Accountant/Auditor Senior

County of Lancaster•Lancaster, PA

About The Position

This is highly responsible, complex professional financial work in the Administrative Office of Lancaster County Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (BH/DS). The position analyzes and communicates financial matters for an agency with an approximate annual budget of $30 million and serves as a link between the clinical and business sides of the agency. The work requires knowledge of agency operations, its chart of accounts, government accounting, cost allocation, confidentiality, customer service, communication, applicable Pennsylvania fiscal regulations and program bulletins, and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. The employee works independently on routine tasks, takes initiative, and shares information and recommendations with the Fiscal Director. Work is assigned orally and in writing, with regularly scheduled supervisory review by the County Fiscal Officer 2. The role provides financial support to program staff and includes budgeting, financial analysis, funds management, contract and invoice review, financial reporting, account reconciliation, provider audit review and monitoring, and support for fiscal operations. Staff development, training, and growth are encouraged and supported.

Requirements

Meet one of the following qualification pathways: two years as a Fiscal Technician and six college credits in accounting; one year of accounting and/or budgetary experience and a business-related bachelor's degree including six accounting credits; three years of accounting and/or budgetary experience and a business-related associate's degree including six accounting credits; five years of bookkeeping experience and six accounting credits; or an equivalent combination of experience and training including or supplemented by six college credits in accounting.
Knowledge of public fiscal administration, accounting principles and procedures, auditing, and cost accounting.
Ability to apply fiscal methods to financial transactions and relate program operations and goals to budgeting.
Ability to develop budget projections and revisions, analyze trends, and provide fiscal and budgetary forecasts.
Ability to organize, monitor, and analyze financial data using accounting systems and records, and to prepare fiscal summary reports.
Ability to apply information technology to financial operations and develop and implement modifications to accounting systems, records, and controls.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing; prepare and interpret financial reports and statements; and present clear findings and recommendations.
Ability to understand program goals, objectives, and operations and relate them to budget analysis.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with department officials and staff.
Pass a pre-employment drug screening test.
Obtain acceptable FBI, Pennsylvania State Police criminal history, and ChildLine clearances before employment begins; clearances must be no more than one year old at the time of employment.
Have a valid driver's license and an acceptable driving history under County policy.
Be able to work in a busy, open environment and routinely provide transportation to and from meetings and other work-related appointments, with access to those locations subject to reasonable accommodations.

Responsibilities

Prepare draft budgets and update them based on state allocations and program plans.
Review contract invoices and requisitions for budget compliance, correct account coding, and completeness before payment.
Prepare monthly financial summaries, data analyses, and trial balances; review financial data and reconciliations; and make recommendations to the County Fiscal Officer 2.
Monitor, manage, and report categorical funds; monitor the chart of accounts, provider reporting compliance, contract caps, and allocation levels; and make required journal entries.
Participate in contract and rate negotiations and make recommendations based on budgets, rate-setting guidelines, and fiscal management principles.
Monitor contract caps and provider compliance with contract terms; assist with contract preparation in the CARES agency database; and document and file budgets, financial reports, and contracting work statements.
Reconcile cash accounts between PeopleSoft and subsidiary ledgers; prepare or review provider advance and funds-available reconciliations; and prepare bank reconciliations.
Establish and monitor contract and funds-management parameters in the agency database, as determined by fiscal and program staff, and provide technical advice on categorical guidelines.
Attend HealthChoices financial meetings and prepare required financial reports and time studies; attend Fiscal Unit and program meetings; and work with the County Fiscal Officer 2 to review and finalize reports before submission.
Respond promptly and professionally to program staff requests for information.
Participate in testing the CARES database to explore system implementation, improvement, troubleshooting, and report customization; assist with fiscal operations policy and procedure manuals.
Prepare quarterly and annual state financial reports, including Medical Assistance Administrative Cost Claims, HealthChoices reports and time studies, EI Income & Expenditure Reports, and Human Services Block Grant reports; monitor program changes and data collection to support accurate, timely submissions.
Review and analyze provider audits and financial reports, conduct sub-recipient compliance monitoring, and communicate results to providers.
Review payroll documentation to ensure timesheets match PeopleSoft HRMS leave requests and that appropriate backup documentation is retained; follow up on discrepancies.
Assist with the annual Full-Time Equivalent Study used for cost allocation among agency components.
Assist the County Fiscal Officer 2 with preliminary work papers for the County Single Audit and other documentation requested by auditors.
Conduct on-site reviews of provider financial information when requested.
Assist the Fiscal Officer 2 with preparing and entering the annual County Budget.
Review and track provider certificates of insurance and respond to audit confirmation letter requests.
Enter fiscal data in HCSIS/Pelican state data-tracking software.
Learn basic functions of other fiscal positions and provide coverage during staff absences.
Perform other duties within the scope of the position's classification as needed and assigned.