DEFINITION Under general supervision (Accountant I) or direction (Accountant II), performs a variety of professional accounting duties, including auditing, analyzing, and verifying fiscal records and reports, preparing financial and statistical reports, providing information to City staff regarding accounting practices and procedures, and reconciling general ledger accounts; assists in preparing the City’s annual budgets; prepares accounting reports and schedules; and performs other duties as as... more details
Description
DEFINITION
Under general supervision (Accountant I) or direction (Accountant II), performs a variety of professional accounting duties, including auditing, analyzing, and verifying fiscal records and reports, preparing financial and statistical reports, providing information to City staff regarding accounting practices and procedures, and reconciling general ledger accounts; assists in preparing the City’s annual budgets; prepares accounting reports and schedules; and performs other duties as assigned.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives general supervision (Accountant I) or direction (Accountant II), from assigned supervisory or management personnel. Exercises direct supervision over lower level staff.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
Accountant I: This is the entry-level classification in the Accountant series. Initially under close supervision, incumbents learn and perform routine professional accounting duties. As experience is gained, assignments become more varied, complex, and difficult; close supervision and frequent review of work lessen as an incumbent demonstrates skill to perform the work independently. Positions at this level usually perform most of the duties required of the positions at the Accountant II level but are not expected to function at the same skill level and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise.
Accountant II: This is the fully qualified journey-level classification in the Accountant series. Positions at this level are distinguished from the Accountant I level by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned, working independently, and exercising judgment and initiative. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.
Positions in the Accountant class series are flexibly staffed; positions at the Accountant II level are normally filled by advancement from the Accountant I level; progression to the Accountant II level is dependent on (i) management affirmation that the position is performing the full range of duties assigned to the classification; (ii) satisfactory work performance; (iii) the incumbent meeting the minimum qualifications for the classification including any licenses and certifications; and (iv) management approval for progression to the Accountant II level.
Examples of Duties
EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only) Essential duties may include, but are not limited to, the following: Positions at the Accountant I level may perform some of these duties and responsibilities in a learning capacity
Plans, organizes, assigns, supervises, and reviews the work of assigned clerical accounting staff in the Finance Department; trains staff in work procedures; evaluates employee performance, counsels employees, and effectively recommends initial disciplinary action; assists in selection and promotion.
Monitors activities of the accounting work unit; identifies opportunities for improving service delivery and procedures; provides recommendations concerning process changes; reviews with appropriate management staff; implements improvements.
Provides responsible professional and technical assistance in the administration and implementation of the City's financial, auditing, and accounting programs.
Prepares journal entries and reconciles general ledger and subsidiary accounts related to postings from payroll, accounts payable, cash receipts, and accounts receivable; prepares monthly financial statements, including distributing monthly revenue and expenditure reports to departments; prepares a diverse range of monthly financial reports.
Records and maintains appropriate controls for capital assets, assists in the City's purchase orders and accounts payable system, auditing and financial analysis, and special reports.
Prepares year-end capital asset schedules; maintains and records capital asset inventory into fiscal management system; generates depreciation and posts disposals/transfers; submits reports and spreadsheets to auditors.
Prepares a wide variety of financial and statistical reports according to generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), including year-end reporting and budgetary reports; assists in the preparation of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR).
Reviews accounting and financial documents to ensure accuracy of information and calculations and makes correcting entries.
Conducts a variety of analytical and operational studies regarding departmental activities including financial, operational, or administrative issues; evaluates alternatives, makes recommendations, and assists with implementation of procedures.
Tracks property tax payments; ensures property tax bills are remitted to the proper City departments for payment authorization.
Interprets, explains, and applies general and governmental accounting/auditing principles and procedures, laws, and regulations affecting the financial operations of municipal government.
Analyzes and reconciles expenditure and revenue accounts, including bond accounts; reviews and processes appropriation transfer requests between accounts; reconciles bond statements and bank statements to the general ledger.
Participates in the development of policies and procedures for assigned programs; recommends and implements policies and procedures including standard operating procedures for assigned operations.
Participates in and assumes responsibility for various departmental programs including financial statements, general ledger, monthly statements, and special projects accounting; conducts and prepares special studies and reports.
Assists in the coordination of the annual audits.
Attends meetings, conferences, workshops, and training sessions, and reviews publications to remain current on principles, practices, and new developments in the field of accounting.
Assists in preparation and presentation of materials to Boards, Commissions, or City Council.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
Typical Qualifications
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of: Positions at the Accountant I level may exercise some of these knowledge and abilities statements in a learning capacity.
Modern principles, practices, and methods of public and governmental accounting and financing, including program budgeting, general accounting, and auditing and their application to municipal operations.
General principles and practices of data processing and its applicability to accounting and municipal operations.
Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility, principles and practices.
Principles and practices of financial reporting including statements and periodic comprehensive financial reports.
Principles and practices of fund accounting.
Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment review and evaluation, discipline, and the training of staff in work procedures.
Principles and practices of leadership.
Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction to ensure teamwork is conducted smoothly.
Principles and procedures of record keeping.
Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively interacting with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.
Ability to:
Review, analyze, record, and document a diverse range of financial transactions.
Review and verify the accuracy of financial data.
Analyze, post, balance, and reconcile financial ledgers, reports, and accounts.
Ensure proper authorization and documentation for disbursements and other financial transactions.
Audit, reconcile, and balance bank statements.
Analyze financial data and draw sound conclusions.
Assist in developing and implementing goals, objectives, practices, policies, procedures, and work standards.
Select and supervise staff, provide training and development opportunities, ensure work is performed effectively, and evaluate performance in an objective and positive manner.
Prepare clear, complete, and concise financial statements and reports.
Make accurate arithmetic, financial, and statistical computations.
Establish and maintain a variety of filing, record-keeping, and tracking systems.
Select and supervise staff, provide training and development opportunities, ensure work is performed effectively, and evaluate performance in an objective and positive manner.
Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Education and Experience: Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
Education:
Accountant I/II: Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in accounting, finance, business or public administration, or a related field.
Experience:
Accountant I: One (1) year of professional accounting and/or auditing experience.
Accountant II: Three (3) years of increasingly responsible professional accounting and/or auditing experience; one (1) year governmental accounting experience desirable.
Licenses and Certifications:
None required.
Possession of a Certified Professional Accountant (CPA) Certification or designation of Certified Public Finance Officer (CPFO) is desirable.
Supplemental Information
Physical Demands
Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 25 pounds.
Environmental Elements
Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.
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