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Hiring Incentive will be paid out in three equal installments.
The Principal Accountant performs advanced fund accounting activities including assisting with the drafting of financial statements and associated notes and audit schedules. Assists and leads the lower-level accountants and accounting technicians in the performance of their assignments. Oversees and reviews activities of lower-level accountants and accounting technicians. Provide management reports and assist in the development and implementation of adopted financial policies.
Education, Training, Experience, Certifications, Licenses and Registrations
Education / higher education: Bachelor's Degree
For required college degrees, applicable field(s) of study:Business or public administration, general management, accounting, or finance. Other degrees will be considered if the incumbent possesses a minimum of nine credit hours of accounting coursework.
Minimum number of years of directly related experience: Three years directly related experience in government finance or accounting, or enterprise fund accounting. In lieu of a degree incumbent must possess seven years of directly related experience. A CPA may be substituted for two years of experience.
Education and/or experience preferences: Annual Comprehensive Financial Report preparation. At least two years in government finance experience.
Driver’s License requirement:Infrequent Driver -- Regular Driver's License Required Endorsements: None
Note--For any driver, driving record must always meet City driving and insurability standards.
Required certifications, licenses or registrations: none
Preferred certifications, licenses or registrations: CPA
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge: Considerable knowledge of the principles, practices and methods of modern municipal accounting and financial reporting. Considerable knowledge of accounting for investments, capital assets, debt and best practices for cash management. Good knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Government Accounting Standards Board (GASB) and Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) pronouncements.
Skills: Must be able to type rapidly and accurately enough to successfully produce documents/spreadsheets, communicate via e-mail, or perform data entry as necessary to accomplish the essential functions of the position. Maintain accurate records; identify, reconcile and correct errors. Must be able to meet critical deadlines. Must have effective oral and written communication skills, problem-solving skills, and be able to maintain effective relationships with coworkers, supervisors, officials and the public. Use of technology, equipment and software typically used in the office environment. Skills in fund accounting, general ledger management, managing accounts receivable and payable, research and analysis.
Abilities: Ability to operate a personal computer for word processing, spreadsheet, and database software applications. Ability to use Central Square, ProFx Engagement and/or similar financial systems, as well as advanced knowledge of excel. Ability to read, analyze, interpret and apply as necessary state laws, City ordinances, GASB pronouncements, IRS publications, technical reports, general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to apply accounting principles and practices to analyze and interpret complex financial data and accounting records to determine an appropriate course of action. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, customers, and the general public. Ability to work with mathematical concepts to analyze problems, interpret data and apply it to practical situations found in the workplace.
Interaction with Groups/Agencies/Entities: Internal: Works with managers and staff on fiscal management issues and special projects that may have an impact on City services. Maintains harmonious, courteous, and understanding relationships, while fostering a collaborative teamwork environment. External: Works with external and internal auditors, through the Accounting Manager to provide accurate information for audits. Works with members of the community, other government agencies and with community organizations to provide information, research and reports in a timely manner. Presents a friendly, courteous image for the City to the general public, customers, and public officials.
Essential Functions
Thefollowingfunctions are typical for this position. The omission of specific functions does not exclude them if the work is similar, relatedor a logical assignment for this position. Other duties may be required and assigned.
- Ensure that all accounting transactions are detailed in compliance with City Policies and Procedures, City Ordinances, State statutes and regulatory requirements, GASB pronouncements and Federal laws.
- Perform reconciliation of subledgers to general ledger or other reconciliations as needed, and ensure accuracy of asset and liability accounts throughout the fiscal year.
- Assist with drafting of annual financial statements and the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) including recording year-end entries in the financial reporting software, preparing notes to the financial statements and various audit schedules in compliance with GAAP, GASB and the State Auditor Rule.
- Assist Accounting Division Manager and senior management to improve internal controls as well as to create efficiencies in accounting processes.
- Review and update entries prepared by lower-level accountants and accounting technicians including payroll, accounts payable and accounts receivable, cashiering, cash flow management, accounting for investments, special assessment billing, reconciliation of utility accounts receivable, tracking and reporting of multi-purpose event center financial activity, and fixed asset recording and tracking.
- Perform complex financial analysis and extensive data compilation and analysis at the request of senior management and outside agencies.
- Performs research, analysis and provides input as needed to properly record financial transactions, draft policies, or provide information to the Accounting Division Manager or senior management.
- Determine proper accounting treatment of various financial transactions for recommendation to Accounting Division Manager or senior management.
- Reviews departmental accounting data, identifies and corrects errors, and proposes adjusting entries to ensure accuracy in accounting records and compliance with state law, City ordinance, regulatory requirements and accounting principles.
- Assist Division Manager and senior management with treasury activities including cash management, investment accounting and reporting, and debt management and accounting.
- Analyzes and reports on fiscal operations as requested by the Department Director, City Administration, Boards and Commissions, Governing Body and external auditors.
- Assists management with informing new employees about operations, duties and accounting processes and allows shadowing of work performed through side-by-side observation.
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