Accountant Senior

Performs advanced accounting, reconciling, budgetary and auditing functions of an accounting system for the supported division of Santa Fe County.

• Reviews accounting reports, contracts, agreements, and other financial documents for compliance with federal, state and local regulations; develops or revises reporting forms to conform to laws and regulations; explains laws, regulations and procedures to employees, the public and other governmental agencies.
• Prepares fiscal reports for use in decision making; reconciles the County’s fiscal records against corresponding computer reports; performs monthly, quarterly, and annual closings and balancing; and assists in computing amounts to be encumbered at a fiscal year end which must be extended to the following fiscal year.
• Monitors costs of grants and projects through implementation and control of the project cost accounting system; assists departments in establishing and preparing grant, departmental, and project budgets by forecasting costs and revenue reimbursements; and analyzes and calculates the cost of administrative overhead and establishes overhead allocation rates in accordance with applicable accounting standards. 
• Performs audits of financial records, systems and/or operations to verify compliance with internal policies and procedures, state and federal laws regulations, and reporting requirements.  
• Completes cost allocation to projects through reconciliation of expenses related to grants and projects. 
• Prepares monthly status reports of all grants and projects with discussion and analysis for management; audits, plans, schedules, and reviews accounts receivable charges and payments; edit lists for accuracy; resolves problems arising from interpretation of payment codes through receipting procedures.
• Evaluates work processes and procedures and recommends and/or implements changes.
• Advises and assists division or department staff with problems to ensure compliance with accounting procedures; assists in the preparation and revision of a County accounting manual; and participates in the development of accounting policies and procedures.
• Assists in coordinating data processing activities as they relate to the accounting system.
• Conducts internal audits of programs/functions in other departments as needed to improve the overall County accounting function.
• Oversees the purchase of goods and services for the division or department.
• Trains subordinate fiscal personnel. 

Knowledge/Skills:

• Knowledge of advanced accounting and auditing theory, principles, practices and their application to accounting transactions; of governmental accounting and budgeting laws, regulations and manuals; and of modern accounting systems, procedures and their use.  
• Ability to accurately analyze, track and allocate direct and indirect costs associated with local, state and federal grants.  
• Ability to prepare, establish and monitor grant revenues and expenditures. 
• Ability to accurately prepare reports; to comprehend accounting languages and documents; to present information clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing; and to handle confidential information in a trustworthy manner.
• Ability to be extremely organized; to focus on detail; to ensure no mistakes in calculations by self and co-workers; and to perform effectively under strict deadlines.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective and tactful working relationships with associates, governmental agencies, and the public.
• Skilled in operating various word-processing, spreadsheet, database and other software programs in a Windows environment.

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration or related field; and 
• Two (2) years of experience in accounting, finance, budgeting, or related field; or 
• Any combination of college education, training and work experience in accounting, auditing, finance, economics, or related field totaling six (6) years. Related experience may be substituted for education at a rate of 30 credit hours equal to one (1) year of experience. 

Working Conditions:

Work is performed in an office setting.  Work schedule may include evening and weekend hours. May be required to travel rarely. While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly is required to stand, walk, and sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel; reach with hands or arms; and talk or hear.  Clarity of vision at short distance is required.  Must be able to lift up to 20 pounds. May be subject to exposure to CRTs and VDTs.

Conditions of Employment:

Selected candidate must submit to and pass a County paid pre-employment physical and drug/alcohol screening. Additionally, selected candidate must submit to and pass a county paid criminal background screening. Selected candidate must possess and maintain a valid New Mexico Class D Driver’s License as incumbent shall be appointed to drive a County vehicle during the performance of his/her duties.