Senior Accountant

An employee in this class has substantial knowledge in accounting and prepares and analyzes financial records. They compile financial statements, review data and ensure financial compliance. Senior Accountants are responsible for executing a variety of financial procedures, including month-end and year-end closings, accounts payable and receivable, bank reconciliations, general ledger reviews, forecasting and assigned projects. Senior Accountants may supervise staff in contributing to these procedures and analyses. An individual in this role should be knowledgeable in Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and standards set by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB).  Work is performed under the general supervision of the Assistant Finance Director and is evaluated based on attainment of individual performance objectives, observation, accuracy of reports, and feedback from Department Heads, City Officials and other staff.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Compiles and analyzes financial information to prepare entries to accounts, such as general ledger accounts, and document business transactions.
• Analyzes, reviews, evaluates and reconciles accounts; generates a variety of financial reports and performing related fiscal duties.
• Reviews and approves accounting entries, accounts payable batches and bank reconciliations prepared by staff ensuring accuracy, completeness and conformity to appropriate policies and GAAP, GASB and General Statute standards.
• Prepares various monthly, quarterly, annual and special reports as required for internal needs, state, federal or other statutory requirements.
• Assists with annual audit and preparation of the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report; responsible for Fixed Asset Accounting.
• Provides policy guidance and technical assistance to all City departments.
• Reviews and monitors applicable regulations, statutes, laws and best practices for changes and to ensure compliance.
• Processes debt payments and wires transfers.
• Completes monthly account reconciliations, including but not limited to, monthly health insurance benefits and other payroll related liabilities, and accounts receivables.
• Researches and implements new accounting system modules and other technology.
• Assists with staff development and training; and serves as a point of contact for staff accountants.
• Participates in and provides input into selection and hiring, performance reviews and other personnel decisions for assigned staff.
• Serves as backup for the Revenue Accountant, as needed, completing bank reconciliations, entering journal entries related to revenue, etc.
• Utilizes personal computers, calculators, and other office equipment to perform work.
• Performs other related job duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or related area; and five (5) years of experience in municipal accounting or governmental auditing; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. 

Special Qualifications:

• Possession of a valid driver’s license to operate a motor vehicle. Requirement exists at the time of hire and as a condition of continued employment.
• Expected to have or obtain North Carolina Governmental Finance Certification within two years of hire.
• Certified Public Accountant.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles and practices, auditing practices and principles, laws, general statutes, rules and regulations governing fiscal operations.
• Knowledge of the operations of municipal government taxation and other sources of revenues.
• Knowledge and understanding of internal controls and of budgetary policies and procedures.
• Skills in accounting software and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems.
• Skills in General Accounting Standards Board (GASB), Local Government Commission (LGC) and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) as well as non-GAAP.
• Skills in the application of the City’s personnel policies, supervisory principles and motivation techniques.
• Skills in performing complex mathematical calculations and accounting functions.
• Skills in the processes and procedures of effective budgeting and auditing.
• Skills in oral and written communication; good organizational skills.
• Skills in analytical decision-making, good judgement and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to maintain established accounting and control standards for municipal government; and prepare end-of-year finance adjusting and reversing journal entries.
• Ability to validate external auditors end-of-year journal adjusting and reversing journal entries; assist external auditors with City’s internal audit.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the general public, vendors and employees.
• Ability to perform detailed reviews of accounting data for accuracy and completeness; prepare detailed and informative reports; capital asset accounting.
• Ability to train and provide technical assistance to all levels of city staff.
• Ability to interact and effectively communicate with people from diverse backgrounds, with a focus on teamwork and problem solving.
• Ability to interpret and apply regulations, policies and laws.
• Ability to manage and prioritize projects and meet deadlines.
• Ability to provide detailed financial analysis and research related to cash management, debt and expenditures.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work in this classification is defined as light work requiring the physical exertion of up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. Physical demands require climbing, crouching, crawling, standing, walking and lifting. Vocal communication is required for responding to inquiries, 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 extensive reading, to prepare and analyze written or computer data, determine the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observe general surroundings and activities.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is primarily performed in an office with a controlled environment without exposure to harmful conditions.