JOB DESCRIPTION

Performs a wide range of highly responsible professional accounting tasks including maintaining the general ledger and performing various complex analytical work; applies principles of accounting to analyze financial information; provides information on accounting practices, procedures, and the City’s computer-based financial system; prepares, examines, analyzes, and verifies financial statements and records; prepares financial and statistical reports; plays a significant role in the City’s annual audit; provides supervision to other accounting staff; provides highly responsible staff assistance to the Accounting Manager in a variety of fiscal and administrative assignments.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Perform advanced professional level financial accounting duties in compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and governmental accounting standards, including but not limited to general accounting, cash management, accounts payable, accounts receivable, the preparation of financial and statistical statements and reports, fixed assets, the implementation of GASB pronouncements and other accounting functions.
• Prepare financial and statistical statements, fiscal reports, and financial reviews in accordance with GAAP.
• Provide technical assistance, lead direction, training, and work review to assigned staff engaged in accounts payable and receivables, revenue, collections, business licensing, cashiering, and other activities of the finance department; organize and assign work, set priorities, and follow up to ensure coordination and completion of assigned work.
• Maintain and supervise the maintenance of general ledger and subsidiary ledgers of various funds; perform year-end review of accounts, prepare adjusting and closing entries, and prepare year-end financial statements; reconciles information produced by automated financial reporting systems with accounting records.
• Analyze and reconcile expenditure and revenue accounts; process transfers of expenditures and budget appropriations; prepare various financial reports.
• Respond to special requests for financial data and analysis, provide information to other local, state, and federal agencies as requested.
• Prepare financial analyses and other special financial projects; may oversee the work of consultants.
• Play a significant role in the coordination and preparation of the annual operating budget and capital improvement program budget.
• Oversee, direct, and participate in grant administration, compliance, reporting, and reimbursement.
• Assist City departments/divisions with evaluating City financial controls.
• Play a significant role in the coordination of and preparation for the audit process with external auditors and other auditing agencies; assist outside auditors and explains City policies and procedures.
• Provide, or arrange for, the provision of necessary audit schedules, deadlines, reports, data, and information; establish and assign deadlines for City operating departments to submit needed data.
• Gather, analyze, and interpret audit data and prepares audit documentation.
• Perform internal control auditing of departmental revenue collections and petty cash funds.
• Account for debt and investments of the City in accordance with GAAP.
• Assist accounting department staff with debt management and Successor Agency reporting activities.
• Coordinate activities with the Information Technology Division to develop, modify, and assist in problem resolution relative to the City’s automated financial management systems; advise users on City's automated financial system.
• Advise departments on the interpretation of policies and guidelines related to the City’s financial services and fiscal management.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

TYPICAL QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) statements, governmental audit procedures and their application to governmental accounting systems, accounting transactions, financial analysis, financial reporting, financial statement preparation, and research techniques.
• Principles and practices of effective customer service.
• Modern office equipment including current computer systems and application programs such as Microsoft Office Suite, and Enterprise Resources Planning systems.
• Approved principles and standard practices of centralized computer-based accounting, auditing, treasury management, and revenue administration.
• Effective time management principles and practices.
• Confidential record keeping methods.
• Project and grant management principles and practices.
• Principles and practices of fund accounting.
• Complex statistical research and analysis techniques.
• Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, codes, regulations, ordinances, and procedures affecting municipal finance administration.
• Principles and practices of local government budgeting and financial administration.

Ability to:

• Perform a wide variety of complex, professional accounting work.
• Apply accounting theory and expertise to work assignments, including the maintenance and reporting of financial and accounting transactions and audit of financial records.
• Examine, prepare and verify accurate and timely financial statements, reports and analyses, including the effective use of charts and graphs.
• Analyze, interpret and explain financial policies, procedures and practices.
• Analyze, post, balance and reconcile financial data, ledgers and accounts.
• Interpret, explain and apply applicable laws, codes and regulations.
• Maintain confidentiality, as required.
• Prepare accurate financial reports.
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
• Understand and support program objectives in relation to departmental goals and procedures.
• Work independently with minimal supervision, using sound judgment in the course of work and also serve as an effective member of a team.
• Organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manger; organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.
• Prioritize, organize, assign and review the work of accounting and administrative personnel.
• Follow workplace safety procedures and policies.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• On a continuous basis, sit at desk for long periods of time; intermittently twist to reach equipment surrounding desk; perform simple grasping and fine manipulation; use telephone, and write or use a keyboard to communicate through written means; and lift or carry weight of 20 pounds or less.

Experience and Education

Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience:

• A minimum of three to five years of progressively responsible professional accounting experience, within a governmental agency. Experience in a municipal environment and in a lead or supervisory role is desirable.

Education:

• Equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in accounting, finance or a related field. Possession of an advanced degree in accounting, finance or related field, or certification as a Public Accountant (CPA), is desirable.

License and Certificate

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California driver’s license.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Environmental Conditions

• Work is normally performed in a temperature-controlled office environment subject to typical office noise. Occasional attendance at night meetings may be required.