Accountant/Senior Accountant

ABOUT CEDAR PARK 
The City of Cedar Park is a vibrant suburb of over 83,000 residents, located 17 miles northwest of downtown Austin and recognized for its quality of life in the fast-growth dynamic Central Texas region. Cedar Park is the fourth largest city in the Austin metropolitan area, shares a border with Austin, and is ideally situated for corporate headquarters with a growing number of high tech and major manufacturing employers. With deep roots as a small community and ability to retain a hometown feel, it is known for its outstanding schools, probusiness climate and relaxed family environment. Named one of the Best Suburbs for Growing Families and Best Small City in America in 2020, Cedar Park offers all the benefits of life in an emerging first ring suburb in a region known for its high tech, innovation and live music, with desirable neighborhoods, an entrepreneurial business environment, and an effective, well managed city government.

VISION
We image the City of Cedar Park as a family-oriented community, one of compassion, integrity, diversity and many faiths. We are an attractive destination, a leader in business development and committed to an exceptional quality of life for all. 

JOB SUMMARY

Performs general ledger accounting including the preparation and review of monthly journal entries, bank and general ledger reconciliations; maintains fixed assets and purchasing systems; and reviews payroll. Assists the Finance Director and Accounting Manager with various special projects, as needed, including gathering information for external auditors. Prepares and files regulatory and tax reports, reviews and approves entries prepared by co-workers, performs financial analysis, prepares schedules for year-end financial statements.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Accountant Role

• Prepares, posts and reviews journal entries;
• Reviews payroll and payroll changes;
• Ensures proper accounting of fixed assets;
• Reviews and records daily bank activity including wire, ACH payments, ACH returns, pay exceptions and reconciles the City’s bank accounts;
• Monitors cash balances at the bank and initiates transfers when needed; 
• Assists Budget team as needed, which may include analyzing actuals in the general ledger to explain fluctuations and ensure transactions are properly coded; 
• Maintains relationships with City departments, regional governmental entities, and other non-governmental entities in support of City projects and programs; 
• Prepares monthly property tax worksheets and reconciles delinquent taxes, current ad valorem taxes, and penalty and interest taxes;
• Reviews Account Payable packets and verifies accuracy and completeness;
• Prepares various financial reports, statements, and related notes;
• Records and tracks investment activity and prepares monthly and quarterly investment reports;
• Assists with external audit schedules and supporting documentation;
• Manages billings to third parties such as cost-sharing on capital projects;
• Performs rental property accounting; and
• Assists City Manager, Finance Director, and/or Assistant Director of Finance with special projects as needed.

Senior Accountant Role

• Prepares quarterly payroll tax return and conducts related year-end reconciliation;
• Assists with preparation of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, including related disclosures and schedules; 
• Works with budget analyst to ensure grant activity is properly captured on each grant, distinguishing between grant funding and the City’s share;
• Prepares quarterly invoicing to 3^rd parties on cost-sharing projects or on grant-funded projects; 
• Prepares journal entries related to debt issuances when debt is issued by the City; 
• Prepares monthly journal entries for investments and interest allocations.  

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor's Degree in Finance, Accounting, Business or a related field; 

Accountant Role

Minimum of two (2) years of accounting experience, preferably including one year in governmental accounting; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Senior Accountant Role

Minimum of three (3) years of accounting experience, preferably including two years in governmental accounting; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. 

Knowledge & Technical Skills:

Knowledge:  Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), accounting practices and procedures; applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations. 

Knowledge of ACFR and grant experience is a plus. 

Skill/Ability: Prepare budgets and financial statements neatly and accurately; operate standard office equipment, including calculator and computer using standard word processing and spreadsheet software for accounting purposes; establish and maintain effective working relationships with local and state government officials and the general public; demonstrate proficiency in both oral and written communication; and recognize, evaluate, and respond adequately to a variety of financial issues faced by the city.

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS
Reports to: Accounting Manager 
Directs:      This is a non-supervisory position
Other:         Works closely with City departments, co-workers, general public, and representatives of various organizations and agencies. 

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The City of Cedar Park is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. As an EEO employer, the City will conduct its staffing activities, selection, promotion, demotion, transfer, training, and separation in accordance with Federal, State, and Local EEO laws and regulations as they affect the City. The City of Cedar Park will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, veteran status, or disability.   

Salary : $4,605 - $7,667