Accountant

Job Description

This position performs financial accounting duties in support of the city's financial operations.

Examples of Duties

• Performs day-to-day accounting functions in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), Government Account Standards Board (GASB) guidelines, and federal, state and local requirements.
• Prepares and completes month-end closings; reconciles bank and investment accounts; prepares closing journal entries.
• Assists in the budgeting process; analyzes historical data and rates to forecast future needs; prepares special reports, worksheets, and computations; interprets analysis and makes recommendations as requested.
• Assists in the development of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR); ensures compliance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), Government Accounting Standards Board (GASB) requirements, Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) best practices, and federal and state policies and procedures.
• Prepares and analyzes a variety of regular and special financial reports.
• Provides accounting support to city departments.
• May develop and maintain capital asset records, including acquisitions, dispositions, construction in progress, and depreciation records.
• May review city payroll for accuracy; identifies and corrects errors; completes the processing of payroll
• May prepare and reconcile payroll, unemployment, and sales tax reports.
• May prepare and submit 1099s.
• May provide support for the allocation of special assessments; ensures compliance with the North Dakota Century Code, city ordinances and policies; gathers data from other departments to determine special assessments.
• May assist in reconciling highway construction, special assessment bond funds, and construction funds to verify cash flow and identify deficiencies; assists in computing developers' CDs and requirements.
• Analyzes, computes, and prepares forecasts based on financial statements, cost reports, cash balances and other financial data; allocates bond costs to special assessment districts and reconciles revenue bond debt covenants.
• May assist with grant compliance, closeout, and reconciliations on a portfolio of assigned grants.
• Manages and reconciles city bank accounts; reconciles cash receipts, credit card activity, investments, and interfund receivables and payables.
• Prepares year-end statements for assigned accounts.
• Assists in the implementation of new financial management software programs.
• Audits credit card transactions.
• Provides backup to Account Technicians, Grants Coordinator, and other Accountants, as needed.
• Assists in interpreting and communicating technical information to developers, property owners, and department staff.
• Coordinates transactions with Accountants, Accounting Technicians and various department staff. . Prepares budget adjustments and journal entry corrections.
• Performs related duties.

Minimum Qualifications

• Knowledge and level of competency commonly associated with the completion of a baccalaureate degree in accounting or related field.
• Sufficient experience to understand the basic principles relevant to the major duties of the position, usually associated with having had a similar position.

Supplemental Information

• Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).
• Knowledge of Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) guidelines.
• Knowledge of relevant federal and state laws, city ordinances, and department policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of auditing principles.
• Knowledge of computers and job-related software programs.
• Skill in problem solving.
• Skill in prioritizing and planning.
• Skill in interpersonal relations.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Skill in complex problem solving, critical thinking and sound use of sound judgment
• Ability to interpret complex information.