Senior Staff Accountant

JOB SUMMARY

Performs a wide variety of highly technical financial tasks under the general direction of the Finance Director. These tasks include, but are not limited to financial reporting, budgeting, cost/benefit analysis, funding alternatives, operational reviews and special projects, as assigned.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential functions may include any of the following duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by an employee in this role; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer.

• Accountable for recording the cost of newly acquired fixed assets and construction projects and their disposition in the Fixed Asset Software. 
• Participates in the annual external audit including preparing year end schedules and journal entries. Prepares audit work papers and coordination with auditors on audit procedures. 
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports and journal entries. 
• Manages credit card programs by receiving and reviewing statements, matching entries with daily deposits and finalizing work sheets. 
• Handles accounting procedures for federal, state and local grants. 
• Ensure all financial reporting deadlines are met.  
• Establish and monitor the implementation and maintenance of accounting control procedures with all city departments. 
• Prepares bank reconciliations and is responsible for reviewing daily cash balances and making appropriate transfers.  
• Coordinates activities with other departments handling problems and streamlining information. 
• Reviews of data submitted by departments for accounting transactions and addresses abnormalities or departures from policy with appropriate levels of City Staff. 
• Enters and reviews payroll and prepares payroll reports. 
• Reviews and updates purchasing procedures and reviews purchase orders for compliance. 
• Educates other departments in correct accounting procedures and policies. 
• Performs internal audits of internal controls, petty cash and other procedures and policies. 
• Provides backup for critical tasks performed by the Finance Director. 
• Regular attendance and punctuality are an essential function of this job.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting principles (GAAP), procedures, internal controls and financial forecasting techniques. 
• Knowledge of Accounting theory, principles and practices, and their application to a wide variety of accounting transactions and problems in municipal government accounting functions. 
• Ability to implement and administer computer accounting systems. 
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing. 
• Ability to organize and work independently. 
• Proven skills in 10-key by touch and use of computers and on-line systems. 
• Knowledge of principles and practices of supervision and personnel management. 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• Must have High School Diploma or GED
• Valid Texas Driver’s License
• Bachelor’s degree (in Accounting preferred), Certified Government Finance Officer (CGFO) or 5-7 years of experience in municipal government finance preferred.