Senior Accountant

Overview

Performs advanced paraprofessional accounting functions for assigned City departments. Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, fixed assets, cash receipts, general ledger activities, investments, treasury functions, payroll preparation, accounts receivable, accounts payable, purchasing card administration, and capital requisitions. This position is responsible for the preparation, review, reconciliation, correction, recording, processing, balancing, and distribution of City financial records and operational accounting data.

This classification is distinguished from the Accountant role by a higher level of experience, technical proficiency, and independent responsibility in managing complex accounting functions.

The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. It is not necessarily descriptive of any one position in the class. The omission of an essential function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed herein if such functions are a logical assignment to the position.

Supervision:
None

Bachelor s degree in accounting, finance, business administration or related field; supplemented by three or more years’ experience in governmental accounting; experience in municipal utility billing preferred; or an equivalent combination of education, certification, training, and/or experience. May be required to have or obtain formal industry certification(s) based on area of assignment. Regular in office attendance is required.

Candidate is subject to interview(s), medical testing (including drug screening), and a comprehensive background investigation. In addition to meeting the minimum qualifications, the successful candidate must be able to perform all essential job functions.

• Thorough knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and standard accounting practices
• Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, standards, and requirements related to governmental accounting and administration
• Knowledge of principles and practices used in governmental accounting and public sector financial management

• Proficiency in applying business mathematics and accounting techniques
• Strong critical thinking and analytical skills to resolve issues and recommend process improvements
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and follow through on assignments with minimal supervision
• Effective organizational and time-management skills to ensure timely completion of work
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear, concise reports and documentation
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and maintain confidentiality when handling sensitive financial and personnel information

• Ability to research, compile, analyze, and present financial information to support informed decision-making
• Ability to analyze and communicate key drivers of changes in financial performance
• Ability to communicate effectively in professional and technical contexts, including accounting and budgeting
• Ability to explain procedures and provide clear oral and written instructions
• Ability to establish and maintain effective, cooperative working relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Ability to organize work, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing priorities
• Ability to regularly attend work and arrive punctually for assigned schedules

• Responsible for preparing monthly journal entries and supporting the accounting close process
• Analyzes and communicates key drivers of changes in financial performance
• Creates, maintains, and updates process and procedure documentation related to assigned accounting functions
• Serves as the accounting liaison/lead for the annual audit process, including coordination with external auditors and preparation of requested schedules and documentation

Physical:
Work involves light physical effort in a sedentary to light-duty environment, including occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling of items weighing up to 20 pounds. Duties may require extended periods at a computer workstation, as well as standing and/or walking.

Environmental:
Work is performed primarily indoors in a controlled environment without exposure to adverse conditions such as extreme temperatures, dirt, fumes, or inclement weather.

The position requires the ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

All City employees have emergency response responsibilities. While not every position is designated as essential during an emergency event, all employees are subject to recall at any time to support emergency operations. This may include irregular work hours, work at alternate locations, and assignment to duties outside the normal scope of the position. Emergency assignments may involve physically and…