Principal Accountant

Position Summary

Responsible for organizing and coordinating the preparation of the City's Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) in the accounting division; provide technical assistance to higher level supervisory or management staff and all City Departments in the recording and reporting of financial transaction; analyze, review, evaluate and reconcile all funds and accounts; provide management reports and assist in the development and implementation of adopted financial policies.

Job descriptions are intended to present a general list of tasks/duties performed by employees within this job classification. Job Descriptions are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

Minimum Education, Experience And Additional Requirements

Education and experience directly related to the minimum requirements below may be interchangeable on a year for year basis. Exception: The twelve (12) required credit hours in accounting are not interchangeable.

Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or business administration to include twelve (12) credit hours in accounting with a passing grade of a 'C' or better; and

Four (4) years of accounting experience in analyzing and reconciling accounts, financial statement preparation or governmental accounting.

Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM) preferred.

Preferred Knowledge

• Accounting principles, municipal accounting, grant accounting and fixed asset accounting
• Operations, services and activities of a computerized financial management program
• Methods and techniques of financial analysis
• Principles and practices of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), GASB and FASB
• Principles and practices of fiscal record keeping and reporting
• Principles and techniques of general and fund accounting
• Principles and procedures related to budgetary preparation, controls and development
• Methods and techniques of research, analysis and report preparation
• Principles of supervision, training and performance evaluation

Preferred Skills & Abilities

• Explain accounting concepts and standards to financial and non-financial personnel throughout the City
• Work with PC based spreadsheets, word processing and database applications
• Work on several major projects simultaneously with short deadlines
• Work independently in the absence of supervision
• Communicate clearly and concisely
• Perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation
• Analyze financial problems and recommend solutions
• Exercise good judgment and make sound decisions
• Work cooperatively, diplomatically and tactfully on highly sensitive issues with administrative and city council staff
• Interpret Department and City policies and procedures