Accountant

Under the general direction of the Deputy Director of Finance, the Accountant maintains and analyzes the City’s accounting records in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and applicable governmental accounting standards. The position records transactions, reconciles accounts, supports revenue collection and accounts receivable, prepares financial reports, studies, and audit schedules, and assists with investments, debt service, and pension accounting. The position applies professional accounting knowledge and judgment to analyze transactions, resolve accounting discrepancies, and prepare financial information within established policies and internal controls.

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Compile and analyze financial information; prepare and review journal entries and general ledger accounts; research and resolve discrepancies.

Prepare monthly bank and other account reconciliations; assist with investment accounting and allocation of pooled interest earnings.

Review contracts, purchase orders, invoices, vouchers, and supporting documentation for accurate accounting and payment.

Prepare monthly and quarterly billings for services rendered, maintain revenue and accounts receivable records, assist with collection of past-due accounts, and reconcile related balances.

Prepare annual records for special assessments and solid waste charges and submit required information to the property appraiser.

Prepare schedules, account analyses, and supporting information for the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report and annual financial statement audit; respond to auditor requests.

Compile debt and investment data for debt service, arbitrage calculations, and other required financial reporting.

Follow established internal controls, segregation of duties, and approval procedures; promptly report accounting discrepancies and control concerns to the appropriate supervisor.

Prepare and analyze financial and statistical reports, including quarterly financial reports for City Council; assist with financial studies and forecasts as assigned.

Perform pension accounting, including journal entries, reconciliations, periodic reports, and vendor payments.

Recommend improvements to accounting procedures, internal controls, and the reporting of reserves, assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenditures.

Assist, as directed, with capital asset accounting, including additions, disposals, transfers, depreciation, and reconciliation of capital asset records to the general ledger.

Maintain accurate accounting records, supporting documentation and customer files in accordance with applicable records retention requirements and city procedures and coordinate with City departments, auditors, vendors, and the public.

Assists, as directed, with preparation and administration of the City's annual operating and capital budgets, including monitoring revenues and expenditures and analyzing budget-to-actual variances. 

Assist, as directed, with accounting and financial reporting for federal, state, and other grants including preparation of supporting schedules and documentation for grant-related audits and financial compliance reviews.

Assist with special projects and perform related work as assigned.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Knowledge of governmental accounting principles, generally accepted accounting principles, internal controls, and municipal financial operations.

Knowledge of laws, ordinances, standards, policies, and reporting requirements relevant to assigned duties.

Ability to prepare accurate and timely accounting records, reconciliations, financial statements, and reports.

Ability to research complex transactions, identify discrepancies, perform financial calculations, and recommend solutions.

Proficiency with spreadsheet, word processing, presentation, and financial software; ability to learn new systems.

Ability to organize multiple assignments, meet deadlines, adapt to changing priorities, and safeguard confidential and sensitive information in accordance with applicable law and city policy.

Ability to communicate clearly and maintain effective working relationships with City personnel, auditors, outside organizations, and the public.