What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Accounting and Financial Reporting position at City of Tuscaloosa?
The purpose of this classification is to provide financial, accounting, and analytical services for the Accounting and Finance Department and the City as a whole. This position oversees the professional and clerical staff responsible for the City's general ledger operations, accounts payable, payroll, grants, financial reporting and the preparation of the City's Comprehensive Annual Financial Report. This position is responsible for providing financial information and accounting expertise to city departments, providing oversight of the decentralized accounting functions of the City, participating in the development of accounting system interfaces, and performing additional duties as required.
This classification is authorized to act on behalf of the Deputy Chief Financial Officer as directed.The following duties are normal for this classification. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned. Specific duties listed may not be required for all positions within this classification, but are determined by the normal requirements for the particular position.
Oversees and manages the Accounting and Financial Reporting division which includes the maintenance of a wide variety of complex accounting records and subsidiary records and systems.
Participates in the formulation and administration of accounting, auditing and budget policies and procedures; develops, evaluates and implements internal controls; and oversees the creation and implementation of accounting systems to improve the City's fiscal management capabilities and/or compliance with Federal, State, and Local ordinances or guidelines.
Ensures that staff in the division are cross-trained and empowers staff to continually take on more responsibility in an effort to grow professionally.
Works with and mentors staff to ensure organizational goals are accomplished; provides opportunities for training and professional development, decision making, participation and innovation; establishes work priorities and schedules; interprets City policies and procedures for staff; works with employees to develop short and long term goals, monitor accomplishments, establish performance requirements and personal development targets and provide coaching for performance improvement and development.
Effectively communicates with staff to ensure that new practices, processes and procedures are implemented appropriately.
Responsible for the compilation of the City's Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) and preparation of all relevant supporting documentation; coordinates the annual external audit.
Updates job knowledge of and implements accounting processes and auditing regulations, including Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and Governmental Accounting Standards.
Prepares and/or coordinates the preparation of all work papers for the external audit.
Acts as liaison to the external auditors, including providing them with necessary information and materials, orienting them to city staff and facilities, and providing them with the CAFR which they audit.
Submits the CAFR to the GFOA Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting Program.
Oversees the printing and distribution of the CAFR to numerous individuals and organizations.
Coordinates with external auditors in preparing the presentation for the Finance Committee meeting at the conclusion of the audit; prepares all documentation needed for the Finance Committee meeting.
Prepares all documentation needed for council approval of the audit.
Coordinates the year-end accounting process with both internal staff and staff in other city departments by providing year-end training sessions, monitoring year-end task lists for departments and individuals, and developing and monitoring appropriate deadlines for task completion to keep the process on time.
Assists the Director of Financial Planning with departmental budget reporting; maintaining fiscal control and accountability for budget expenditures; coordinating grant applications as needed; developing budget forecasts and reports; making oral and written recommendations for fiscal affairs; and supervising service contracts and agreements; and coordinating the development of performance measures and workload indicators.
Assists the Director of Financial Planning in the formulation of budgets, execution and research: estimates expenditures expected and analyzes records of present and past operations, trends and costs, estimated and realized revenues, administrative commitments, and obligations incurred:
Provides project management expertise to facilitate the financial coordination and implementation of approved capital projects; monitoring of procedures and methods used in recording project data in the Project Management module of the accounting system; preparation of oral and written findings and recommended actions.
Conducts and coordinates complex analyses, such as research studies, feasibility studies, benchmarking studies, needs assessments, cost/benefit analysis, cross impact analysis and management studies, recalculations relative to the operations of the Accounting and Finance Department and any or all City operating units with a focus on fiscal impact; makes inferences and projections from written material and statistical data; prepares comprehensive detailed recommendations and reports.
Provides leadership and helps the Chief Financial Officer and the Deputy Chief Financial Officer set strategic direction of the Accounting and Financial Reporting division of the Accounting and Finance Department to achieve the city's social, economic, and environmental goals and to implement the work plan of the Accounting and Finance Department.
Listens, communicates and deals effectively with management, subordinates, representatives of other government agencies and the general public, researching as necessary to provide requested information.
