Job Details

West Virginia Department of Agriculture

Position Description

Job Title: Accountant / Auditor

Division: Administrative Services

Headquarters: Guthrie Agricultural Center, Charleston, WV

Reports To: Comptroller / Assistant Administrative Services Director

Supervisory

Responsibility: None

FLSA Status: Exempt

Nature of Work:

Under general supervision, performs professional accounting work at the fully proficient level, providing a wide variety of complex financial compliance, reporting and development services.

Examples of Work:

• Perform specialized work related to financial issues such as legal/technical research, analyses, and preparation of recommendations for compliance evaluations, policy development, and process improvements.
• Prepare or review various internal and external accounting, grants management, and other reports according to established policies and procedures as they relate to financial positions and operational results; maintain related financial records.
• Develop audit and/or comprehensive review programs, prepare responses to review findings, recommend conclusions and solutions; assist in explaining findings and recommendations to internal and/or external agency officials.
• Review various federal grant documents throughout a grant's life cycle and related management / accounting / procedural documentation to determine the interrelationship with state policies and procedural requirements, develop recommendations for appropriate treatment.
• Review and/or prepare budget documents or provide information necessary for others to complete such tasks.
• Analyze moderately complex administrative and technical problems and formulate suggested improvements or solutions.
• Evaluate efficiency and effectiveness of various programs/functions through analysis of financial records.
• Review financial records for completeness and accuracy to determine compliance with state and federal laws as well as with accounting and auditing standards.
• Consult with associated entities on accounting procedures and problem resolution.
• Maintain knowledge of current trends and developments in the field.
• May plan and/or lead projects related to financial compliance and reporting issues in areas of assignment.
• May oversee or review work completed by other office personnel.
• May train other personnel to prepare financial information or documents.
• Other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions:

Office environment, sitting, stooping, bending, walking, stretching/reaching, keyboarding, manual dexterity, visual activity, ability to lift over 20 pounds. Some travel required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of generally accepted accounting and auditing principles and practices.
• Knowledge of the principles, practices, methods, and techniques of governmental accounting and auditing.
• Knowledge of the principles, practices, and rules for federal grants management.
• Skill in the use of database principles and/or computerized accounting applications.
• Skill in the use of a personal computer especially in the areas of spreadsheet, database, and word processing applications.
• Ability to prepare accurate accounting entries and adjustments and perform mathematical computations accurately and quickly.
• Ability to develop and prepare financial schedules and working papers.
• Ability to analyze and interpret accounting records.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to use sound technical judgement in determining the accuracy and completeness of financial information obtained.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education:

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in accounting, business or public administration, economics, finance, business management, or related field.

Experience:

Two years of full-time paid employment in accounting/auditing or grants management preferred.

Substitutions:

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a master's degree in accounting, business or public administration, economics, finance, business management, or related field may be substituted on a year for year basis for employment experience

Licenses/ Certifications:

Additional Requirements:

• Valid driver's license is required.
• Satisfactory completion of pre-employment drug testing.
• Satisfactory completion of pre-employment law enforcement background investigation, including DMV records.
• Must maintain a positive image of the Commissioner, West Virginia Department of Agriculture.

This description is subject to review and revision at the discretion of the Commissioner and designees.
West Virginia Department of Agriculture is an equal opportunity employer.