Accountant, Lead

Job Description

This position performs professional accounting work in the preparation and maintenance of the City’s fiscal records and reports in accordance with GAAP. The incumbent assists in the development and implementation of accounting policies and procedures, performs analyses of accounts, assists in the preparation of financial statements including the City’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR), provides leadership for assigned accounting projects, supervises subordinate accounting staff, and serves as liaison to other City departments in the resolution of accounting problems.

The incumbent also assists external and internal auditors as needed and performs related duties as assigned. The work is conducted under general supervision and within a general outline of work to be performed, developing work methods and sequences as required.

Physical Demands:
The work is considered sedentary with occasional walking or standing and involves exerting up to 10 pounds of force on a recurring basis or routine keyboard operations. The required physical abilities include fingering, hearing, mental acuity, repetitive motion, speaking, and visual acuity. The work environment has no known risk to environmental hazards and is relatively safe, secure, and stable.

• Provides professional accounting support in the preparation and maintenance of City fiscal records and reports.
• Supervises the work of subordinate accounting staff, including instructing, assigning, reviewing work, maintaining standards, coordinating activities, allocating personnel, assisting with selection of new employees, and addressing employee issues.
• Assists in the development and implementation of accounting policies and procedures.
• Monitors, reports and advises on the status of expenditures and revenues.
• Prepares financial transactions and reconciliations on a daily, monthly and yearly basis.
• Prepares adjusting and closing entries and balances accounts; assists in the preparation of year‑end financial statements.
• Provides leadership for assigned accounting projects.
• Serves as liaison to other City departments in the resolution of accounting problems.
• Assists external auditors with year‑end closing and analysis of accounts.
• Assists computer system analysts and programmers in the development of the financial reporting system, including establishing, modifying and testing computer programs and reports.
• Collects, prepares and reviews a variety of financial information for external agency reporting requirements and gathers information for all departments as needed.
• Prepares various monthly, quarterly and annual fiscal reports; prepares and maintains various accounting spreadsheets.
• Assists in ACFR preparation.
• Performs inventory audits.
• Receives and responds to inquiries, concerns, complaints and requests for assistance from City personnel, elected officials and citizens regarding general City financial matters.
• Performs general administrative and clerical work as required, including attending meetings, preparing reports and correspondence, entering and retrieving computer data, copying and filing documents, sending and receiving faxes, answering the telephone, etc.
• Attends training, meetings, seminars and/or workshops to enhance job knowledge and skills.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a closely related field.
• Four (4) years of relevant prior experience.
• Valid South Carolina Class “D” Driver’s License.
• Preference may be given to applicants who possess CGFO or CPA certifications.
• May be required to work additional hours as needed to ensure timely reporting.

• Knowledge of personal computer equipment and mainframe environment; skill in the use of Microsoft Office (Outlook, word processing, spreadsheet software).
• Experience handling machines requiring moderate instruction such as computers and custom applications.
• Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely orally and in writing.
• Ability to apply principles and practices in a wide range of administrative, technical, or managerial methods to solve problems.
• Ability to read and interpret technical instructions, procedures, manuals, and charts; compose routine and specialized reports, forms, and business letters with proper format and grammar.
• Ability to apply logical principles and thinking to solve practical problems within an organizational unit.
• Ability to provide guidance to direct the accomplishment of tasks.

The City of Columbia offers a complete benefits package to full‑time employees, including health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long‑term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave. Part‑time or temporary employees, including interns, are not eligible for City benefits.

To learn more details, visit our benefits page at (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./