Financial Accountant - Utilities, Landfill, Sanitation and DEP Reporting

SUMMARY

In support of the Charlotte County Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller’s mission as guardians of public records and assets, this position is responsible for performing technical and analytical work for the Charlotte County, Clerk and Comptroller’s office in the preparation and maintenance of accounting records with enterprise funds. Responsible for fund accounting activities, including maintaining schedules/documentation for general fixed assets of enterprise funds; reconciling assets and liabilities; coordinating and recording deposits and other financial activities as well as reconciling accounts; preparing escrow/expenditure accrual schedules and other accounting activities related to the funds.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Responsible for the accounting of special assessments for utility related projects and other various tasks related to enterprise funds, to include revenue and receivable recognition in accordance with GAAP, analysis of assessment rates, debt service schedules and other related financing transactions.
• Responsible for maintaining the fixed asset module within the County's general ledger system, including year-end reconciliation to the general ledger trial balance for presentation to the external audit team for the annual audit as relates to enterprise funds and close out of utility, landfill and sanitation projects, working with both fiscal staff, utility staff and landfill staff to ensure the proper recording of construction in progress and fixed assets.
• Responsible for meeting all reporting requirements with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) with respect to landfill closure funding and required escrow deposits for the audit by an external accounting firm and subsequent submission to the FDEP.
• Responsible for monthly reconciliations of the Landfill accounts receivable and proper recording of customer deposits and billing, utilizing an external landfill customer-based system.
• Responsible for preparation of all requested analysis and account reconciliation by an external audit firm as relates to the Landfill, Utility and Sanitation Districts annual audit.

• Responsible for oversight of several funds, including special benefit units, and preparation of financial statements, cash flow statements and footnotes for year-end reporting in the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the Landfill, the Utility and Sanitation District using generally accepted governmental accounting standards.

• Prepares year-end accrual and adjusting journal entries.
• Prepares various reports, schedules, and analysis as requested.

• Supports our core value of Continuous, Innovation and Improvement, by serving as a resource to other Comptroller staff and troubleshoots problems to assure accurate maintenance of financial data.

• Responsible for accuracy and completeness of financial analysis work performed.
• Responsible for keeping current with accounting standards that affect his/her areas of responsibility.
• Assists with special projects.
• Must maintain confidentiality.
• Other duties as required.

REMOTE WORK

This position is eligible for remote work under the remote work policy

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

There are no direct supervisory responsibilities, however from time to time the incumbent will interface with Finance department clerical staff.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Proficiency using Microsoft Word and Excel are required.
• Must also be able to work nights and weekends as needed to complete required fiscal reporting or as needed to attend commission or other budgetary and/or investment meetings.
• Must also be able to attend outside business and other governmental or community functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, or related field, from four-year college or university; and four years related experience and/or training. Experience in Governmental Enterprise Funds Accounting is preferred. Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles as it applies to governmental entities is preferred.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Excellent knowledge and use of grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure. Proficiency with Excel and other Windows-based software required. Must possess superior communication, leadership, and organizational skills. Must demonstrate initiative, planning, good judgment, and analytical abilities to evaluate problems and create solutions. Ability to coordinate projects and accomplish tasks with and/or through the efforts of peers and/or subordinates. Ability to identify the need for and coordinate completion of modifications to existing policies, procedures, and accounting systems as required. Must be able to work effectively with co-workers and members of other departments.

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and

procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, and percentages. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS A valid Florida Driver's License or Florida Identification is required for the hiring process.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, use hands to handle; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 lbs. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.