This is a professional accounting and administrative position assisting in the planning, organizing, and directing of the operations for central fiscal control. This position participates in all general accounting activities of the City, requiring a thorough knowledge of governmental and fund accounting principles. The work includes the exercise of considerable judgment in assisting with planning, installing, revising, and maintaining accounting procedures, as well as preparing statements and reports. requires proficiency with sophisticated software applications, including developing customized spreadsheets, reporting, and database applications, and learning to use them efficiently. Work assignments are received in a general form that indicates the desired results. Questions relating to major objectives and priority of work are discussed with an administrative superior. This position may supervise various unit employees on specific project assignments. A technical or administrative superior reviews work to ensure overall performance and accuracy standards, and is subject to periodic and annual audits. This posting will close after the receipt of the first 20 qualified candidates or 2 weeks (May 15th at 10:30 AM EST.) whichever comes first. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Establishes and performs control procedures to verify the accuracy, integrity, and smooth operation of large computerized databases containing all City funds' central financial and payroll information. Performs special assignments that require considerable technical knowledge of accounting principles and procedures, and City policies and procedures. Acts as liaison accountant to support larger departments of the City that require an expanded level of attention in special reporting and detailed familiarity with the financial status of operating budgets. Assists in the compilation and update of the City's accounting procedures manual. Monitors general ledger accounts related to special project accounting, including establishing budgets, posting transactions, and progress reporting. Prepares reports issued to federal and state regulatory agencies as required to request funding and to satisfy financial and reporting requirements of financial assistance programs. Prepares short- and long-range forecasts and projections of revenues and expenses using statistical techniques and spreadsheet models to develop multi-year business and financial plans for operating and financial performance. Reconciles the general ledger to subsidiary ledgers to verify the accuracy of account balances. Compiles monthly financial statements, statistical and annual reports and statements, special reports, and analysis. Prepares schedules and reports used to record a variety of financial transactions. Assists external auditors during annual audits, including the preparation of financial statements and supporting work paper files. Aids in preparing, balancing, and monitoring the City's annual and long-term capital budget. Assists in developing automated systems to accumulate, track, and report financial transactions. Maintains a computerized fixed asset accounting system, including entry of new purchases, dispositions, and reconciliation to the general ledger, including a continuing property records system maintained to track assets of the electric and water utilities. Assists personnel in other City departments in solving problems of a technical accounting nature. May be required to participate in and/or facilitate training to support departmental or City initiatives and requirements. May be required to work alternate hours as necessary for the efficient operations of the Department. Position is designated as Mission Critical. ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS - Delivers presentations to personnel in City departments or the public regarding the work performed by the Finance Department. Coordinates work with that of other Business Units or divisions within the Department or other City departments as required. May serve as acting Chief Accountant in their absence. QUALIFICATIONS (EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE) Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Accounting. Four years of experience in accounting and fiscal operations. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS - Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license. Must possess and maintain a valid telephone number. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES KNOWLEDGE - Thorough knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles, including the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's governmental accounting and accounting rules. Thorough knowledge of modern office procedures, practices, systems, and equipment as applied to financial operations. Considerable knowledge of the practices of City fiscal administration. Theoretical and practical knowledge of financial planning and analysis techniques, including discounted cash flow, present value, rate of return, and break-even analysis. SKILLS - Detail-oriented, analytical, and inquisitive. Extremely organized with strong time management skills. Effective presentation and oral communication skills. ABILITIES - Ability to apply accounting principles to maintain voluminous financial and accounting transactions. Ability to analyze and solve a wide variety of accounting and fiscal problems. Ability to prepare complex financial reports and statements following generally accepted accounting principles. Ability to apply extensive skills and to develop and apply new skills associated with using sophisticated computer applications and desktop and mainframe hardware systems, including the ability to readily adapt to changes in computer programs and hardware configurations resulting from advances in computer technology. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, co-workers, and personnel from other departments. Ability to express ideas clearly, both verbally and in writing. WORKING ENVIRONMENT/ PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS - The job requires sedentary work with some walking or standing, exerting up to 10 pounds of force regularly, and routine keyboard use. The job risks exposure to bright/dim lights, dust, and pollen. The job requires normal visual acuity, field of vision, hearing, speaking, color perception, sense of smell, depth perception, and texture perception. This job description outlines the general nature and level of work and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties or qualifications. Management reserves the right to modify or assign additional responsibilities as needed.