Accountant II

City of Austin•Austin, TX

2d•Onsite

About The Position

JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer—we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles – Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity – anchors in delivering services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee. What Makes the City of Austin Special? Make a Difference : Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation. Value and Innovation : Work in an environment where employees are valued and innovation thrives. Competitive Benefits : Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits. Retirement Security : Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System. Sustainable Transportation Options : Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure. Focus on Wellness : Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support. Career Growth : Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities. Modern Workspaces : Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration. By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country. The Accountant II performs professional accounting work in support of departmental financial operations. Responsibilities include maintaining and reconciling general ledger accounts; preparing and reviewing accounting entries; processing revenue and accruals; supporting grant and capital accounting; preparing financial statements and reports; and assisting with audit documentation. This position ensures transactions are accurate, timely, and compliant with GAAP, City policies, and applicable regulations. The Accountant II works collaboratively with division staff and central departments to provide financial information, resolve discrepancies, and support reporting requirements. Job Description: Accountant II Purpose: Provides financial information to management by preparing, researching, and analyzing accounting data; preparing intermediate to advanced level reports and financial statements.

Requirements

Knowledge of bookkeeping procedures.
Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).
Knowledge of the preparation process of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
Knowledge of financial reporting concepts and preferred business practices.
Skill in effective verbal and written communication.
Skill in analyzing and interpreting financial records.
Skill in processing large volumes of numerical data.
Skill in performing basic mathematical calculations.
Skill in classifying fiscal data and compiling fund level statements and reports.
Skill in operating a personal computer and related equipment.
Skill in designing spreadsheets and utilizing word processing and database software.
Skill in analyzing, preparing, checking and balancing routine fiscal transactions and accounts.
Ability to prepare accurate financial statements at an intermediate level of complexity.
Ability to resolve problems or situations requiring the exercise of good judgment.
Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other City employees and the public
Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in a field related to Accounting, twenty-four (24) college semester hours in Accounting, plus two (2) years of accounting experience
A Master’s degree in a related field may substitute for one (1) year of experience
CPA license may substitute for the education requirement.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting accounting functions within a governmental or public sector environment.
Experience working with multiple funding sources, such as grants, special revenue funds, or capital projects.
Experience preparing reconciliations and supporting audit documentation
Experience with AIMS, eCOMBS, eCAPRIS, and MicroStrategy or a similar tool.
Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including pivot tables, lookups, and data organization techniques.
Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple assignments with competing deadlines.
Ability to communicate financial information clearly to non-financial staff.

Responsibilities

Maintains general ledger information and reviews financial transactions by creating and/or monitoring electronic files and/or accounting documents.
Maintains accounting ledgers by posting/reviewing and/or approving the posting of accounting transactions of intermediate and higher dollar-value and complexity, ensuring transactions are processed in accordance with City policy, applicable laws and regulations, generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), and sound business practices.
Processes revenue collections and/or customer payments; prepares analysis of delinquent accounts, calculating/assessing delinquent fines/fees for supervisor/manager review; prepares/ reviews accruals and/or other accounting entries, ensuring transactions are processed in accordance with City policy, applicable laws and regulations, generally accepted accounting principles, GAAP.
Prepares and/or reviews grant accounting entries and reconciliations by compiling and analyzing general ledger account information.
Prepares and/or reviews asset, liability, inventory, and/or capital accounting entries by compiling and analyzing general ledger account information.
Reconciles general ledger and/or bank accounts and resolves account discrepancies by reconciling statements and transactions and investigating supporting documentation.
Prepares financial statements and/or special reports by preparing balance sheets, income statements, cash flows, and other special reports; at an intermediate to advanced level; collecting, analyzing, and summarizing general ledger account information and trends; conducting variance analysis; applying intermediate skills and knowledge of accounting and reporting requirements; generally accepted accounting principles, GAAP.
Prepares audit work papers for annual or special audit by preparing accurate supporting work papers at an intermediate level for assigned area(s); work is reviewed by other staff; providing explanations of city policy/procedures and responding to auditor's questions/requests in a timely and accurate manner.
Assists departments and other internal or external customers by providing procedural/financial information and/or other information and guidance with automated or manual systems.
Carries out projects by completing projects of moderate to advanced levels of complexity and/or completing parts of complex projects.
Maintains financial security by following established internal accounting controls.