Accountant I, II, or III

Accountant I or II:

This is professional accounting work in the City’s Finance Department, involving primarily routine operational and transactional account functions; the preparation, analysis, maintenance, reconciliation and verification of financial, payroll, accounts payable and treasury records; posting and balancing accounts; reviewing invoices for accuracy; reconciling accounts; preparing payrolls, trial balances and special reports; maintaining revenue account controls for assigned municipal activities; pre-auditing petty cash accounts; assisting higher level accountants with the more complex accounting functions and problems; and assisting in the preparation of year-end closing adjustments, financial reports, and financial statements in conformity with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) including the City’s quarterly financial reports and the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report. Work also requires independent judgment on technical accounting problems; strong organizational and problem-solving skills; and keen attention to policies, procedures, and details. Of importance will be the technical ability to analyze, reconcile and report financial data and review compliance with applicable regulations.

Accountant III:

This is professional accounting work performing and coordinating varied complex accounting, fiscal operations, and grant management; and may include supervision over other professional and clerical employees engaged in similar activities. Work involves technical and complex accounting of fiscal transactions; the recommendation, development, revision and installation of accounting systems, procedures and forms; preparing complex periodic and special reports for grant reporting in compliance with federal and state regulations such as the Schedule of Federal Awards (SEFA); monitoring grant compliance; monitoring grant expenditures and billing with grantor agencies; preparation of financial reports and financial statements in conformity with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) including the City’s quarterly financial reports and the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, and coordination with other City departments on fiscal or grant matters and reporting requirements. An employee in this class is required to exercise considerable independent professional judgment and initiative in solving problems through the application of a thorough knowledge of the City's financial policies and practices.

Salary: $42,944 - $96,169**

Close Date: Open Until Filled

**The starting salary and selection into an Accountant position, at level I, level II, or level III will depend upon qualifications and experience.

Minimum Qualifications. Applicants must:

• Have a valid Bachelor’s degree in accounting or a closely related field.
• Have completed major course work in accounting.
• Possess excellent computer skills including at least an intermediate skill level in the use of Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Be able to communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.
• Be able to accurately perform detail work involving written or numeric data and to make mathematical calculations rapidly and accurately.
• At the Accountant II level, have progressive accounting work experience in a public environment.
• At the Accountant III level, meet the following qualifications:
  o   Have at least two (2) years of professional accounting experience.
  o   Have at least six (6) months of supervisory experience.
  o   Have extensive knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.
  o   Have extensive experience with financial systems applications, (preferably Oracle eBusiness Suite).
  o   Have experience with financial statement preparation.
  o  Have superior analytical and critical thinking abilities.
  
  Desirable Qualifications. Preferred applicants:
  
• Possess a valid Master’s degree in accounting or a closely related field.
• Are licensed by the State of Florida as a Certified Public Accountant.
• Have knowledge of accounting principles and procedures as applied to municipal accounting and relating to the methods and procedures used in the preparation of journal and ledger entries and final balances.
• Have knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, procedures, and processes governing the receipt and expenditure of municipal monies.
• Have skill in analyzing financial data for trends or variances and to document information for the preparation of regular and special financial and budget reports.
• Are able to competently apply professional accounting principles, knowledge and skills to the maintenance of fiscal and accounting records.
• Have knowledge of grants compliance, grant administration and Governmental Accounting Standards Board pronouncements.
• Have experience in municipal government financial statement preparation, including the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report.
  
  IMPORTANT APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
  
• For purposes of employment, re-employment, promotion, transfer or demotion, the most qualified applicants will be selected to continue in the hiring process. At this point, any prior criminal records will be verified. A prior criminal record will not necessarily disqualify a selected applicant from employment.
• The City of St. Petersburg is committed to a Drug Free Workplace and compliance with the Department of Transportation (DOT) drug testing rules. Applicants may be required to successfully complete pre-employment drug testing and/or medical exams.
• Apply online at www.stpete.org/jobs - Select Apply for Jobs/Register/View Job Postings. City employees must use the Current City Employee link or use a City computer to access iRecruitment Employee Candidate. The City of St. Petersburg is committed to affirmative action and equal opportunity employment, and encourages individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply for posted positions. In accordance with Chapter 295 of the Florida Statutes, qualified servicemembers/veterans and the spouses/family members of certain servicemembers/veterans receive preference/priority in employment. Eligible applicants are responsible to apply for Veterans’ Preference at the time of submission of any job application. Reasonable accommodations may be made for qualified individuals with disabilities to apply, to interview for positions and to perform the essential job functions.