Responds to financial requests for information from city departments. This includes the following: (1) Provides expertise in areas such as enterprise fund accounting, explaining financial reports, reconciling general ledger accounts, and recording complex accounting entries (2) Provides recommendations to properly account for any unusual or infrequent transactions (3) Provides general accounting assistance to various personnel of the city (4) Researches and synthesizes information for reports and recommendations (5) Provides coordination between budgetary and accounting functions.
Monitors and approves accounting transactions and performs the monthly close of the accounting system. Ensures the proper review of all journal entries is performed.
Monitors internal controls related to the work performed by others inside and outside of the department. If necessary, works with Internal Auditors to help improve internal controls of the city.
Ensures follow up and implementation of external audit recommendations.
Maintains the general ledger and transaction code structures in the accounting system.
Monitors and trains City departments on grant management, ensuring City complies with all A-133 requirements.
Participates with the Accounting and Finance Department, Information Technology Department, and other departments in the development of automated interfaces of independent applications to the accounting system.
Regarding financial reporting and accounting responsibilities, acts in place of Deputy Chief Financial Officer in his/her absence.
Incorporates the core beliefs of the city within the Accounting and Financial Reporting Division of the Accounting and Finance Department in order to achieve the city's standard of excellence to be the most innovative and effectively-managed city.
Fosters innovation by engaging new approaches, methods, and/or technologies; creates a work environment that encourages creative thinking and original ideas; and is receptive to new ideas.
Must accomplish the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodations, in a timely manner.
Incorporates continuous quality improvement principles in day-to-day activities.
Recommends policies and procedures that guide and support the provision of quality services by the Department.
Must meet regular attendance requirements.
Must be able to maintain good interpersonal relationships with staff, co-workers and managers.
Performs other related duties as required.Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance or related field and five years of professional accounting experience; OR a Master's degree in Accounting, Finance or related field and four years of professional accounting experience. Certification as a Certified Public Accountant required. Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license. Preference given to candidates with governmental accounting and/or utility or enterprise accounting experience.The following requirements are normal for this classification. Specific requirements may not apply to all positions within this classification, but are determined by the normal requirements for the particular position.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Must be able to operate a variety of automated office equipment including computers, printers, calculators, facsimile machines, and telephones. Physical demand requirements are at levels of those for sedentary work.
DATA COMPREHENSION: Requires the ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable functional, structural, or compositional characteristics (whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people, or things which may include spreadsheets, flow charts, graphs, and complex financial data.
INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION: Requires the ability to speak with and/or signal people to convey or exchange financial and administrative information, including giving/receiving assignments and/or directions to/from co-workers, assistants, managers, or supervisors as well as communicating with city officials and the general public.
LANGUAGE ABILITY: Requires ability to read a variety of financial and accounting documentation, directions, instructions, and methods and procedures. Requires the ability to write job related documentation and reports with proper format, punctuation, spelling and grammar, using all parts of speech. Requires the ability to speak with and before others with poise, voice control, and confidence using correct English and well-modulated voice.
INTELLIGENCE: Requires the ability to learn and understand complex accounting principles and techniques, to understand departmental policies and procedures, to make independent judgments in absence of supervision, and to acquire and be able to expound on knowledge of topics related to primary occupation.
VERBAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, and to follow verbal and written instructions.
NUMERICAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to add and subtract; multiply and divide; calculate decimals and percentages; interpret graphs; compute discounts, interest, profit and loss, ratio and proportion; perform calculations involving variables, formulas, square routs, and polynomials; perform statistical calculations which include frequency distributions, reliability and validity of tests, correlation techniques, factor analysis, and econometrics.
FORM/SPATIAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to visually inspect items for proper length, width, and shape using job related equipment which may include automated office equipment.
MOTOR COORDINATION: Requires the ability to coordinate hands and eyes in using automated office equipment.
MANUAL DEXTERITY: May require the ability to handle a variety of items, computers, printers, calculators, facsimile machines, and telephones, control knobs, switches, etc. May require the ability to use one hand for twisting motion or turning motion while coordinating other hand with different activities. Must have minimal levels of eye/hand/foot coordination.
COLOR DIFFERENTIATION: May require the ability to discern color.
