisfaction of the employer. As a condition of employment, the credit check will be completed periodically, as determined by the department head. Applicants and employees within these positions must demonstrate financial responsibility in personal finances as a condition of employment.

All newly hired employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (two weeks after the last required dose) as a condition of employment or obtain approval of a medical or religious exemption prior to their start date. Proof of an exemption or vaccination status will be required during the pre-employment onboarding process. New employees who obtain an exemption from the vaccine mandate for medical or sincerely held religious beliefs may be subject to a weekly testing requirement. Vaccinated employees and employees with a medical or religious exemption will complete the attestation online on their first day of employment or shortly thereafter.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master's degree in related field
• At least 5 years of experience providing technology support
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
• Experience in governmental accounting
• Experience using large financial and procurement systems
• Project management experience
• Experience producing and preparing financial reports
• Supervisory experience

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Normal office duty requirements and the ability to lift up to 20 pounds. All duties performed with or without reasonable accommodations.

SELECTION PROCEDURE:
Panel Interview and may include a practical exercise.

The population of Fairfax County is very diverse where 39.8% of residents speak a language other than English at home (Spanish, Asian/Pacific Islander, Indo-European, and others) and we encourage candidates bilingual in English and a foreign language to apply to this opportunity.

Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or military status in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.

Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Contact 703-324-4900 for assistance. TTY 703-222-7314. EEO/AA/TTY.