Accountant I/II/III

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Under the direct supervision of the Division Manager - Controller or Assistant Director of Finance, this role involves performing a variety of professional accounting and financial tasks. These tasks include maintaining accurate records of public expenditures, revenues, and budgets; grant tracking and reporting; accounting reconciliations; financial tracking and reporting in compliance with generally accepted accounting principles; assisting with the preparation of operating and capital budgets; and other financial duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

The Accountant I exercises no supervision.

The Accountant II and III may exercise technical and functional supervision over lower-level staff.

IMPORTANT AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Meet job deadlines for assigned functions.

Maintain information and accurate records of expenditures, revenues, and budgets of specific accounts, projects, and areas assigned.

Set up and maintain financial records for assigned grants; monitor grant expenditures to ensure they align with budgeted amounts; prepare and submit financial reports to grantors and regulatory bodies; track grant revenue and ensure timely drawdowns or reimbursement requests; record grant income and expenses in accordance with accounting principles.

Perform various accounting reconciliations.

Respond to staff inquiries; provide assistance and technical advice; assist departments with transaction inquiries and reports in ERP software; and consult with departments on their budget and other accounting and financial reporting needs.

Modify specific accounting procedures to ensure conformance to policy and accounting standards; Assist in the implementation of new accounting standards; Compile and maintain financial records and information required for compliance with current accounting standards.

Provide information; compile data; prepare written reports and financial statements related to specific funds assigned.

Prepare comparative analysis of operating programs by analyzing costs in relation to previous fiscal years.

Assist in the annual audit and preparation of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report.

Prepare, formulate, and monitor assigned areas of the City's operating and capital budgets.

OTHER JOB RELATED DUTIES

Perform other job-related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Accountant I/II/III

Knowledge of:

Accounting theory, principles, and practices.

Financial reporting techniques and methods.

GAAP formally known as Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.

Basic computer and software skills, with proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Office.

Skill to:

Attention to detail, ensuring accuracy and precision in all financial tasks.

Proficiency in accounting software to navigate and analyze financial data using various accounting platforms and tools.

Efficiency in data analysis, including the ability to interpret financial data, identify trends, and provide actionable insights for decision-making and budgeting purposes.

Operate and troubleshoot office equipment, including computers, printers, copiers, and other office machinery.

Demonstrate a high level of technical proficiency in managing day-to-day office tasks and maintaining smooth office operations through the use of modern office technology and systems.

Ability to:

Develop a variety of financial programs.

Maintain and analyze statistical and financial records.

Establish, monitor, and prepare reports on operating and capital project budgets.

Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Meet deadlines and due dates.

Demonstrate strong organizational attributes through effective management of multiple tasks and projects, prioritizing workloads, and ensuring timely completion of deadlines.

Approach challenges with a logical, methodical mindset to resolve issues promptly and effectively, identify financial discrepancies, analyze complex situations, and develop innovative solutions, while minimizing disruptions to operations.

Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, both internally and externally.

Perform as a team member in a manner that accomplishes the Division’s mission and treats team members with dignity, courtesy, and respect.

Follow and embrace the City of Abilene Core Values – Respect, Integrity, Service Above Self, and Excellence in All We Do.

Accountant II

Knowledge of:

Advanced computer software skills, including proficiency in accounting and financial management software. Efficiently utilize these tools for data processing, financial modeling, and reporting.

Ability to:

Work independently and take ownership of assigned areas. 

Accountant III

Knowledge of:

Advanced accounting theory, principles, and practices, including financial reporting, budgeting, auditing, and compliance with accounting standards. Proficient in applying complex accounting concepts to ensure accurate financial analysis, preparation, and presentation.

Ability to:

Conduct specialized research, including gathering, analyzing, and interpreting financial data. Utilize various research methodologies to support financial decision-making, identify best practices, and recommend strategic initiatives based on findings.

Manage special projects from inception to completion, overseeing project planning, execution, and monitoring. Efficient in coordinating resources, managing timelines, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure successful project delivery while maintaining high-quality standards.

Experience and Training Guidelines:

For positions with more than one level, all listed requirements at the lower levels are required at the higher levels. Any combination equivalent to experience and training to provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be qualifying.  Knowledge, skills, and abilities may be obtained through:

Accountant I

Experience:

At least six (6) months of general accounting experience is preferred.

Education/Training:

A Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field is required.

License or Certificate:

A valid Texas driver’s license, the ability to obtain one within ninety (90) days of employment or a military waiver is preferred.

Accountant II

Experience:

Two (2) years of general accounting experience is required.

Education/Training:

A Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field is required.

License or Certificate:

A valid Texas driver’s license, the ability to obtain one within ninety (90) days of employment or a military waiver is preferred.

Accountant III

Experience:

Three (3) years of general accounting experience is required.

Education/Training:

A Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field is required. 

License or Certificate:

A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification, Certified Public Finance Officer (CPFO), or Certified Government Finance Officer (CGFO) is required.

A valid Texas driver’s license, the ability to obtain one within ninety (90) days of employment or a military waiver is preferred.

Special Requirements:

Essential duties require the following physical skills and work environment:

HIPAA Compliance training is required within sixty (60) days of employment.

Ability to work in a standard office environment.

With or without accommodation, the “X” indicates the overall strength demand of the position during a typical workday:

_X_     Sedentary – lifting of no more than 10 pounds

___     Light – lifting no more than 20 pounds; carrying up to 10 pounds

___     Medium – lifting no more than 50 pounds; carrying up to 25 pounds

___     Heavy – lifting no more than 100 pounds; carrying up to 50 pounds

___     Very Heavy – team lifting over 100 pounds; carrying more than 50 pounds

Physical Demand Codes: The following describes whether or not the position is expected to exert the physical demands listed during a typical workday as well as the overall frequency of the task:

Codes for how often:

N         =          No

E         =          Extensive (100 – 70% of the time)

M         =          Moderate (60 – 30% of the time)

I           =          Infrequent (20 – 10% of the time)

A         =          Almost Never (<10% of the time)

Code / Task

_I  _    Standing

_E_     Sitting

_I_       Walking

_I_       Lifting

_I_       Carrying

_A_     Pushing/Pulling

_A_     Overhead Work

_E_     Fine Dexterity

_A_     Kneeling

_N_     Crouching

_N_     Crawling

_N_     Bending

_N_     Twisting

_A_     Climbing

_A_     Balancing

_E_     Vision

_E_     Hearing

_M_    Talking

___     Other: _____________________