Accountant I

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF CLASS

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Sets up and maintains account combinations and attributes cost centers within an automated, centralized general ledger system.
• Prepares and maintains custom financial reports within the general ledger system.
• Uploads and posts financial information from various subsidiary ledgers to the general ledger.
• Prepares adjusting journal entries to the general ledger as needed to maintain the accuracy of the financial information.
• Reconciles the general ledger to subsidiary ledgers to verify the accuracy of account balances.
• Monitors general ledger accounts related to special project accounting, including project initiation, progress reporting, and closure.
• Reviews and records routine budget adjustment requests.
• Prepares reports issued to federal and state regulatory agencies as required to request funding and to satisfy financial and reporting requirements of financial assistance programs.
• Compiles or assists in compiling monthly financial statements, statistical reports, annual financial reports, special reports, and analyses.
• Assists in the compilation and update of the City's accounting procedures manual.
• Prepares schedules and reports used to remit taxes to other governments.
• Assists external auditors during annual audits, including preparation of financial statements and supporting schedules.
• Aids in preparing, balancing, and monitoring the City's annual budget.
• Assists in developing automated systems that accumulate, track, and report financial transactions.
• Maintains computerized fixed asset accounting system, including entry of new purchases, dispositions, and reconciliation to the general ledger.
• Performs research projects as requested by superiors in the Finance Department.
• Assists personnel in other City departments in solving technical accounting problems.
• May be required to work alternate hours as necessary for the efficient operations of the department.
• Position designated as Mission Critical.

• Performs related work as required.

QUALIFICATIONS (EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE)

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Accounting.
• Two (2) years of experience in accounting and fiscal operations.

• Master's degree or higher from an accredited college or university in Accounting.

• Must possess a valid driver's license.
• Must maintain a valid home telephone number.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES

• Considerable knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles, including accounting rules of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and governmental accounting principles and procedures and their application to various accounting transactions and problems.
• Ability to apply accounting principles to maintain voluminous financial and accounting transactions.
• Knowledge of office procedures, practices, systems, and equipment applied to financial operations.
• Ability to analyze and evaluate accounting problems and to discern those requiring policy determinations by superiors.
• Ability to prepare complex financial reports and statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
• Ability to apply existing skills and comprehend, develop, and apply new skills associated with using sophisticated computer applications and desktop hardware systems, including readily adapting to changes in computer programs and hardware configurations resulting from advances in computer technology.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and personnel from other departments.
• Ability to express ideas clearly, both verbally and in writing.

• Requires sedentary work that involves walking or standing some of the time, exerting up to 10 pounds of force regularly, and routine keyboard operations.
• The job risks exposure to bright/dim lights, dusts, and pollen.
• The job requires normal visual acuity, field of vision, hearing, and speaking.