Definition
The position's recruitment will remain open until we receive a sufficient number of applications. However, the City reserves the right to limit the applications to the first 50 applicants. This recruitment may close any time, so it's advisable to apply immediately.
The City of Norwalk is seeking an experienced Senior Accountant to join our Finance Department. The responsibilities of the Senior Accountant include examining, analyzing, preparing, and maintaining various financial statements, records, and reports; supervising and providing direction to technical and clerical staff; and performing other related duties as required. This role offers a unique opportunity to take the next step in your accounting career and join an experienced team that offers significant opportunities for growth in various aspects of governmental accounting.
Essential Duties
Essential duties include, but are not limited to the following:
- Plans, coordinates, and performs general accounting, auditing and budgeting functions.
- Actively participates in the preparation of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report and City’s budget.
- Performs periodic analyses of city-wide financial transactions, reconciliations of general ledger accounts, prepares monthly journal vouchers for various funds; ensures that all transactions are accurately recorded and included in monthly financial statements.
- Prepares journal entries and reconciliations for complex accounting transactions such as debt issuance and refunding, capital assets acquisition, post-employment benefits and related transactions.
- Directs and performs the verification of various city taxes and fees; prepares related working papers and reports; recommends correction and conducts post audit review as necessary.
- Prepares cash flow analyses and necessary wire transfers; classifies city revenues received; performs monthly cash and investment reconciliation and prepares related summaries.
- Provides guidance and direction to staff in the administration and collection of revenues for City utilities, business licenses, permits and miscellaneous billing.
- Provides guidance and direction to staff in charge of procurement, accounts payable, fixed assets and payroll.
- Explains relevant accounting guidelines to departmental staff; participates in the review and evaluation of requests to ensure compliance with City policies, procedures, and established guidelines; responds to questions, provides information and support to departments.
- Maintains grant related accounting records and prepares periodic reports as assigned; provides support to City departments administering the grants.
- Prepares related tax returns and fiscal reports; year-end reports and schedules.
- Participates in the development of department goals, objectives, policies, and procedures; assists in the preparation of the departmental budget.
- Prepares and submits City Council agenda reports and various other commission, committee, and staff reports, resolutions, ordinances, and correspondence regarding assigned activities.
- Prepares cost estimates for labor relations.
- Performs duties of the Controller/Deputy Treasurer in his/her absence.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Qualification Guidelines
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of principles and practices of municipal financial management including, but not limited to, budget development and administration, debt management, treasury management, investments, auditing and general accounting.
Knowledge of project and/or program management, analytical processes, and report preparation techniques.
Knowledge of methods and techniques of administering sound financial management policies and procedures.
Knowledge of organization and management practices as applied to the development, analysis, and evaluation of programs, policies, and operational needs of the assigned area of responsibility.
Knowledge of research and financial reporting methods, techniques, and procedures.
Knowledge of applicable Federal, State, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility.
Knowledge of complex record-keeping principles and procedures.
Education and/or Experience
Graduation from a four-year college or university with major coursework in finance, accounting, economics, business administration, public administration, or related field.
Responsible professional experience equivalent to four (4) years of full-time experience performing financial analysis, budgeting or accounting. Experience performing financial analysis, budgeting or accounting with a public agency is highly desirable.
Supplemental Information
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT
The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Physical Demands
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
Work Environment
The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.
SELECTION PROCESS
Apply online at http://www.norwalkca.gov/city-hall/departments/human-resources.
Please attached copy of degrees and certifications. Employment application and supplemental questions must be completed. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a City application. Applicant must be specific in describing qualifications for this position on application. Failure to state all pertinent information may lead to elimination from consideration. Stating "See Resume" is not an acceptable substitute for a completed application. Faxed materials or postmarks will not be accepted. Applications will be screened in relation to the criteria outlined in the job announcement. Candidates with qualifications that best relate to the position will be invited to participate in the selection process. Possession of the minimum qualifications does not ensure continuation in the selection process. The selection process will include an oral interview and other testing processes designed to predict successful job performance.
For a complete copy of the class specification, please click here.
The City provides preference to military veterans under consideration for initial employment. To claim veteran's preference an applicant must submit their most recent DD214 form. An eligible veteran is one who has served in the United States armed forces and who has received an honorable discharge.
Reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities may be requested by calling the Department of Human Resources at least three (3) business days prior to the scheduled examination/interview date. The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice.
The City of Norwalk, in compliance with all applicable Federal and State laws, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, marital status, age, religion, disability, sex, or sexual orientation in its employment actions, policies, procedures or practices.