Accountant I

City of Porterville • Porterville, CA

6d

About The Position

Under general direction, performs professional accounting duties in the preparation of financial reports and/or statements, development of accounting systems, and analysis of financial records; supervises the work of clerical and technical personnel; performs related duties as required. This is the entry-level class in which incumbents perform technical and limited, well-defined professional duties relating to the maintenance of accounting records.

Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited college with a Bachelor’s degree in accounting, business administration or related field.
• Three years of clerical/technical accounting experience or any combination of training and experience that provides the desired knowledge and abilities.
• Knowledge of accepted general and governmental accounting principles, practices, theories and procedures.
• Knowledge of cost accounting principles and systems.
• Knowledge of laws, rules and regulations that apply to local government and fiscal operations.
• Knowledge of supervisory methods and practices.
• Knowledge of methods of business office management.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of public administration including budgeting, program planning, and evaluation.
• Ability to understand, interpret, explain and comply with laws, regulations and policies governing fiscal operations and/or tax systems operations.
• Ability to plan, organize and administer financial programs/services.
• Ability to analyze fiscal data and draw logical conclusions.
• Ability to identify and resolve problems relating to fiscal and/or administrative operations.
• Ability to prepare fiscal procedures.
• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing.
• Ability to use and understand an automated accounting system.
• Ability to understand program objectives in relation to departmental goals and procedures.
• Ability to draw logical conclusions and make appropriate recommendations.
• Ability to prepare written presentations.
• Ability to supervise others.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and document action taken.
• Ability to interview people to obtain information needed to investigate/resolve complaints.
• Ability to research regulations, procedures and/or technical reference materials.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of information.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with City staff, other public agencies and the public.

Nice To Haves

• Possession of or ability to obtain and maintain a valid California Driver's License.

Responsibilities

• Prepares a variety of detailed, factual and analytical accounting, statistical and/or narrative financial statements or reports which require analysis and interpretation of fiscal data for use by a department, auditors and/or other agencies.
• Examines, analyzes and verifies fiscal documents to ensure adherence to established controls.
• Analyzes and initiates changes in accounting methods, procedures and techniques in order to meet internal financial control needs.
• Supervises the work of assigned accounting technical and clerical personnel in the performance of activities related to general ledger, accounts payable and receivable, payroll preparation; the preparation of financial reports, schedules, and other financial documents.
• Reviews fiscal accounting systems, procedures and records; recommends and assists in the implementation of new or revised accounting systems.
• Analyzes operational procedures to automate manual accounting systems; designs and maintains accounting forms.
• Calculates amounts and distributes revenues to departments and special districts.
• Assists in data collection and analysis for establishing tax rates.
• Confers with taxpayers to provide information and investigate complaints.
• Assists and participates in budget preparation.
• Assembles and analyzes cost accounting records and other supporting technical and statistical data.
• Makes complex or difficult adjusting entries and transfers of appropriation.
• Establishes new accounts and budget controls.
• Advises superiors and departmental managers of change in laws, rules, regulations and practices which impact on local government accounting and fiscal procedures.
• Interprets rules and regulations to determine accounting and auditing requirements for externally funded programs.
• Develops accounting procedural guidelines for internal and departmental use.
• Represents and supports the policies and procedures established by the City Council, City Manager, and Department Heads.

Benefits

• The City prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability or medical condition, Acquired Immune Deficiency (AIDS/HIV) or AIDS related conditions, political affiliation, sexual orientation, ancestry, marital or domestic partner status, gender identity, parental status, veteran status, height, weight, or any other basis protected by law.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level