Job Description

ACCOUNTANT I - 2030

GRADE: 108

PAY RANGE: $24.49 - $34.92/hr - Plus a comprehensive benefits package

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

Performs technical accounting, financial recording and analysis duties; performs directly related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:

The principal function of an employee in this class is to oversee financial operations within an assigned area of a City Department. The work is performed under the supervision and direction of assigned financial or administrative personnel but considerable leeway is granted for the exercise of independent judgement and initiative. Supervision may be exercised over the work of employees in the class of Accounting Technician. This class is distinguished from the class of Accounting Technician by the performance of full monitoring and financial oversight responsibilities. The nature of the work performed requires that an employee in this class establish and maintain effective working relationships with other City employees, outside auditors, business organizations and the public. The principal duties of this class are performed in a general office environment.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL WORK:

• Prepares specialized technical accounting reports, including Balance Sheets, Income Statements, Statement of Cash Flows and related;
• Reviews and audits postings to the general ledger, balancing and proofing monthly;
• Performs account reconciliation and related analyses;
• Prepares monthly journal entries, posting and reviewing entries;
• Reviews and verifies the accuracy of transactions and accounting classifications assigned to various records;
• Interfaces with outside auditors to obtain and compile the information needed to expedite the annual audit process;
• Makes year end audit adjustment entries;
• Maintains and implements internal controls on computer-based general ledger;
• Ensures that accounting systems are operating correctly, correcting wrong entries and investigating and resolving system problems as they occur;
• Installs and maintains systems as adopted by the Board of Mayor and Alderman to monitor budgets, spending practices, purchasing controls, and revenues collected;
• Balances grant revenue and expenditures, reporting compliance to state and federal agencies;
• Audits account receivable processes and collected amounts;
• Develops appropriate financial control reports for the Department;
• Provides guidance and demonstrations to new employees in similar positions;
• Keeps supervisors informed of work progress, issues, and potential solutions;
• Attends meetings and training to stay current on relevant practices and developments;
• Responds to citizen inquiries courteously and promptly;
• Coordinates regularly with others to enhance interdepartmental efficiency; and
• Performs additional duties as required by the classification.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Thorough knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles;
• Thorough knowledge of financial office procedures and practices;
• Thorough knowledge of the functions of government in a municipality;
• Thorough knowledge of accounts payable and payroll processes;
• Thorough knowledge of budget preparation within a municipality;
• Ability to interpret accounting reports and records and to analyze accounting data for control and reporting purposes;
• Ability to handle confidential and administrative information with tact and discretion;
• Ability to supervise, train and evaluate the work of others;
• Ability to communicate effectively with others, both orally and in writing, using both technical and non-technical language on municipal fiscal operations;
• Ability to understand and follow oral and/or written policies, procedures and instructions;
• Ability to prepare and present accurate and reliable reports containing findings and recommendations;
• Ability to operate or quickly learn to operate a personal computer using standard or customized software applications appropriate to assigned tasks;
• Ability to use logical and creative thought processes to develop solutions according to written specifications and/or oral instructions;
• Ability to perform a wide variety of duties and responsibilities with accuracy and speed under the pressure of time-sensitive deadlines;
• Ability and willingness to quickly learn and put to use new skills and knowledge brought about by rapidly changing information and/or technology;
• Integrity, ingenuity and inventiveness in the performance of assigned tasks.

ACCEPTABLE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting; and
• Zero to two years of experience in, Accounting, preferably within a municipality; or
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to perform the work.

REQUIRED SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS:

• None.

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL ABILITIES:

• Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing or other communication capabilities, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to communicate effectively;
• Sufficient vision or other powers of observation, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to review a wide variety of written material in both electronic and hardcopy;
• Sufficient manual dexterity with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to operate a personal computer and related equipment;
• Sufficient strength and endurance, with or without reasonable accommodation to lift, carry and move objects, through a full range of motion, up to 10 pounds occasionally, 5 pounds frequently and 2 pounds consistently;
• Sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to function within the general office environment.