ACCOUNTANT

SUMMARY

This is professional accounting work in the application of established accounting principles and methods in the preparation, maintenance, analysis and control of financial records. Employees in this class are responsible for preparation, maintenance, analysis and control of fiscal records and statements in a departmental or central fiscal operation, or for assisting superiors with more complex accounting activities and the resolution of problems, applying professional accounting principles and methods to a variety of accounting procedures and problems. The emphasis of the work is on the maintenance of controls and balances of fiscal records through standard relationships of subsidiary ledgers to general ledgers or other accounting control methods.

NATURE OF WORK

Duties require independent judgment in resolving technical accounting problems. Account classifications and operational standards are determined by established county and departmental regulations or statutory requirements. Supervision may be exercised by subordinate clerical personnel who assist in accounting, collection and related activities. Supervision is received from an administrative or professional superior who reviews progress and completed work for adherence to professional accounting standards and program guidelines, and completed work is also subject to periodic internal or external audit.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Participates in the maintenance of accounting records in a departmental fiscal operation according to established account classifications, subsidiary journals, general ledgers and departmental or statutory accounting procedures; advises on or makes adjusting entries.
• Compiles and analyzes financial information to prepare entries to accounts, such as general ledger accounts, documenting business transactions.
• Analyzes financial information detailing assets, liabilities, and capital, and prepares balance sheet, profit and loss statement, and other reports to summarize and interpret current and projected company financial position for other managers.
• Prepares various financial statements and schedules, income and expenditure reports, statistical summaries and special reports from accounting records; assists superiors in the preparation of complete periodic financial statements of departmental or program operations.
• Audits contracts, orders, and vouchers, and prepares reports to substantiate individual transactions prior to settlement.
• Installs, modifies, documents, and coordinates implementation of accounting systems and accounting control procedures.
• Devises and implements system for general accounting.
• Reconciles bank statements and reconciles departmental reports with computer generated reports.
• Makes recommendations regarding the accounting of reserves, assets, and expenditures.
• Conducts studies and submits recommendations for improving the organization's accounting operation.
• Collects appropriate data and prepares federal, state, and local reports and tax returns.
• Performs related work as required

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS

• Knowledge of professional accounting principles and procedures.
• Knowledge of the general principles of public financial administration including the budgetary process, reporting requirements and cost accounting techniques.
• Knowledge of computerized accounting systems, operating activities and fiscal programs of the department or agency of assignment.
• Knowledge of sources of information and accounting techniques used in the preparation of fiscal reports, statements, schedules and summaries.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, rules, regulations and guidelines relating to financial records of county departments and agencies funded by federal grants.
• Some knowledge of management principles and supervisory practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of office methods and procedures and familiarity with the use of standard office equipment.
• Ability to prepare complete and accurate accounting reports and statements.
• Ability to perform detailed work involving written and numerical data.
• Ability to make arithmetic calculations rapidly and accurately.
• Ability to interpret and apply accounting procedures and guidelines to a variety of accounting operations and problems.
• Ability to supervise a small group of clerical subordinates in a manner conducive to full performance and high morale.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.

EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting

• 4 years of accounting or bookkeeping experience are required.

 • Experience in Computerized Financial Accounting System.

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING

Any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience, which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job, may be substituted for evaluation at the discretion of the City.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. 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 regularly required to sit, stand, and walk; talk or hear, both in person and by telephone; handle and feel computers and standard business equipment; and reach with hands and arms.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

Equal Employment Opportunity/EEO

The City of Opa-locka is committed to a policy of equal employment opportunity for all employees and applicants. Under this policy, all employees and applicants will be treated fairly and equally, and the City of Opa-locka will comply with all applicable local, state, and federal employment discrimination laws. These protections extend to all management practices and decisions, including recruitment and hiring, performance appraisals, promotions, termination, training, and career development. selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, volunteers, subcontractors, vendors, and clients.