WAPDD Senior Financial Accountant

Western Arkansas Planning & Development District (WAPDD) is actively searching for a Senior Financial Accountant to join our organization.
Founded in 1966, WAPDD provides a variety of resources, services, and information to our region. Serving six counties (Crawford, Franklin, Logan, Polk, Scott, and Sebastian), we assist area leaders and residents in areas such as community, economic, and workforce development as well as transportation planning, 911 services, geographic information systems, floodplain management, and much more.
WAPDD is looking for a motivated and detail-oriented individual to join our Finance Department as a Senior Financial Accountant. This key position will play a pivotal role in ensuring the accuracy and integrity of our financial operations.
POSITION OVERVIEW
The Senior Financial Accountant shall be responsible for assisting the District’s Financial Officer with conducting financial and accounting operations, practices, policies and procedures of the District to meet and exceed the Executive Director’s objectives. Responsible for financial activities involving funds used for workforce programs and developing and executing workforce financial policies and procedures.  Principle duties include financial reporting, planning, and accounting work for program related funds. 
 
This position reports to the Financial Officer and Executive Director at WAPDD.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Assists Financial Officer with:

• Cash management, cash flow, and banking.
• Receipts and disbursements, accounts receivable, accounts payable, invoicing and  
• request for payments.
• Maintaining computerized accounting system, approve payments and purchases.
• Capital asset and inventory management and depreciation.
• Internal and external financial reporting.
• Facility maintenance.
• Direct cost allocation, federal, state, and local financial regulatory compliance, financial record retention and storage.
• Overall daily management of operations and other requests of the Executive Director.
• Maintain participant related contractual and budgetary financial records and assist the Director of Workforce Development with preparing contracts.
• Maintain and monitor financial reports, oversee payment of bills, money order requests and disbursements and approve monthly financial reports for program services.
• Agreement and contract closeout as required by local, state, and federal grantors.
• Utilize District accounting software for reporting actual program spending for each award, downloading information into Excel, and analyzing and comparing existing budgets.
• Prepare and provide contractual, budget, and other financial reports to the board, committees, and District Financial Officer.
• Maintain all financial documents and records and assist Director of Workforce Development in ensuring regulatory compliance with applicable law, regulations, state and federal policy and OMB circulars.
• Analyze and make recommendations to Director of Workforce Development to ensure budget accounting requirements are met.
• Prepare responses to requests for information from state, federal and local entities related to financial matters.
• Act as primary contact for state, federal and local WIOA financial monitoring during oversight agency financial reviews and audits.
• Research materials and make complex decisions to assist Director of Workforce Development and Board pertaining to external and internal financial matters.
• Maintain inventory of all equipment purchased with WIOA funds.
• Monitor expenditures of contractors and subrecipients to ensure spending complies with agreements.
• Prepare necessary reports to the state and ensure contractor and subrecipient compliance within proper guidelines.
• Train staff involved in program-side fund usage, paying of expenses, and preparing invoices.
• Coordinate with My HR Professionals for distribution of participant payments, taxes, and supportive services.
• Verify institutional billings and comparisons to participant ITA’s for validation prior to payments.

 
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS – Preferred

• Strong understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)
• Expertise in preparing and analyzing financial statements, budgets, forecasts, and other financial reports for management and stakeholders.
• Proficient in reconciling complex financial data, ensuring accuracy, and providing support during audits.
• Experience with financial software such as Great Plains, with the ability to adapt to new tools.
• Knowledge of tax regulations and experience in tax reporting, filings, and ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal tax laws.
• Understanding of internal controls, risk management, and compliance with relevant financial regulations.
• Skilled in financial forecasting, budgeting, and variance analysis to support decision-making.
• Ability to manage and optimize cash flow, working capital, and liquidity for the organization.
• Experience in creating financial models and conducting scenario analysis to guide business strategy.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments and mentor junior accounting staff.
• Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines and maintaining attention to detail.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for presenting financial data to both financial and non-financial stakeholders.
• Exceptional ability to identify issues, analyze financial data, and propose actionable solutions.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are in addition to the essential functions and required skills:
· Valid Driver’s License.
· Properly licensed and insured automobile, available for use during work hours.
· The employee is required to be present in the workplace on a regular and reliable basis.
· Normal work hours are M-F 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.
· Some out of state travel for conferences and meetings may occur.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Work is performed at the WAPDD office.
This is an exempt, salaried position. Salary range is $55,000 to $60,000 with a comprehensive benefits package including paid time off, insurance coverage, retirement benefits and professional development opportunities. Starting salary will be negotiated based on knowledge and experience.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
To apply, please submit your cover letter and resume with the required elements to careers@wapdd.org. Position open until filled.
EOE
Senior Financial Accountant Application Checklist
The following items must be addressed in your cover letter and resume to be considered for the position of Senior Financial Accountant:
· Name (first, middle initial, last), phone number, and email address
· Experience applicable to any essential functions of this position as listed above
· Ability to perform the requirements of this position
· Most recent four years of work history
· A list of all financial related education and experience, i.e. degrees, certificates, and/or professional licensures
· A list of three references with contact information and relationship