Accountant II (OCFO - ODFS Grant Accounting Division)

City of Detroit•Michigan, MI

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Detroit Office of the Chief Financial Officer, ODFS Grant Accounting Division, is hiring an intermediate-level accounting professional. The Accountant II performs significant accounting duties supporting timely and accurate financial statement reporting. Work includes preparing, analyzing, interpreting, and presenting accounting data; operating, maintaining, and modifying accounting systems; using accounting information to recommend solutions to management problems and organizational programs; managing and analyzing cost accounting systems; and designing, implementing, and assessing internal controls. Many duties use relevant modules of the ERP Cloud. The position also supports grant management and compliance, budget preparation and monitoring, financial reporting, audits, reconciliations, and analysis of agency operations. The role works with accounting, financial, information systems, and departmental staff, and presents analyses to financial and non-financial audiences. Work is primarily performed in an office, with some travel to meetings, conferences, and other work sites.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, with a major in accounting, finance, business administration, statistics, or a closely related field.
At least 24 semester credits (36 term credits) of coursework in accounting and statistics, including 21 hours in accounting and 3 hours in statistics.
Two years of experience preparing journal entries and analyzing accounting data.
Professional knowledge of accounting and, as required, auditing concepts, principles, and methods sufficient to perform intermediate-level work independently.
Knowledge of GAAP, bookkeeping processes, accounting terminology and techniques, financial management, fund accounting, federal grant policies and reporting requirements, grants management accounting including SEFA, City of Detroit procurement practices, and techniques for locating accounting errors.
Knowledge of mathematics and statistics and their applications, personal computers, ERP systems, and financial management systems and software.
Skill using personal computers, Microsoft Office and other office software, and Excel features such as formulas, Pivot Tables, VLOOKUP, HLOOKUP, charts, tables, and other functions.
Ability to use complex financial systems and interpret resulting reports, summaries, and budgets.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, interpersonal, customer-service, communication, mathematical, and teamwork skills.
Ability to analyze and interpret fiscal and accounting data; advise City agencies and OCFO staff on accounting policies and procedures; maintain ledgers and journals; and prepare accurate financial statements and reports.
Ability to organize and interpret accounting data and regulations, work cross-functionally to develop accounting guidance, present information clearly to technical and non-technical audiences, recommend accounting system improvements, and solve complex financial problems.
Ability to exercise independent judgment, conduct cost-benefit and business-case analyses, learn and use financial management software, interact tactfully and diplomatically with others, and communicate effectively.

Nice To Haves

Previous grant accounting experience.
CPA and/or CMA certification. A CPA may substitute for one year of Accountant II experience, and a CMA may substitute for six months of Accountant II experience. Some positions may require CPA and/or CMA certification.

Responsibilities

Use ERP Cloud applications to create financial reports and transactions; edit reporting templates; work with Business Intelligence Publisher templates and data models; create transaction dashboards and reports; and analyze data using SmartView and Account Monitor.
Identify accounting problems, including inadequate fund controls, inaccurate records and reports, improper document control, and missing support for regulatory reconciliations.
Examine budget and financial records to provide information on available funds for budget estimates and reprogramming actions.
Compile cost and variance reports, compare actual results with plans and budgets, conduct cost analyses and productivity analyses, and help develop cost estimates for projects and contractor proposals.
Track ongoing operations, resolve problems, streamline processes, prepare operating instructions, document accounting system features, and advise managers when transactions differ from norms.
Reconcile payroll system and general ledger payroll data and analyze internal controls over accounts receivable overpayments.
Prepare, examine, and analyze accounting records, financial statements, and other financial reports for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with reporting and procedural standards; report financial matters to management.
Establish account tables and assign entries to proper accounts; develop, implement, modify, and document recordkeeping and accounting systems using current computer technology.
Assist with audit plan activities, including tracking process flows, verifying reported data, and assessing whether operating instructions produce intended results.
Perform accounting functions under GAAP and applicable bookkeeping, accounting, financial, and regulatory requirements; research, analyze, and implement GASB and other regulatory guidance.
Compile and analyze data for preparation and monitoring of the Annual Budget, including revenues and expenditures, base requests, adjustments, rates and fees, position changes, and budget setup.
Post journal entries, reconcile dates, and manage inter-agency billings and transfers supporting financial reporting.
Use automated systems to locate, review, and change accounting data in transaction files, ledgers, accounts, summary reports, and financial statements.
Perform grant management, monitoring, and administrative activities, including financial setup, post-award work, and closeout, to support timely expenditures and reimbursement and regulatory and audit compliance.
Verify data and compare reports or transactions with source documents and authorizations to ensure acceptability for further processing.
Liaise with accounting, financial, information systems, and departmental staff to stay informed about issues and initiatives that may affect accounting and financial information.
Prepare and explain analyses of issues, problems, and trends to managers, coworkers, and clients.
Assist in preparation and auditing of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR).
Perform special projects and other duties as assigned.