Finance Accountant
GENERAL SUMMARY: Under general supervision of the Finance Manager, examine, analyze, and interpret accounting records to prepare financial statements; give advice, or audit and evaluate statements prepared by others; install or advise on systems of recording costs or other financial and budgetary data; perform work of considerable difficulty in grant, capital project and general accounting and reporting; and perform other duties as assigned. The ideal candidate possesses the desire to be part of an organization that values service, people, integrity, responsibility, innovation, and teamwork; the ability to be a team player; and the ability to follow a management philosophy that is input-oriented and values equity, problem solving and the development of partnerships.
DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: Work performed is professional accounting work requiring advanced knowledge of governmental accounting systems, practices and principles. An important component of this position will be to work as part of an internal team to create a more data-driven, high-performance organization focusing on outcomes and not outputs, including cross-departmental cooperation and integration with performance measurement and evaluation leading to an equitable community of choice. Work is performed under the supervision of the Utility Billing Supervisor in accordance with general policies and guidelines and is reviewed through meetings, reports and results achieved.
JOB DUTIES:
- Prepare financial documents, reports, and budgets; grant reimbursement requests; audit schedules; accounting work papers and financial statements; reports of funds balances projections; year-end adjusting journal entries and footnotes; bank reconciliations; sales tax returns and quarterly reports; investment activity summaries and quarterly and year-end payroll reports.
- Report information to managers and other personnel.
- Advise on financial, business and operational matters.
- Oversee business processes; and accounts receivables and follow up on past-due accounts.
- Examine financial records and processes.
- Discuss business strategies, practices, or policies with managers.
- Verify accuracy of records and financial information.
- Analyze business or financial data and information; and available funds.
- Conduct financial or regulatory audits.
- Calculate tax information.
- Develop business and financial information systems; a structured system of audit work paper preparation; written accounting procedures;
- Coordinate regulatory documentation activities.
- Evaluate effectiveness of personnel policies or practices.
- Participate in the preparation, posting, balancing and reconciliation of journal entries, the general ledger and subsidiary accounts, and review related adjustments prepared by staff; in the city investment program administration; and in the intercultural competency training and program.
- Control accounts and funds for departments and projects including governmental funds, enterprise funds, clearing funds, revenue, investments and special revenue funds.
- Determine if funds are available and expenditures are properly classified.
- Research and analyze transactions to resolve budget issues.
- Perform accounting and financial research, analysis and reporting duties.
- Monitor State and Federal financial grants for compliance; and fixed assets records.
- Assist auditors; departments with budget activities, coding, and documentation preparation; in maintenance and improvement of the general ledger system; in operating and capital improvement budget preparation.
- Ensure correcting entries are posted; and grant compliance.
- Review and process payments for contracts and expenses; and grant contract amendments and documents.
- Identify areas for improvement.
- Recommend and implement systems changes.
- Implement emerging accounting and financial reporting standards.
- Assist with the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR)
- Process purchase orders, check requisitions, cash receipts and billings.
- Train employees on financial accounting software.
- Coordinate with committees to integrate high-performance government principals.
- Respond to requests for service.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
- Economics and Accounting - Knowledge of economic and accounting theory, principles and practices, internal controls, budgeting, accounting and reporting systems, municipal and government accounting practices and procedures, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data. Knowledge of GAAFR, GAAP and GASB; payroll and accounts payable functions. Ability to record and report financial transactions, review accounting records, and prepare complex financial reports and analyses; and to analyze accounting transactions and systems.
- Mathematical Reasoning - Knowledge and usage of arithmetic and statistics, and their applications to solve problems. Adding, subtracting, multiplying, or dividing. Choosing the right type of math to solve a problem.
- Administration and Management - Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, leadership technique, and coordination of people and resources. Ability to supervise and coordinate the activities of employees; and to plan and organize work for the accomplishment of objectives.
- Customer Service - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer service. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
- Computerized Accounting Systems - Ability to use computer-based accounting systems, including Microsoft Office and financial software; to learn and use management information systems at an advanced level; and to plan and implement accounting system and procedural improvements.
- Communication and Training – Listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions. Reading work-related information and understanding what is written. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, and to train in accounting methods and financial reporting processes and methods.
- Critical Thinking, Judgment and Decision Making - Thinking about the pros and cons of different options/ways to solve a problem and picking the best one. Ability to make decisions.
- Inductive/Deductive Reasoning, and Complex Problem Solving - Noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it, either using existing rules or making rules and solving problems using of detailed information.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business or other related fields; or
- An Associate’s degree in a related field plus two years of relevant experience.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Experience in governmental accounting.
- Experience working with a diverse workforce and population.
- Possession of a CPA certification.
SUPERVISORY STATUS: Functional
FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt
RESIDENTIAL REQUIREMENT: Employee shall establish their principal place of residence within thirty (30) miles of the corporate limits of the city of Dubuque as soon as practicable after appointment, but within two years of appointment.
The City of Dubuque does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, differing ability, veteran status, marital status, or based on an individual’s status in any group or class protected by applicable federal, state or local law. The City of Dubuque encourages applications from minorities, women, the disabled, protected veterans and all other qualified applicants.