Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.
JOB OBJECTIVES
To perform professional accounting and financial management functions supporting City-wide operations; to maintain the accuracy of the City’s ledgers and subsidiary financial systems; to prepare and maintain accurate financial records and reports; to develop and implement financial record keeping procedures; to coordinate the City’s annual financial audit; to administer the City’s financial software system; and to provide highly responsible staff assistance to the Assistant Finance Director.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives direction from the Assistant Finance Director.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is the advanced journey level class within the Accountant series. Positions at this level are distinguished from other classes within the series by the level of responsibility assumed and the complexity of duties assigned. Employees at this level possess a specialized functional or technical expertise in governmental accounting beyond the journey level and assume responsibility for performing the more complex duties which may include assisting in the City’s annual financial audit and administering the City’s financial software system.
The following tasks are typical for positions in this classification. Any single position may not perform all of these tasks and/or may perform similar related tasks not listed here:
- Perform a variety of professional accounting and financial reporting functions supporting City-wide operations; maintain accuracy of general, revenue and expenditure ledgers and subsidiary financial systems.
- Review and audit accounts payable, accounts receivable, receipts, payroll and other accounting records and transactions.
- Reconcile financial ledgers and records; prepare financial statements and reports, general and subsidiary ledgers and supporting schedules; research and resolve discrepancies; prepare journal entries as needed.
- Prepare financial statistical reports related to various City accounts, fixed assets and financial transactions; conduct month and year-end closing functions including reconciling City accounting system to the audited financial statements.
- Oversee the submission of financial and accounting reports required by outside agencies; answer related questions as needed.
- Perform daily accounting tasks and process a variety of accounting transactions such as cash management and bank reconciliation, debt payments, investments, and correction of accounting errors; reconcile bank statements and accounts with the general ledger; create updated investment schedules to calculate complex interest allocations.
- Prepare monthly Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) financial statements by converting the City’s accounting system information and utility work orders to the required FERC format and regulations.
- Assist in the annual financial audit and preparation of the Annual Financial Report; prepare audit work papers, act as liaison to the auditors, review accounting and auditing pronouncements and implements where necessary.
- Act as liaison with accounting software system provider to ensure accounting system is maintained and to resolve technical issues related to the City’s financial software system; make changes to computer accounting system while maintaining effective internal controls; maintain administration and security on the financial software system including adding, deleting or changing employees’ security levels.
- Review and approve expenditure vouchers submitted by all City departments; ensure adherence to established guidelines.
- Attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of new changes, current practices and developments in the field of professional accounting.
- Maintain regular, predictable attendance and punctuality.
- Contribute to a positive work environment.
- Perform other directly related duties consistent with the role and function of the classification.
QUALIFICATIONSKnowledge of:
Operations, services and activities of a general accounting and finance program.
Principles and practices of accounting and auditing including general ledger, debit, credit, journal entries and audit procedures.
Principles and practices of governmental accounting.
Auditing principles and practices.
Methods and techniques of analyzing general ledgers and preparing journal entries.
Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission accounting principles.
Methods and techniques of preparing financial reports and statements.
Operations of manual and automated accounting systems.
Advanced mathematical principles.
Principles and practices of financial record keeping and reporting.
Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment.
Pertinent Federal, State and local codes, laws and regulations.
Ability to:
Perform a variety of professional accounting and financial analysis functions.
Complete detailed accounting transactions.
Reconcile and adjust financial statements with the general ledger.
Monitor cash flow.
Prepare and maintain accurate financial statements, records and reports.
Perform mathematical calculations with speed and accuracy.
Operate a variety of office equipment including a computer and associated word processing and spreadsheet applications.
Analyze complex financial transactions and formulas.
Interpret and apply applicable Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations.
Understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Establish and maintain effective relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Education:
Equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in finance, accounting, business administration or a related field.
Experience:
Four years of increasingly responsible governmental accounting experience. Experience coordinating financial audits preferred.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS
The physical demands herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential job functions.
Environment: Incumbents work in a normal office setting with exposure to computer screens, noise level is typical of most office environments.
Mobility: Incumbents require sufficient mobility to work in an office setting and operate office equipment; to walk, stand or sit for prolonged periods of time. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate office equipment.
Vision, Hearing and Communication: Vision sufficient to read small printed documents, computer screens and other documents. Hearing and speech sufficient to communicate in person and over the telephone.
Selection ProcessSubmit completed City application online by the posted deadline. Be sure to include in your application a valid email address you check frequently (including spam and junk folders), as candidates may be notified via email. Appropriate documentation establishing veteran status must be submitted if claiming veteran's preference, including the City of Forest Grove's Veteran's Preference Form and the DD-214 or DD-215 Form. Application materials will be screened based on the employment application and supplemental questions.
Applications will be screened through an evaluation of skills, experience and work history. Selected candidates will be invited to interview. An offer of employment will be contingent upon verification of an acceptable driving and criminal record, as well as a credit check. Generally initial placement will be made at the beginning of the salary range. This is an equal employment opportunity.
Please be sure to include in your application a valid email address you check frequently (including spam and junk folders), as candidates may be notified via email.
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