Temporary Accountant I

Description Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job. SUMMARY DESCRIPTION Under general supervision (Accountant I) or direction (Accountant II), perform professional accounting work, recording and reporting of financial transactions and budgetary control for assigned funds and City departments; review fiscal records; prepare financial report statements and analyses; and do related work as required. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS Accountant I This is the entry-level class in the professional Accountant series. Positions at this level are not expected to function with the same amount of program knowledge or skill level as positions allocated to the Accountant II level and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise. Incumbents at this level are expected to learn the full range of responsibilities and perform duties with an increasing level of independence. Advancement to the "II" level is based on demonstrated proficiency in performing the assigned functions and is at the discretion of higher level supervisory or management staff. Accountant II This is the full journey level class in the Accountant series. Positions at this level are distinguished from the Accountant I level by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned. Incumbents are expected to have a thorough knowledge of governmental accounting systems and procedures and the ability to exercise independent judgment within established systems and procedures. Work is normally reviewed only on completion and for overall results. Positions in this class series are flexibly staffed and positions at the Accountant II level are normally filled by advancement from the Accountant I level. REPORTS TO Assigned supervisory and/or management staff. CLASSIFICATIONS SUPERVISED This is not a supervisory classification. Examples of Duties REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices. Perform professional accounting activities in compliance with applicable standards and specifications including general ledger reconciliation, financial reporting and record keeping; review and analyze various records and reports; and respond to inquiries or complaints. Participate in the posting, balancing and reconciliation of the general ledger and subsidiary accounts. Control budget for various City departments and projects determining if funds are available and expenditures properly classified; calculate budget for grants and CFD's maintenance districts; research and analyze transactions to resolve budget problems; and provide analysis of available funds at management request. Prepare work papers, financial statements and various reports for Federal, State and other outside agencies as well as for internal accounting; coordinate with various City departments for timely submission. Prepare fund balance projections and review with operating departments. Audit and process payments for various contracts, grants, and miscellaneous expenses. Monitor and report on the status of County, State and Federal grants; review and audit grant contracts, amendments and other documents to ensure grant compliance and compile information for requests, as needed. Monitor and analyze cash flow for expenditures; record and report financial transactions. Monitor investments within policies approved by the City Council; prepare investment activity summary. Monitor and reconcile various bank accounts, checking accounts, savings accounts and collection accounts; prepare wires for payments. Monitor, maintain, and compile records on City's fixed and capital assets. Recommend or implement changes in accounting systems and procedures. Assist departmental personnel with budget activity, proper expenditure coding, document preparation and other related activities. Perform comprehensive financial activity studies as directed. Provide technical guidance to lower level accounting personnel in accounts receivable, payable and payroll functions, as needed; provide advice and counsel to management and other employees in accounting matters. Assist other departments and the public with questions and requests; advise City departments, governmental agencies, and the public of City accounting policies. Review reports and submit information to the County for Tax Roll. Compile, analyze and track various fees and credits; prepare quarterly reports and reconcile fees and credits. Analyze Community Facilities District (CFD) and other agency's revenues and expenditures; calculate and allocate special tax revenue to revenue accounts; compile, review and coordinate with outside administrators for completion and submission of parcels and reports in a timely manner and update disclosure documents for posting on the City's website; and compile, analyze, and record receivables. Review daily deposits from various departments. Set up and maintain journals, ledgers and supporting financial records. Assist with review on various CFD formation, annexation, and bond issuance documents. Perform related duties as required. Typical Qualifications QUALIFICATIONS The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties. Knowledge of: Accounting principles and practices as applied to governmental accounting. Governmental cost accounting and budget procedures. Applications of data processing to accounting processes. Principles of fund investment. Principles of financial administration, including budgeting and reporting. Federal and State grant regulations and guidelines. General ledger and subsidiary programs. Principles and procedures of record keeping. Principles of business letter writing and report preparation. Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases. Ability to: Examine and verify financial documents and reports. Prepare a variety of financial statements, reports and analyses. Interpret local, State, and Federal legislation as it relates to municipal finance. Analyze, post, balance and reconcile financial data, ledgers and accounts. Analyze and draw conclusions from financial data. Work independently with little or no supervision. Perform the full range of accounting duties and act as resource person to other staff members and City departments. Operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications. Plan and organize work to meet changing priorities and deadlines. Effectively represent the City to outside individuals and agencies to accomplish the goals and objectives of the unit. Work cooperatively with other departments, City officials, and outside agencies. Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work. Education and Experience Guidelines - Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be: Accountant I Education/Training: A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in accounting, business administration, or a related field. Experience: One year of accounting experience with a governmental agency. License or Certificate: Possession of an appropriate California Driver's License. Accountant II Education/Training: A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in accounting, business administration, or a related field. Experience: Two years of professional accounting experience, including one year with a governmental agency. License or Certificate: Possession of an appropriate California Driver License. PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential job functions. Environment : Work is performed in an office environment;continuous contact with staff and the public. Physical : Sit for extended periods; frequently stand and walk; normal manual dexterity and eye-hand coordination; lift and move objects weighing up to 25 pounds; corrected hearing and vision to normal range; verbal communication; and use of office equipment, including computers, telephones, calculators, copiers, and FAX.