SENIOR ACCOUNTANT

JOB DESCRIPTION

ACCOUNTANT, SENIOR
FINANCE

Human Resources Department
700 Town Center Drive, Suite 200

Newport News, VA 23606
NEWPORT NEWS, VA Phone: (757) 926-1800

CITY OF OPPORTUNITY Fax: (757) 926-1825

GENERAL STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITIES

Under general supervision, this position is responsible for performing complex professional
accounting work involving the research, analysis, preparation and maintenance of financial records
and reports. Provides division leadership. Reports to the Accounting Manager.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Prepares and maintains complex financial reports and statements for a major component of financial
data in the City’s Financial Accounting System; performs research, analysis and interpretation of
financial information and makes efficiency recommendations; and audits of accounts as appropriate.

Reviews, monitors, and reconciles Capital Projects, Capital Assets and Bond expenditures; compiles
and maintains financial data for Special Revenue Street Highway Maintenance Fund; reconciles
Capital Bond Cash transactions; and creates worksheets and cash journals between City and School
Capital fund accounts.

Prepares various complex financial reports and statements such as Bond Cash reports, statement of
financial condition, capital asset values and depreciation, capital projects reports, and depreciation
schedules, as required to comply with local, state and federal regulations throughout the year.

Assists in the development and updating of accounting systems and prepares financial reports and
statements as needed; assists in the research, analysis, and development of annual budget data.
Provides assistance to City departments relating to accounting systems and procedures. Provides
assistance to internal and external auditors in auditing financial statements and records.
Coordinates, directs and prepares the Auditor of Public Accounts Comparative Report.

Performs other duties as assigned.

PERFORMANCE STANDARD

Employees at all levels are expected to effectively work together to meet the needs of the community
and the organization through work behaviors demonstrating the City’s Values. Employees are also
expected to lead by example and demonstrate the highest level of ethics.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE


Accounting – Considerable knowledge of accounting principles and practices. Considerable
knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).

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Customer Service — Considerable knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer
service. This includes setting and meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of
customer satisfaction.

REQUIRED SKILLS


Computer Skills – Utilizes a personal computer with word processing, spreadsheet, and related
software to effectively complete a variety of financial tasks with reasonable speed and accuracy. 

Interpersonal Relationships – Develops and maintains cooperative and professional relationships
with employees at all levels, accounting representatives from all departments, and outside
agencies. Effectively responds to and resolves complex inquiries and disputes. 

Time Management - Plans and organizes daily work routine. Estimates expected time of
completion of elements of work and establishes a personal schedule accordingly. Implements
work activities in accordance with priorities and estimated schedules.

REQUIRED ABILITIES


Financial Management – Ability to perform complex arithmetic, algebraic, and statistical
applications to perform financial transactions. Ability to employ accounting principles and
practices in the analysis and reporting of financial data. 

Communication – Ability to effectively communicate ideas and proposals verbally and in writing,
to include the preparation of detailed reports which include numerical information and statistics.
Ability to handle a variety of financial issues with tact and diplomacy and in a confidential
manner. Ability to listen and understand information and ideas being presented verbally and in
writing.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Requires a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Business Management, Finance or a related field with
course work equivalent to a major concentration in accounting and 3-5 years of progressively
responsible accounting experience, including lead or supervisory experience or an equivalent
combination of education and experience.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

An acceptable general background check to include a local and state criminal history check and a
valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.

ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS

This job risks no exposure to any environmental hazards.

PHYSICAL AND DEXTERITY REQUIREMENTS

Requires sedentary work that involves walking or standing some of the time and involves exerting
up to 10 pounds of force on a regular and recurring basis and routine keyboard operations.

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SENSORY REQUIREMENTS

This job requires normal visual acuity, and field of vision, hearing, and speaking.

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