Manager, Accounting Operations

This position manages the overall general accounting functions for the Port of Tacoma. This includes delivering financial reporting for internal management purposes and externally to the Commission, independent auditors and public agencies.  This position directly manages the accounts payable, accounts receivable, billing and payroll functions, and is critical to the development, implementation and monitoring of internal controls and process controls in the general accounting areas and is engaged in the internal and external audit activities.  This role ensures that the organization adheres to generally accepted accounting principles and provides useful management reporting tools. 
 

• Manages the overall operations accounting activities for the Port including the vendor payments, customer billings, customer payments and employee payroll.
•  Leads the operations accounting team.  Ensures that organization is properly staffed, aligned and has clear understanding of work expectations. 
• Engages in preparation of annual audit work papers, and assists independent auditors and State examiners in conducting their audits.
•  Evaluates current accounting practices, policies and procedures, systems and reports to ensure effective and efficient accounting and reporting practices.  
• Implements accounting policies and procedures.
•  Performs duties of credit manager, including formulating and documenting credit application and collection procedures.  
• Work with outside consultants, other Port finance officers, legal counsel, financial advisors and auditors on Port financial matters.
•  Oversee compliance with GAAP, GASB and all taxing authorities, regulatory and statutory agencies and the Port' policies (RCWs, WA BARS).

The minimum education requirement is a bachelor's degree in accounting or business administration with an emphasis in accounting.  A master's degree is preferred.
 
Previous job experience required is a minimum of seven (7) years of private industry general accounting in accounts payable, accounts receivable, billing and payroll; or five (5) years of experience in public accounting. 
 
Experience directly supervising and managing staff highly preferred.  
 

Must have excellent analytical skills and knowledge of accounting controls and processes to determine its adequacy.  Must be able to recommend and implement new accounting processes and systems as required. The ideal candidate will be experienced in the determination of proper accounting processes to ensure consistent application of generally accepted accounting principles. Ability to monitor compliance with port policies, statutory requirements and state laws, disburse Port monies within federal and state legal restrictions as well as Port Commission constraints is required. The position must also be able to perform designated duties in the absence of Director of Accounting. Successful candidate must be a highly organized, decisive and innovative manager with strong communication and interpersonal skills, as well as a collaborative manager with problem resolution skills, excellent judgment and unquestioned integrity.