Job Abstract

Under limited supervision, the Senior Accountant performs complex and technical accounting work in support of the financial accounting function and performs difficult analytical professional, and administrative work related to preparing, maintaining, monitoring, and evaluating complex financial records. This is the third of a three-level professional series. Working with more complex accounting system operations including account structure, internal controls, and financial reporting distinguishes this class from the next lower level. May direct and coordinate activities of other accounting staff; and be periodically tasked with interdivisional or interdepartmental responsibility over special projects of the Accounting Division. Reports to the Controller.

• Assists with the design, implementation, or enhancement of the County’s financial systems to address frequent changes in requirements, meet specific needs or concerns, or create greater efficiencies.
• Assists with the monthly and annual financial close to include conversion of all records to full accrual in preparation for financial reporting.
• Assists with the preparation of the County’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) and various other financial statements, records, and reports.
• Participates in the coordination of the annual audit of the County by its external auditors.
• Prepares and approves complicated accounting entries, analyses, and reconciliations.
• Assists in the training and supervision of County staff on accounting policies, procedures, and automated systems.
• Performs annual utility inventory counts.
• Monitors and tracks all Capital Projects funding and expenditures.
• Plans and develops research projects as needed.
• Identifies, records, transfers, disposes, and generates the depreciation of fixed assets on a quarterly basis.
• Performs interdivisional or interdepartmental tasks overseeing special projects of the Finance Department as needed.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting or closely related field; and a minimum of three (3) to four (4) years of experience in financial accounting; and a minimum of one (1) to two (2) years of experience with large automated accounting systems.

Professional financial certification and experience in governmental accounting are preferred, but not required.

• Knowledge of computerized accounting systems and how they aid in compiling, maintaining, and using accounting information.
• Knowledge of techniques used to locate errors in accounting records.
• Knowledge of governmental accounting policies, procedures, and operations.
• Knowledge of internal financial control requirements.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to maintain a high degree of professionalism when dealing with sensitive or confidential information.
• Skill in developing, modifying, and implementing accounting systems and policies.
• Skill in reviewing accounting transactions to ensure conformance with generally accepted accounting principles.
• Skill in applying audit standards to set up, monitor, and modify internal procedures.
• Skill in preparing and interpreting financial statements and other financial reports.
• Skill in advising management about the implications of financial information.
• Skill in reviewing the work of other accounting staff for adequacy, methods, and conformance and giving performance information to a supervisor.
• Skill in Microsoft Word and Excel. Ability to understand ERP systems. Experience programming queries/reports is a plus.
• Ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable, functional, structural, or compositional characteristics (whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people, or things.
• Ability to speak and/or signal people to convey or exchange information. Includes giving assignments and/or directions to co-workers or assistants.
• Ability to read financial documents, expenditure and revenue reports, financial statements, risk management documents, insurance policies and claims, manuals, procedures, policies, regulations, correspondence, etc.
• Ability to prepare a variety of financial reports, risk management documents, accounting documents, correspondence, performance evaluations, and other administrative documents.
• Ability to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions; to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagrammatic form; and to deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
• Ability to record and deliver information, explain procedures, and follow oral and written instructions. Must be able to communicate effectively using government budgeting and financial terminology.
• Ability to utilize mathematical formulas; to add and subtract totals; to multiply and divide; to determine percentages and decimals; to compute interest and ratios; to perform algebraic operations and statistical calculations.
• Ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instruction. Must be adaptable to performing under periodically high levels of stress.
• Ability to demonstrate and possess strong analytical skills and the ability to learn and solve problems quickly.
• Ability to maintain a high degree of professionalism when dealing with sensitive or confidential information.
• Skill in being a self-starter, requiring minimal supervision and direction.
• Proven ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Ability to communicate professionally and respectfully.