Contract Accounting Specialist

$63,190 - $77,667/Yr

City Of Bellingham - Bellingham, WA

Part-time - Entry Level

Bellingham, WA

Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support

About the position

The Contract Accounting Specialist position at the City of Bellingham's Community Development Division is focused on coordinating contracting and accounting needs to support various impactful projects, including affordable housing development and homelessness prevention. The role involves performing complex accounting functions, ensuring the accuracy of budgets and grant reimbursements, and preparing financial reports for management and granting agencies. This position is integral to promoting community well-being and requires a detail-oriented individual passionate about making a difference.

Responsibilities

• Perform statistical calculations, cash flow and ending reserve projections, and financial summaries to support management decisions.
• Create and update financial reports for grant requirements and management decision-making.
• Coordinate the departmental budget process by working with managers and analyzing income and expenditures.
• Maintain and monitor all grants and funds, including CDBG and HOME, and reconcile to the general ledger.
• Process accounts payable and prepare purchase requisitions for the department.
• Perform required HUD grant recordkeeping and balance job cost/general ledger to IDIS records.
• Process grant reimbursement requests and provide technical assistance to grantees.
• Review quarterly beneficiary reports and conduct site visits for compliance verification.
• Maintain loan balance and repayment records for major housing loans and compute payments.
• Initiate monthly payroll entry for appropriate labor distribution.

Requirements

• AA degree or two years of college or vocational coursework in accounting or related field required.
• Three years of progressively responsible bookkeeping and/or accounting support experience utilizing computerized accounting systems and spreadsheets required.
• One year experience with record-keeping and compliance monitoring for grant-funded contracts preferred.
• Accounting support experience in a municipal or public sector environment preferred.
• Advanced utilization of computer software applications, including spreadsheets, databases, and word processors preferred.
• Experience utilizing Budget Accounting and Reporting System (BARS) strongly preferred.
• Typing at 45 wpm NET and ten-key proficiency.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with record-keeping and compliance monitoring for grant-funded contracts.
• Accounting support experience in a municipal or public sector environment.
• Advanced utilization of computer software applications, including spreadsheets, databases, and word processors.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life insurance and long-term disability
• Flexible spending accounts
• Medical insurance opt-out program
• Access to employee assistance program
• Enrollment in Washington State Department of Retirement Systems pension plan
• 457 deferred compensation retirement savings plan
• 12 paid holidays and one paid floating holiday
• Accrual of sick leave and vacation based on years of service