Accountant I

Accountant I: This is the entry-level classification in the Accountant Series. Initially under general supervision, incumbents perform a variety of professional accounting duties while learning City policies and procedures. As experience is gained, assignments become more varied, complex, and difficult and close supervision and frequent review of work lessen as an incumbent demonstrates skill to perform the work independently. Positions at this level usually perform most of the duties required of the positions at the II level, but are not expected to function at the same skill level and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise.

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Provides responsible professional and technical assistance in the administration and implementation of the City\’s financial, auditing, and accounting programs.
• Prepares a wide variety of financial and statistical reports, including year-end reporting, budgetary reports, assisting in the preparation of the Comprehensive Annual Finance Report (CAFR), and preparing other legal documents and management analysis.
• Reviews accounting and financial documents to ensure accuracy of information and calculations and makes correcting entries.
• Examines supporting documentation to establish proper authorization and conformance with agreements, contracts, grants, and state and federal regulations.
• Prepares journal entries and reconciliations of general ledger, journals, subsidiary accounts, and bank statements.
• Confers with departmental representatives and provides information regarding budgeting and accounting processes.
• Analyzes and prepares varied financial statements and reports.
• Apportions monies including secured, unsecured, impounded, redeemed, and other taxes.
• Reviews and approves claims for referral of tax monies and prepares claims for reimbursement from various State departments or agencies.
• Reviews and recommends modifications to accounting systems and procedures.
• Provides technical support to outside auditors and governmental program auditors.
• May provide direction to lower level staff.
• Oversees, directs, and participates in payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, purchasing or cashiering functions and maintains all related files and reports.
• Prepares annual W-2, ACA and 1099 reports.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

Incumbents at the entry-level of the class series (level I) would not be expected to have the same level of knowledge and abilities as incumbents at the II-level and perform work in a learning capacity:

• Modern principles, practices, and methods of public and governmental accounting and financing, including program budgeting and auditing and their application to municipal operations. Specialized knowledge in specific area of assignment may be required.
• General principles and practices of data processing and its applicability to accounting and municipal operations.
• Applicable Federal, State, and local laws,regulatory codes, ordinances, and proceduresrelevant to municipal financial operations.
• Principles and practices of business organization and public administration.
• Record keeping principles and procedures.
• Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment and applications related to work, including word processing and spreadsheet software.
• English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.

Ability to:

• Analyze financial data and draw sound conclusions.
• Prepare clear, complete, and concise financial statements and reports.
• Interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with Federal, State, and local policies, procedures, laws, and regulations.
• Make accurate arithmetic, financial, and statistical computations.
• Enter and retrieve data from a computer with sufficient speed and accuracy.
• Establish and maintain a variety of filing, record-keeping, and tracking systems.
• Understand and carry out a variety of complex instructions in a responsible and independent manner.
• Organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner; organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.
• Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and specialized software applications programs.
• Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Accountant I:Equivalent to graduation from an accredited four-year college or university in accounting, finance, business administration, economics, or a closely related field, and one (1) year of general office administration or book-keeping experience.

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