INTERPERSONAL TEMPERAMENT: Requires the ability to deal with and relate to people beyond giving and receiving instructions. Must be able to adapt to and perform under minimal stress when confronted with an emergency.
PHYSICAL COMMUNICATION: Requires the ability to talk, express, or exchange ideas by means of spoken words and/or hear and perceive nature of sounds by ear.
This classification is authorized to act on behalf of the Deputy Chief Financial Officer as directed.The following duties are normal for this classification. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned. Specific duties listed may not be required for all positions within this classification, but are determined by the normal requirements for the particular position.
Oversees and manages the Accounting and Financial Reporting division which includes the maintenance of a wide variety of complex accounting records and subsidiary records and systems.
Participates in the formulation and administration of accounting, auditing and budget policies and procedures; develops, evaluates and implements internal controls; and oversees the creation and implementation of accounting systems to improve the City's fiscal management capabilities and/or compliance with Federal, State, and Local ordinances or guidelines.
Ensures that staff in the division are cross-trained and empowers staff to continually take on more responsibility in an effort to grow professionally.
Works with and mentors staff to ensure organizational goals are accomplished; provides opportunities for training and professional development, decision making, participation and innovation; establishes work priorities and schedules; interprets City policies and procedures for staff; works with employees to develop short and long term goals, monitor accomplishments, establish performance requirements and personal development targets and provide coaching for performance improvement and development.
Effectively communicates with staff to ensure that new practices, processes and procedures are implemented appropriately.
Responsible for the compilation of the City's Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) and preparation of all relevant supporting documentation; coordinates the annual external audit.
Updates job knowledge of and implements accounting processes and auditing regulations, including Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and Governmental Accounting Standards.
Prepares and/or coordinates the preparation of all work papers for the external audit.
Acts as liaison to the external auditors, including providing them with necessary information and materials, orienting them to city staff and facilities, and providing them with the CAFR which they audit.
Submits the CAFR to the GFOA Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting Program.
Oversees the printing and distribution of the CAFR to numerous individuals and organizations.
Coordinates with external auditors in preparing the presentation for the Finance Committee meeting at the conclusion of the audit; prepares all documentation needed for the Finance Committee meeting.
Prepares all documentation needed for council approval of the audit.
Coordinates the year-end accounting process with both internal staff and staff in other city departments by providing year-end training sessions, monitoring year-end task lists for departments and individuals, and developing and monitoring appropriate deadlines for task completion to keep the process on time.
Assists the Director of Financial Planning with departmental budget reporting; maintaining fiscal control and accountability for budget expenditures; coordinating grant applications as needed; developing budget forecasts and reports; making oral and written recommendations for fiscal affairs; and supervising service contracts and agreements; and coordinating the development of performance measures and workload indicators.
Assists the Director of Financial Planning in the formulation of budgets, execution and research: estimates expenditures expected and analyzes records of present and past operations, trends and costs, estimated and realized revenues, administrative commitments, and obligations incurred:
Provides project management expertise to facilitate the financial coordination and implementation of approved capital projects; monitoring of procedures and methods used in recording project data in the Project Management module of the accounting system; preparation of oral and written findings and recommended actions.
Conducts and coordinates complex analyses, such as research studies, feasibility studies, benchmarking studies, needs assessments, cost/benefit analysis, cross impact analysis and management studies, recalculations relative to the operations of the Accounting and Finance Department and any or all City operating units with a focus on fiscal impact; makes inferences and projections from written material and statistical data; prepares comprehensive detailed recommendations and reports.
Provides leadership and helps the Chief Financial Officer and the Deputy Chief Financial Officer set strategic direction of the Accounting and Financial Reporting division of the Accounting and Finance Department to achieve the city's social, economic, and environmental goals and to implement the work plan of the Accounting and Finance Department.
Listens, communicates and deals effectively with management, subordinates, representatives of other government agencies and the general public, researching as necessary to provide requested information.
Responds to financial requests for information from city departments. This includes the following: (1) Provides expertise in areas such as enterprise fund accounting, explaining financial reports, reconciling general ledger accounts, and recording complex accounting entries (2) Provides recommendations to properly account for any unusual or infrequent transactions (3) Provides general accounting assistance to various personnel of the city (4) Researches and synthesizes information for reports and recommendations (5) Provides coordination between budgetary and accounting functions.
