Accountant- Open Competitive Exam

General Description

The eligible list resulting from this exam will be used to fill vacancies at (both) the City of Rochester and the Rochester Housing Authority.

City of Rochester salary range: $50,908 - $65,963
Rochester Housing Authority salary range: $43,625 - $61,179

Employees in this accounting position are responsible for the maintenance and analysis of accounts and the preparation of financial reports. Direct supervision is received with an allowance for the exercise of independent judgment in accordance with established objectives, policies and procedures. Work is performed using both automated and manual accounting systems. Supervision may be exercised over a small number of clerical personnel. Related work is performed as required.

Typical Work Activities

• Maintains general records of accounts including general and subsidiary ledgers, making adjustments or entries and preparing financial summaries;
• Develops and updates financial reports using personal computer software such as spreadsheet and database programs;
• Confers, in person and in writing, with internal accounting and clerical personnel, departments, municipalities and businesses relative to accounting matters;
• Prepares, independently, standard or specialized financial reports;
• Verifies claim vouchers for payment;
• Advises others as requested regarding automated financial systems, according to established accounting procedures;
• Integrates and reconciles manual records with automated accounting systems;
• Sets up accounting systems to ensure compliance with federal regulations and state requirements for grant accounting and reporting;
• Takes trial balances;
• Instructs others on methods for routine posting, filing and related accounting activities.

Minimum Qualifications

High School Diploma or Equivalent, PLUS:

• Bachelor’s Degree** PLUS one (1) year of experience in accounting or auditing; OR

• Associate’s Degree** PLUS three (3) years of experience in accounting or auditing; OR

• Four (4) years of experience in accounting or auditing

• 
  A degree in Accounting can be substituted for one (1) year of experience.

**Candidates who expect to receive this degree or diploma by August 1, 2025, may participate in the examination. If successful on the examination, you will not be certified for appointment until you have submitted proof of completion of the requirements to the City of Rochester Examination Administration Unit. Proof must be submitted no later than 2 (two) months after the completion of your degree or diploma; failure to do so will result in the removal of your name from this list.

Exam Information

Scopes/Subjects of Examination: A test designed to evaluate knowledge, skills and/or abilities in the following areas.

Preparing Written Material: These questions test for the ability to present information clearly and accurately, and to organize paragraphs logically and comprehensibly. For some questions, you will be given information in two or three sentences followed by four restatements of the information. You must then choose the best version. For other questions, you will be given paragraphs with their sentences out of order. You must then choose, from four suggestions, the best order for the sentences.

General Accounting: These questions test for knowledge of the general accounting principles and practices used in the preparation of financial statements, in the recording and reporting of financial transactions, and in financial decision-making. Candidates will be required to demonstrate a current knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). Knowledge of computerized information systems as it applies to accounting may be required.

General Auditing: These questions test for knowledge of the principles and procedures involved in substantiating and examining transactions and financial statements. It will require a knowledge of auditing techniques and Generally Accepted Auditing Standards (GAAS). Knowledge of the use of computerized accounting or auditing systems as it pertains to auditing may be required. Questions relating to internal controls applicable to manual and computerized accounting systems may be included.

Understanding and Interpreting Tabular Material: These questions test your ability to understand, analyze, and use the internal logic of data presented in tabular form. You may be asked to perform tasks such as completing tables, drawing conclusions from them, analyzing data trends or interrelationships, and revising or combining data sets. The concepts of rate, ratio, and proportion are tested. Mathematical operations are simple, and computational speed is not a major factor in the test. You should bring with you a hand-held battery- or solar-powered calculator for use on this test. You will not be permitted to use the calculator function of your cell phone.

Test Guide:

• The New York State Department of Civil Service has not prepared a test guide for this examination. However, candidates may find information in the publication 'General Guide to Written Tests' helpful in preparing for this test. This publication is available online at: https://www.cs.ny.gov/testing/testguides.cfm.
• The Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County MAY have exam-related material, as well as, other branches. (i.e., CSEA Exam Preparation booklets)

For full-time employees:
The City of Rochester offers a complete benefits package to full-time employees including health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave.

For less-than full-time employees:
The City of Rochester offers numerous growth opportunities to include the potential to transition into full-time, permanent employment.