Municipal Senior Accountant

Senior Accountant

GENERAL PURPOSE

Perform working level to highly complex professional accounting duties, including specialized or general analysis. Under general supervision, performs miscellaneous reconciliations, bank reconciliations, and assist with both monthly and fiscal year-end reporting. Assists with the development and implementation of policies regarding internal audit, internal controls, and accounting procedures. Perform a combination of duties necessary to process and maintain fixed assets, accounts payable and payroll as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under the general supervision of the Finance Director.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

May provide direction, functional, and technical support to less experienced staff and close to general supervision to clerical support staff on a project-by-project basis.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Performs various government accounting functions related to the general ledger; produces timely financial reports and supporting documentation to accurately record organizational financial status.

Perform professional accounting functions, including preparation of journal entries, statistical analysis, and assists in the preparation of accounting schedules for the compilation of the City’s comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR). Perform a variety of professional level accounting duties involving the accounting, recording and reporting of financial transactions for the City; review accounting records for accuracy; and prepare financial reports, statements and special financial analysis.

Functions as City Purchasing Agent. Provides guidance and technical assistance to department staff regarding the purchasing process, such as writing specifications, delivering training on the purchasing process, and explaining City policies and procedures.

Monitors accounts payable process; reviews and approves purchase orders; evaluates purchase and spending activity and analyzes impact on current budgets; notifies fund managers, department heads, of budget ramifications and status and ensures compliance with City purchasing and procurement policies.

Performs analysis and audits of monthly trial balances; assists with monthly financial reporting in cooperation with Finance Director; provides monthly analysis and commentary on city financial activities in relation to annual budget; examines correctness of ledger account activity and ensures accurate ending balances.

May serve as point of contact/coordinator for independent financial auditors in connection with the City’s annual audit; assures all schedules and required information is provided to auditors and City Audit Committee; assists in preparation of citywide annual financial statements (CAFR); prepares various financial statements in accordance to GAAP and GASB standards; prepares financial statement notes, management discussion and analysis.

Performs analysis utilizing advanced knowledge of computer systems and software architecture.

Identifies and compiles annual additions to city capital assets from all purchases during the year and performs annual depreciation calculations; coordinates asset disposition and removal from city capital asset listings; advises Finance Director related to surplus property status; may conduct surplus property sales.

Serves as a grant coordinator for all municipal grant proposals, applications, and compliance which may include internal and external audits. Coordinate the preparation of the schedule of expenditures of federal awards (SEFA), oversees the performance of the City’s single audit by the external auditors. Assists with grants management duties, assigned special programs and projects. Assists with quarterly grants reconciliation and maintaining up to date tracking of grant expenditures and revenues. Reconciles all grant expenditures and revenues that have been recorded to the final grant close out report that has been submitted to the granting agency.

Serves as the internal auditor; examines and verifies the accuracy of all reports, papers, vouchers and accounts including various state and local funding accounts; monitoring billing and collection procedures. Performs complex accounting work, assists in other financial programs as directed. Provides financial reports and information for public, administration, and departments. Assists Finance Director and/or Administrative Services Director on special projects.

Works as part of the Finance team to improve methods, communication, and customer satisfaction with other departments and the general public. Performs related duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. Education and Experience:

2. Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting or a closely related field;

AND

1. Four (4) years of responsible experience performing citywide/statewide governmental accounting, general ledger maintenance, research and/or budgeting activities, or performing work at a senior accountant or higher level as related to the above duties;

OR

1. An equivalent combination of education and experience.

2. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Considerable knowledge of municipal finance, fund accounting, accounting theory, practice and GAAP and GASB principles and pronouncements; municipal banking and investment practices and options; financial auditing process; laws and regulations governing receiving, accounting and investment of municipal funds; taxation and funds distribution; municipal government investment policies and procedures, accounting procedures, capital asset additions and depreciation methods; municipal and uniform accounting principles, practices and procedures; bond requirements and special district procedures; municipal organizations and department operations including applicable laws and regulations; and Uniform Municipal Fiscal Procedures Act.

Working knowledge of complex research methodology; internal control principles and methods of application; budgeting, accounting and related statistical procedures; various revenue sources available to local governments including state and federal sources; general office maintenance and practices; computer accounting applications and various software programs; business and technical writing; operation of standard office equipment; mathematics related to investment and finance; interpersonal communication skills and telephone etiquette; public relations.

Skill in financial and technical writing; developing working relationships with independent auditors; the art of diplomacy and cooperative problem solving; prepare clear, concise and informative reports and presentations.

Ability to resolve complex accounting problems and recommend changes in procedures; audit annual purchases to verify and identify those purchases that should be capitalized; operate various types of standard office equipment such as typewriter, 10 key calculator, keyboard, etc.; operate personal computer in utilizing various programs to produce or compose formal documents, reports and records, charts and graphs; communicate effectively verbally and in writing; develop effective working relationships with supervisors, fellow employees, the public, and subordinates.

1. Special Qualifications:

Utah Drivers License

Must be bondable to a dollar limit prescribed by statute. Preference in recruitment may be given to applicants who are Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and/or Certified Government Finance Manager (CGFM).

1. Work Environment:

Typical office setting with typical climate controls; light physical effort required; comfortable working conditions in office environment; intermittent sitting, standing and walking; significant amount of time viewing computer screen and keyboarding for data input and analysis; mental application utilizes memory for details, verbal instructions, emotional stability, discriminating thinking and creative problem solving; considerable exposure to high stress as a result of stringent reporting deadlines and contact with individuals in potentially difficult situations; more than regular working hours may be required on a seasonal basis, and in special situations