Accountant I

Under general supervision, the Accountant I routinely performs technical, professional, and analytical duties in all accounting processes for the City in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), City codes and ordinances, and state and federal requirements.

Essential Functions: These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position.

Reviews financial transactions and prepares journal entries and adjustments to the general and subsidiary accounting ledgers; assists in closing the City's financial records at the end of the accounting period; prepares a variety of related reports.

Prepares financial statements and various reports for Federal, State and other outside agencies as well as for internal accounting. 

Posts, balances and reconciles subsidiary accounts; prepares related journal entries, account reconciliations, related schedules, and reports.

Performs bank account reconciliations, verifying accuracy of recorded transactions; prepares related worksheets and other schedules; reconciles daily cash receipts.

Performs general ledger period-end closing process.

Performs duties related to the City's fixed assets program; maintains and updates asset records; tracks additions, deletions, and transfers to departments of fixed assets for all funds; calculates depreciation expense based on asset type.

Assists and supports the Finance Director in preparation of internal and external audits. 

Prepares, reviews, balances, and reports receivables and revenues.

Maintains, reconciles, balances, and analyzes revenues and expenses. 

Assists in preparing annual budget. 

Periodically monitors the budget by reviewing reports and accounting records to determine if allocated funds have been spent as specified; makes appropriate recommendations if deviations appear between approved budget and actual performance.

Assists with year-end processing of relevant accounting functions including preparing lead and audit schedules for the annual external audit. 

Assists in documenting and implementing new accounting policies and procedures. 

Assists in monitoring budgets for various City departments and projects; determines if funds are available and expenditures are properly classified; researches and analyzes transactions to resolve budget problems; assists in annual budget preparation. 

Assists department personnel with proper expenditure coding, document preparation and other accounting related activities. 

Interacts with co-workers at all levels in the organization in a collaborative and customer service-oriented manner. 

Identifies issues, find solutions, and make recommendations for improvement. 

Works closely with various departments to solve issues and provide recommendations. 

Formulates, establishes and maintains processes and procedures to improve internal controls. 

Reviews bank activity daily. 

Performs special projects and assignments.

Follows and enforces safe working practices and has a working knowledge of safety practices and procedures in accordance with the City’s Safety and Health Program.

All employees serve an essential role in the City’s disaster preparation and/or disaster recovery efforts, as may be designated by the City’s Emergency Manager.

Additional Duties:

Performs related tasks or other duties as required or assigned.

Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration or related field supplemented by two (2) years of responsible experience in accounting, bookkeeping, and accounts payable; or an Associate’s degree from an accredited institution in accounting, or closely related field supplemented by four (4) years of responsible experience in accounting, cash flow management, bookkeeping, and/or accounts payable with experience in a government setting.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office is required.   Must maintain a Florida driver’s license with an acceptable driving record. Must have or be able to complete ICS 100 and 700 courses within six (6) months of hire.

Special Requirements

Understand recording of payables, expenses, and payments in Purchasing and Accounts Payable; review PO / invoices to determine proper recording. 

Understand the recording of receivables, revenues, and cash receipts in Accounts Receivable; record, review, and balance transactions in Receivables subledger.

Ability to work cooperatively and collaboratively with all levels of employees, management, and external agencies to maximize performance creativity, problem-solving, and results.

Must be highly organized and capable of managing multiple tasks and priorities. 

High level of accountability, accuracy, and efficiency.

Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Knowledge of the principles and practices of government accounting, budgeting, and fiscal management.

Ability to analyze accounting problems and assist in recommending solutions.

Skill in time management, organizing, and prioritizing.

Skill in establishing and maintaining an effective working relationship with City employees, other agencies, and the public.

Skill in utilizing equipment, including personal computers, word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications, multi-line telephones, and adding machines.

Technical Requirements

Ability to use standard office equipment, including multi-line telephones, personal computers, word processing and data base applications.

Skill in utilizing equipment, including personal computers, word processing, spreadsheet, and data base applications, multi-line telephones and adding machines.

Working Conditions

This is light work requiring the exertion of up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and a lesser amount of force frequently or constantly to move objects; work requires sitting for extended periods of time, as well as stooping, reaching, standing, walking, lifting, fingering, and repetitive motions.

Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word.

Hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels.

Visual acuity is required for preparing and analyzing written or computer data, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surrounding and activities. 

The worker is not subject to adverse environmental conditions.

Ability to work under time pressures such as frequent “rush” jobs, urgent deadlines, etc.

Ability to work under distractions such as telephone calls and other disturbances.

Ability to deal with unpleasant social situations such as irate or difficult individuals.

Ability to work in a hectic, busy, and sometimes stressful work environment.

Salary : $54,647 - $62,000