Monitors and approves accounting transactions and performs the monthly close of the accounting system. Ensures the proper review of all journal entries is performed.
Monitors internal controls related to the work performed by others inside and outside of the department. If necessary, works with Internal Auditors to help improve internal controls of the city.
Ensures follow up and implementation of external audit recommendations.
Maintains the general ledger and transaction code structures in the accounting system.
Monitors and trains City departments on grant management, ensuring City complies with all A-133 requirements.
Participates with the Accounting and Finance Department, Information Technology Department, and other departments in the development of automated interfaces of independent applications to the accounting system.
Regarding financial reporting and accounting responsibilities, acts in place of Deputy Chief Financial Officer in his/her absence.
Incorporates the core beliefs of the city within the Accounting and Financial Reporting Division of the Accounting and Finance Department in order to achieve the city's standard of excellence to be the most innovative and effectively-managed city.
Fosters innovation by engaging new approaches, methods, and/or technologies; creates a work environment that encourages creative thinking and original ideas; and is receptive to new ideas.
Must accomplish the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodations, in a timely manner.
Incorporates continuous quality improvement principles in day-to-day activities.
Recommends policies and procedures that guide and support the provision of quality services by the Department.
Must meet regular attendance requirements.
Must be able to maintain good interpersonal relationships with staff, co-workers and managers.
Performs other related duties as required.Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance or related field and five years of professional accounting experience; OR a Master's degree in Accounting, Finance or related field and four years of professional accounting experience. Certification as a Certified Public Accountant required. Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license. Preference given to candidates with governmental accounting and/or utility or enterprise accounting experience.The following requirements are normal for this classification. Specific requirements may not apply to all positions within this classification, but are determined by the normal requirements for the particular position.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Must be able to operate a variety of automated office equipment including computers, printers, calculators, facsimile machines, and telephones. Physical demand requirements are at levels of those for sedentary work.
DATA COMPREHENSION: Requires the ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable functional, structural, or compositional characteristics (whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people, or things which may include spreadsheets, flow charts, graphs, and complex financial data.
INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION: Requires the ability to speak with and/or signal people to convey or exchange financial and administrative information, including giving/receiving assignments and/or directions to/from co-workers, assistants, managers, or supervisors as well as communicating with city officials and the general public.
LANGUAGE ABILITY: Requires ability to read a variety of financial and accounting documentation, directions, instructions, and methods and procedures. Requires the ability to write job related documentation and reports with proper format, punctuation, spelling and grammar, using all parts of speech. Requires the ability to speak with and before others with poise, voice control, and confidence using correct English and well-modulated voice.
INTELLIGENCE: Requires the ability to learn and understand complex accounting principles and techniques, to understand departmental policies and procedures, to make independent judgments in absence of supervision, and to acquire and be able to expound on knowledge of topics related to primary occupation.
VERBAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, and to follow verbal and written instructions.
NUMERICAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to add and subtract; multiply and divide; calculate decimals and percentages; interpret graphs; compute discounts, interest, profit and loss, ratio and proportion; perform calculations involving variables, formulas, square routs, and polynomials; perform statistical calculations which include frequency distributions, reliability and validity of tests, correlation techniques, factor analysis, and econometrics.
FORM/SPATIAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to visually inspect items for proper length, width, and shape using job related equipment which may include automated office equipment.
MOTOR COORDINATION: Requires the ability to coordinate hands and eyes in using automated office equipment.
MANUAL DEXTERITY: May require the ability to handle a variety of items, computers, printers, calculators, facsimile machines, and telephones, control knobs, switches, etc. May require the ability to use one hand for twisting motion or turning motion while coordinating other hand with different activities. Must have minimal levels of eye/hand/foot coordination.
COLOR DIFFERENTIATION: May require the ability to discern color.
INTERPERSONAL TEMPERAMENT: Requires the ability to deal with and relate to people beyond giving and receiving instructions. Must be able to adapt to and perform under minimal stress when confronted with an emergency.
PHYSICAL COMMUNICATION: Requires the ability to talk, express, or exchange ideas by means of spoken words and/or hear and perceive nature of sounds by ear.
Salary : $101,520
