Senior Principal Accountant

Plan, prioritize, assign, supervise, review and participate in the work of staff; maintain and analyze the accounting records for grants awarded; monitor grants expenditures for compliance with Federal and State guidelines; provide financial and technical assistance to the Financial Manager,  Deputy Director, Director and Division Managers including Grant Management in the recording, reporting, and budgeting of grant transactions; oversee and participate in the preparation of grants setup, reconciliation, billing, and draw down requests; perform the more advanced and complex tasks of the work unit in support of assigned area of responsibility. 

Job descriptions are intended to present a general list of tasks/duties performed by employees within this job classification. Job Descriptions are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:  Essential functions may include but are not limited to the functions listed below. Must be able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation.

1. Assume full management responsibility for all Family and Community Services Grant activities, including forecasting, budgeting, monitoring expenses, accounts payable, purchasing, cash flow, fixed assets, balance of accounts, draw downs and grant reconciliation; recommend and administer policies and procedures in accordance with uniform guidance.
2. Oversee, review, analyze, and maintain the official grant records for the Department of Family and Community Services in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, City ordinances, and State and Federal laws.
3. Plan, prioritize, assign, supervise, review and participate in the work of staff responsible for performing various accounting and fiscal functions; assign work activities, projects and programs; review and evaluate work products, methods and procedures; meet with staff to identify and resolve problems.
4. Participate in the selection and evaluation of fiscal staff; provide or coordinate staff training; work with employees to correct deficiencies; implement discipline and termination procedures.
5. Administer the more complex financial functions relative to the Department of Family and Community Services which includes, but is not limited to, reviewing grant and general fund expenditures, revenues, capital expenditures and debt service requirements.
6. Provide professional financial support to the Department of Family and Community Services; respond and provide financial data to Accounting Division, Budget Office, City Administration and City Council.
7. Participate in the development of policies and procedures in the Fiscal Division; monitor work activities to ensure compliance with established policies and procedures; make recommendations for changes and improvements to existing standards and procedures.
8. Assist in the planning and implementation of new software systems and procedures including enhancements to existing financial systems.
9. Review and interpret new pronouncements of Government Accounting Standards Board (GASB) and Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) to determine the impact on the Family and Community Services Department's financial operations to include all grants; revise existing policies or establish new policies as necessary.
10. Review and evaluate the financial and organizational impact of proposed legislation including Federal and State statues and City ordinances.
11. Serve as a contact for the external auditors during the City's Annual Audit and Single Audit; provide auditors with special reports and schedules as required; respond to auditor inquiries.
12. Oversee a variety of financial activities including the preparation of reports, reconciliation of Grant and General Fund (s) expense accounts and ledgers.
13. Analyze and interpret financial reports of department expenditures; determine trends and prepare projections; advise higher level staff on using financial data for decision making.
14. Perform accounting functions including preparation or review of journal entries and journal vouchers, accruals, expense transactions, and reconciliations.
15. Monitor and audit professional technical contracts, social service contracts, and sub recipients; direct and coordinate staff responsible for initiating renewals including terms with vendors, purchase orders, and payment procedures.
16. Oversee and participate in the development and administration of the Department of Family and Community Services  Budget including General Fund and Grants; approve expenditures and implement budgetary adjustments as appropriate and necessary.
17. Represent the Department of Family and Community Services  Fiscal Division to other divisions, departments, elected officials, and outside agencies; coordinate assigned activities with those of other divisions, departments, and outside agencies and organizations.
18. Provide financial assistance to supervisory or management staff; prepare and present financial reports and other necessary correspondence.
19. Oversee and/or participate in the reconciliation of Federal and State grant funding.

SUPPLEMENTAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of new developments in the Department of Family and Community Services, accounting, grant, and fiscal management.
2. Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

Education and experience directly related to the minimum requirements below may be interchangeable on a year for year basis. Exception: The fifteen (15) required credit hours in accounting are not interchangeable.

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in accounting, finance, or business administration to include fifteen (15) credit hours in accounting with a passing grade of a 'C' or better; and

Six (6) years of accounting experience in analyzing and reconciling chart field accounts, which must include at least four (4) years in governmental accounting, grant management or budget analysis; and

To include three (3) years of supervisory experience.

Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM) preferred. 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Possession of a valid New Mexico Driver's License, or the ability to obtain by date of hire.

Possession of a City Operator's Permit (COP) within six (6) months from date of hire.

Environmental:
Office environment; exposure to computer screens.

Physical:
Essential and supplemental functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary for sitting for prolonged periods of time.