Financial Specialist

Role Summary

The purpose of the Financial Specialist classification within the Finance department is to perform administrative and technical work as the City’s Financial Specialist. This is a mid-level position that supports financial operations of the Finance Department. This position requires exercising a high degree of independent judgment on a diverse array of accounting activities within the department, including special projects, bank reconciliations, internal auditing, assistance in annual audit preparation, rate analysis, and liaison for grants and grant administration for internal grants.

This position also carries significant accountability and ongoing decision‑making associated with its work.

The functions listed below are those that represent most of the time spent working in this class. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the class as necessary.

• Performs professional accounting work, including auditing, analyzing, and verifying fiscal records and reports, preparing financial and statistical reports, providing information to City staff regarding practices and procedures, and reconciling general ledger accounts; assists in preparing the City’s annual budgets; prepares year‑end audit reports and schedules; knowledge of payroll and performs related work as required.
• Performs the full range of routine and complex departmental accounting and record‑keeping programs under minimal supervision. Responsibilities require the use of tact, discretion, and independent judgment.
• Successful performance of the work requires thorough knowledge of governmental accounting practices and procedures, municipal fund accounting, grants accounting and compliance, revenue auditing and tax compliance, and fiscal management.
• Recommends and assists in the implementation of new or revised accounting systems, procedures, and records.
• Specific responsibilities required for this position include, but are not limited to, bank reconciliations, processes and creates journal entries.
• Assists with the auditing processes.
• Performs grant accounting functions.
• Performs fixed asset management duties.
• Performs related work as assigned.

Requires a bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, or a closely related field.

Requires two years’ experience in government accounting, finance, or closely related experience; required qualifications may be any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job. Experience in generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) guidelines, budget development and management principles are a plus.

• None.

• Sedentary work – Involves lifting no more than 10 pounds at a time, and occasionally carrying objects weighing up to 5 pounds.

• None.

The City of Americus is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires the city of Americus to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.