Accountant I

City of Las Cruces•Las Cruces, NM

8d•Onsite

About The Position

Performs professional and technical accounting work to examine, analyze, maintain, reconcile, and verify financial records. This is an entry-level, professional position responsible for organizing and preparing general accounting transactions, reconciling revenue and expenditures, and preparing, maintaining, and analyzing accounting information and records. As experience is gained, there is greater independence of action and independent judgment within established guidelines. This recruitment will be used to fill a full-time, regular, exempt position in the Utilities Department, but may be used to fill vacancies in various City of Las Cruces departments. This position is graded at RX17.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration or related field
One (1) year of professional-level accounting experience
General knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and rules related to municipal accounting, finance, fiscal controls, and governmental financial reporting
General knowledge of generally accepted accounting and auditing principles related to public sector financial administration
General knowledge of grant and special fund accounting procedures
General knowledge of records and file management, and record keeping principles and practices
General knowledge of effective customer service, communication, and problem resolution techniques and methods
General knowledge of business mathematics
General knowledge of appropriate business English, spelling, grammar, punctuation, proofreading and editing
General knowledge of modern office equipment, business and personal computers, business office software applications, and report generation
General knowledge of City organization, operations, policies and procedures
Ability to perform a variety of duties and responsibilities timely and with accuracy to meet time-sensitive deadlines and ensure achievement of goals and objectives
Ability to read, understand, interpret, and ensure compliance with a variety of policies, procedures, rules, and regulations governing related activities, programs, and functions
Ability to make mathematical calculations and verify calculations submitted for compliance and accuracy
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing
Ability to research, analyze, interpret, and compile applicable information and maintain accurate records
Ability to prepare and present accurate and reliable reports containing findings and recommendations
Ability to review documents and extract relevant information
Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information and data
Ability to establish and maintain effective and appropriate working relationships with employees, other agencies, and the public
Ability to assess and prioritize multiple tasks, projects, and demands
Ability to use initiative and independent judgment within established procedural guidelines to successfully meet established goals and objectives
Skills in reviewing, updating, and verifying financial information systems and mathematical calculations
Skills in maintaining accurate accounting records, identifying errors, and reconciling accounts
Skills in understanding and applying accounting standards and procedures, and applicable Federal rules and regulations
Skills in analyzing and interpreting financial documents and preparing financial reports
Skills in analyzing issues, evaluating alternatives, and making logical recommendations based on findings
Skills in reading and interpreting rules and regulations
Skills in operating a personal computer with installed generic and specialized software
Skills in preparing and presenting accurate, timely, and reliable information and reports containing finding and/or recommendations in a clear and concise manner

Nice To Haves

Public sector fund accounting experience may be preferred.
A combination of education, experience, and training may be applied in accordance with City of Las Cruces policy.

Responsibilities

Reviews, approves and posts documents to ensure accuracy of information and calculations and makes correcting entries.
Examines supporting documentation to establish proper authorization and conformance with contracts and other agreements, policies and appropriate regulations.
Reconciles revenue and expenditures with records to ensure integrity of data.
Performs other technical accounting activities including general ledger, accounts payable, revenue, accounts receivable, grants/special fund accounting, capital assets, and payroll.
Reconciles transactions and financial activities according to policies and procedures.
Reviews, investigates, and researches financial and accounting records and documents to recommend solutions to issues and correct errors as required.
Reconciles complex transactions, grant funds and financial activities to the general ledger; assures fund integrity and resolves issues as needed and according to established processes.
Monitors accounting documents for accuracy and completeness, and prepares journal entries to comply with applicable regulations, policies, and procedures.
Analyzes, interprets, and collects financial and administrative information and data for reports.
Updates and maintains data in various formats, mediums, and systems.
Prepares and distributes various special and recurring reports, forms, schedules, billings, and payments to ensure consistent, accurate, and timely processing.
Establishes and maintains funds, departments, budget units, and project and object codes in Chart of Accounts.
Researches regulations and compliance issues and coordinates the development of new chart of accounts.
Locates and reviews inactive funds and follows up with departments on status to meet established deadlines, goals, and objectives.
Provides technical information to City staff as authorized.
Responds to requests for information within the scope of authority.
May assist with preparation of annual financial report and work with auditors as required to provide appropriate levels of service and support.