Accountant

This position performs difficult professional work in the preparation and maintenance of complex financial records and utilization of business application software for personal and midrange computer systems; does related work as required. Work is performed independently under the general supervision of the Controller.

Essential Job Functions

• Participates in the maintenance and design of the accounting control, records, and billing system; maintains general ledger and subsidiary ledgers.
• Communicates and interacts regularly with management, staff, and professional level employees of local, state, and federal agencies.
• Extracts financial data from various accounting and information systems for analysis; develops reports for other City departments as needed.
• Evaluates accounting processes and procedures; communicates findings and makes recommendations to improve efficiency.
• Assists in supervising and training of accounting staff and exercises considerable judgment with respect to accounting technical issues and matters.
• Reconciles bank statements including subsidiary and depository accounts. 
• Reconciles payroll interface to payroll registers.
• Analyzes general ledger accounts to determine taxes payable; prepares and processes sales and use tax and gross receipts tax returns; responses to correspondence and inquiries related to Department of Revenue audits.
• Prepares and assembles complex audit work papers, schedules, and reports to support the annual audit and preparation of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report.
• Reviews and evaluates vendor activities to determine taxable status and prepares 1099-MISC tax forms.
• Oversees miscellaneous receivable invoice and statement processing and reconciles the subsidiary ledger to the general ledger. 
• Enters special assessments into the subsidiary ledger and issues statements. 
• Reconciles fixed asset subsidiary ledger acquisitions, disposals, and transfers to general ledger. 
• Evaluates reasonableness of system-generated depreciation forecasts and proposes necessary adjustments.
• Develops and recommends new and revised policies and procedures to respond to changes in fixed assets and continuing property records to improve effectiveness of those systems.
• Assists other departments with fixed assets maintenance and capital project related questions and procedures.
• Assists in the completion, close, and capitalization of electric work and posts adjustments to the proper general ledger accounts.
• Evaluates reasonableness of work order associated costs and overhead values and proposes necessary adjustments.
• Works with Beaches Energy Services and Information Services to develop a system to conduct a complete physical inventory of all electric infrastructure assets. 
• Audits all capital Electric substation projects and works with Beaches Energy Services to determine proper capitalization.
• Ensures electric work orders meet minimum FERC capitalization requirements.
• Assists departments in tagging fixed assets and performing annual fixed asset inventories; performs test counts and proposes adjustments. 
• Performs related tasks as required.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

A Bachelor’s Degree in accounting or related field and three years of experience in accounting and finance administration. Graduate level coursework, CPA, and/or governmental accounting experience are preferred. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

• Knowledge of theory, principles, methods, and practices of governmental accounting.
• Knowledge of the laws, ordinances, and regulations governing sales and use tax, gross receipts tax, and 1099-MISC filing.
• Thorough knowledge of modern office methods, practices, and equipment. 
• Superior skill in time management and critical thinking.
• Ability to prepare and maintain complex financial reports and records.
• Ability to analyze and evaluate complex financial systems. 
• Ability to exercise considerable judgment related to accounting technical issues and matters. 
• Ability to plan and supervise the work of professional and clerical subordinates. 
• Ability to express technical ideas effectively, both orally and in writing. 
• Ability to work independently and understand and follow complex oral and written directions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, City Officials, and the general public.