Accountant

Basic Function:
Under supervision of the Assistant Finance & Administration Manager, performs routine to complex professional accounting duties in the maintenance, review and analysis of fiscal records; the preparation on timely financial reports to management; perform a variety of complex accounting and financial analysis leading to new or revised accounting procedures and reports, as well as resolving complex accounting issues based on research and the application of government accounting and auditing standards; exercise independent judgement in the interpretation of procedures and regulations; develop specialized reports; assist Accounting Technicians in the general accounting functions of the District, monthly closings, preparation of operating reports.Essential Duties:
The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

Maintains the District’s general ledger; reviews accounting documents to ensure accurate information and calculations, and makes correcting entries when needed; examines supporting documentation to establish proper authorization and conformance with District policies, agreements, contracts, and state and federal requirements; prepares and maintains control and subsidiary accounting records involving a variety of transactions and accounts; prepares journal entries; performs periodic reconciliation of general ledger accounts and subsidiary ledgers, and bank statements; analyzes variances and reports on results; compiles and prepares periodic work papers, financial statements, supporting schedules, tax forms, and various reports for the District, federal, state and other outside agencies.

Performs technical accounting work in the maintenance of records of revenues and expenditures in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; enters, reconciles, resolves discrepancies, summarizes, and prepares journal entries to produce accurate periodic financial reports; and reviews journal entries prepared by other accounting personnel.

Maintains, reviews, and controls fixed assets; disposes of assets; prepares records and reports on fixed assets and book entries on depreciation.

Performs debt service calculations and related journal entries both for obligations due to the District and due from the District. Prepares amortization schedules and ensures timely debt service payments and receipts. Performs all required debt compliance.

Prepares a variety of requested materials in support of the independent annual audit including complex analysis, reconciliations, and schedules.

Provides backup to Accounting Technicians performing accounting entries, accounts payable, accounts receivable, cash management and general ledger as needed.

Assists in the maintenance of the Chart of Accounts to include creation and deletion of account numbers as required.

Assists in budget preparation and budgetary transactions as assigned.

Assists in Monthly/Quarterly/Annual Financial Report preparation as assigned.

Advises the Finance Supervisor/Manager of work inconsistencies, time schedule deficiencies, and work overloading, to ensure that the work objectives of the Department are fulfilled according to a pre-determined plan.

Assists the public in person and over the phone.

Performs other duties as requested, directed, or assigned.
Knowledge of:

• Principles, practices, and terminology of general, fund and enterprise accounting, including financial statement preparation and methods of financial control and reporting.
• Public agency budgeting principles and practices.
• Principle and practices of Internal Controls.
• Principle and practices of Auditing.
• Understanding and working knowledge of computerized accounting systems.
• Relevant policies, procedures, and standards for Special Districts.
• Laws and regulations relating to the financial administration of public agencies.
  
  

Ability to:

• Operate a computer using Microsoft Office applications and other standard office equipment.
• Analyze and make sound recommendations on complex financial data and operations.
• Plan and evaluate financial systems and practices and make sound recommendations for improvement.
• Understand, interpret, explain, and apply District, state, and federal laws regulating District financial accounting, reporting and record keeping.
• Exercise sound independent judgment within general policy guidelines.
• Communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing.
• Be well organized and detail oriented.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of District management, staff, and public officials with those encountered in the course of work.
  
  

Education/Training:

• Possession of a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance or related field from an accredited college or university.

Experience:

• A minimum of three (3) years of accounting experience in areas denoted on the job description, preferably in a public sector environment.
• Previous experience working in a public agency utilizing Springbrook Accounting Software is highly desirable.
  
  

License or Certificate:

• Possession of an appropriate California operator's license issued by the State Department of Motor Vehicles. A good driving record of at least two (2) years duration, as evidenced by freedom from multiple or serious traffic violations or accidents. Possession and continuance of a driving record that does not cause adverse effect on the District's automobile insurance rates is required.