Budget and Finance Specialist

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Arlington County requires all applicants to thoroughly complete each section of the application, including prior job responsibilities, duties, and supplemental questions. While you may attach a resume, it will not replace a completed application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

The Department of Human Services (DHS) is hiring a Budget and Finance Specialist for its Financial Management Bureau (FMB) Financial Operations Team, which provides budget, client billing, grant reporting, and other financial support to DHS programs and staff. The Specialist will support financial reporting for federal, state, and locally funded programs, coordinate interfaces between ancillary systems and the County's Oracle-based enterprise resource planning (ERP) financial system, manage budget, accounts receivable, and accounts payable transactions, prepare financial statements, and assist with financial audits.

Major Job Duties:

• Reconciling accounting records and financial transactions to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with federal, state, County, and DHS financial requirements;
• Preparing and reviewing journal entries and financial transactions, including researching and resolving revenue and expenditure issues;
• Analyzing financial data and general ledger accounts to identify discrepancies and maintain the accuracy and integrity of financial information;
• Monitoring the application of federal, state, and County funds to DHS programs to maximize reimbursement, ensure appropriate use of funding, and support accurate financial reporting;
• Managing grants and funding agreements by monitoring compliance with grant terms and conditions and serving as a liaison with federal, state, and local funding agencies;
• Analyzing and monitoring financial system interfaces and data exchanges to ensure the accuracy and completeness of information used for federal, state, and local reporting;
• Developing and implementing financial policies, procedures, and training, and providing guidance to DHS staff on accounting and financial reporting requirements; and
• Researching and resolving financial and operational issues involving interdepartmental processes and responding to inquiries and complaints from internal and external stakeholders.

The ideal candidate will be an effective communicator with strong analytical and problem-solving skills and the ability to interpret and apply complex federal, state, and local funding regulations applicable to DHS programs. They will demonstrate sound judgment and attention to detail and will be able to work independently while managing multiple priorities and meeting deadlines. The ideal candidate will also be proactive and resourceful, collaborate effectively with staff and stakeholders, and bring a solutions-oriented approach to complex financial and operational issues.

Arlington County is committed to delivering client services in an effective, equitable, respectful, and trauma-informed manner. Our staff is dedicated to ensuring our clients are approached, engaged, and cared for in ways that demonstrate competency, sensitivity and awareness of factors which impact the client experience including but not limited to cultural identity, gender, racial, and ethnic diversity, religious/spiritual ascription, physical capability, cognitive and literacy levels, sexual orientation, and linguistic needs.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field; and
• Some experience in budgeting, accounting, procurement, and/or auditing.

Substitution: Additional education may be substituted for experience. Additional experience may be substituted for education.

Desirable Qualifications: Preference may be given to candidates with one or more of the following:

• Experience working in a matrix management environment with individuals at multiple levels of a diverse human services organization;
• Extensive knowledge of grants management;
• Accounting experience in a large, complex human services agency; and
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, ideally demonstrated by a Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Excel certification.

Special Requirements

Background Check: A pre-employment criminal records check will be conducted. It will include checks of the following: criminal record, driving record, education, professional licensure, and credit history. You will be required to sign a release authorizing the County to obtain your background information.

Resume Requirement: A complete application includes a resume. Please attach your resume to the application and verify that the details of your application provide further evidence of your experience and qualifications as displayed on your resume.

Financial Disclosure: For positions requiring it, completion of the Commonwealth of Virginia Statement of Economic Interest form will be required of the successful candidate upon acceptance of employment and annually thereafter.

Please complete each section of the application including the supplemental questions. Your responses to the supplemental questions are required because they provide us with specific information necessary to evaluate your qualifications for this position. These responses are considered part of the selection process. A resume may be attached; however, it will not substitute for a completed application. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please do not write "see resume" as a response to the questions. In accordance with § 19.2-392.15, applicants are not required to provide information regarding sealed arrests, charges, or convictions in response to any questions or inquiries during the hiring process.

Additional Information

Work Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. The position may be eligible for a flexible work schedule and up to four days of telework per week after successfully completing the first two months of employment. Telework and flexible scheduling are subject to business needs and may be modified or discontinued at any time.

This position is eligible for County government employee benefits that include health, dental, vacation and sick leave, commuter transportation subsidies, tuition reimbursement, as well as a generous retirement plan.

For more information on Arlington County’s generous benefits and retirement plan, click here.

Arlington County is committed to advancing diversity, equity, access, and inclusion across all our services, activities, and programs. Learn more about our commitment.