Accountant

Job Description

Accountant (205)

Education and Experience

Minimum Requirements:

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelors or Masters Degree in Business Administration, Accounting, or an approved related field, with a minimum of 12 semester units of specialization in accounting
Four (4) years full time responsible, professional accounting experience
Experience with PC electronic spreadsheet and word processing programs
Experience with ten-key by touch, and
Experience with on-line financial systems

Possible Substitution:

A state CPA license may be substituted for two (2) years of experience

License

Possession of an appropriate, valid Class C California driver's license is desirable.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This is a professional position in the classified service. The incumbent performs numerous, varied, and complex accounting and financial activities requiring independent judgement and the ability to research, analyze, investigate, and report on technical issues handled by the Finance Department.

Typical Tasks

Each position in this classification may not include all the duties listed below, nor do the examples cover all duties that may be performed.

Performs moderate to complex tasks in governmental and enterprise accounting and budgeting, treasury and debt management, statistical and financial analysis, and financial reporting
Prepares financial statements and other external financial reports and supporting documentation
Prepares annual fund-level financial statements
Prepares journal entries and budget transfer entries
Reviews records of accounts receivable, accounts payable, expenditures, and income; confirms expenditures are made in accordance to contractual requirements and procedures
Prepares and enters correcting and adjusting journal entries to update the general ledger and other financial reports
Prepares and reviews the operating and capital improvement budgets as part of the preparation of monthly Financial Reports
Reconciles cash and other asset and liability accounts
Performs cash management and investment reporting
Performs special accounting procedures required by special districts, agencies, and grants
Works with operating departments to define, prepare, and provide information for management purposes which may include training staff in the use of the City’s financial systems to meet their information needs
Reviews the work of other professional staff
Assists in the preparation of the annual financial statements and the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR)
Reviews and analyzes financial records for accuracy and completeness; prepares corrections as necessary, and
Performs other related duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:

Generally accepted accounting principles, practices, and procedures
Laws and regulations governing fiscal record keeping
Automated on-line accounting and financial reporting systems
Desktop applications computer software including electronic spreadsheets, word processing, and database software (e.g., Excel, Word, Access)

Ability to:

Implement effective use of electronic data processing applications in all aspects of the job
Analyze and apply Federal, State, and local laws and regulations pertaining to accounting and auditing work
Exercise a high degree of independent judgment
Analyze problems and prepare effective written and oral reports
Analyze work processes and suggest work improvements
Prepare a variety of financial statements, reports and analyses
Analyze and interpret financial and accounting records
Communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing
Deal tactfully and courteously with others
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, including co-workers, other City officials, and the public
Work in a team-based environment and achieve common goals
Establish and maintain fiscal records and procedures
Effectively handle multiple priorities, organize workload and meet strict deadlines, and
Type at a net rate of not less than 25 words per minute on a computer keyboard

Supervision Received

Works under the general supervision of Finance Department Management staff or other supervisor as assigned.

Supervision Exercised

May train or supervise other personnel as assigned.

Other Requirements

Must be able to perform all of the essential functions of the job.
Incumbents must have a willingness to work overtime as required.

Approved March, 2007