Accountant III

City of Pico Rivera•Pico Rivera, CA

13h•Onsite

About The Position

The Accountant III position will perform a variety of advanced level professional work, recording and reporting of financial transactions and budgetary control for the most complex funds for the Accounting Division, including grant and contract management. Incumbents are expected to perform the full scope of professional accounting duties with minimal supervision. Successful performance requires a thorough knowledge of governmental accounting procedures, the ability to exercise sound independent judgment, with frequent communication with the Administrative Services Deputy Director.

Requirements

Accounting principles and practices.
Principles of financial administration, including budgeting and reporting.
Thorough knowledge of city government accounting systems and procedures, including procurement, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, finance, and budget transactions directly impacting the General Ledger and other financial reports required by law.
Bank reconciliation, Interest Allocation, GASB updates, payroll, salaries and benefits recording to the general ledger.
Understand accounting and auditing for the year-end close process.
Principles of training and guidance for assigned staff.
Modern office practices, procedures, methods and equipment.
Knowledge of fixed asset management, including tracking, depreciation, and maintenance procedures.
Conduct internal audits; work in conjunction with private auditors or outside consultants; verify the classification of funds and accounts; verify and check accuracy of computer-generated reports.
Compile the daily cash status reports, monthly financial statements, etc.
Prepare journal entries and adjustments to the general ledger.
Review and reconcile general ledger, journal ledger, subsidiary accounts, bank statements, invoices and other accounting transaction reports.
Maintain sound budgetary control over City departmental expenditures.
Exercise independent judgment within established systems and procedures.
Work under direction and exercise independent judgment in the performance of a variety of complex and difficult professional accounting work with only occasional instructions or assistance.
Assume accounting responsibility for the most complex funds, including grant-funding programs and reporting of Mid-year and Year-end purchasing within the fixed assets, WIP, and CIP's.
Examine and verify financial documents and reports.
Create spreadsheets in Microsoft Excel and experience with other Microsoft Office programs is necessary to perform duties effectively.
Monitor, maintain, and reconcile fixed asset records accurately; ensure compliance with policies and procedures.
Bachelor's Degree in accounting, business administration, finance or a closely-related field is required.
A minimum of two (2) years of city or governmental fund accounting experience related to duties is required.
Proficiency in creating spreadsheets in Microsoft Excel and experience with other Microsoft Office programs.
A valid Class C California Driver's License throughout the course of employment and/or a valid California Identification Card.
Proof of car insurance (to be eligible for mileage reimbursement based on the IRS issued rates).

Nice To Haves

Two (2) years of grant and contract compliance and administration experience preferred.
Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license preferred, but not required.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement complex accounting system modifications.
Oversee and actively participate in the posting, balancing and reconciliation of the general ledger and subsidiary accounts for complex funds, including grant-funded programs.
Prepare financial statements and various reports for Federal, State and other outside agencies as well as for internal management.
Develop fund balance projections and review them with operating departments.
Monitor and report on the status of state and federal grants.
Maintain and monitor fixed asset records and prepare monthly fixed asset reconciliation, ensuring accurate accounting treatment and reporting.
Coordinate with the Public Works Department to reconcile vehicle and equipment inventories at fiscal year-end.
Provide guidance to departmental staff on expenditure coding, documentation, and other accounting-related activities.
Perform detailed capital project accounting and analysis, including tracking project expenditures, evaluating budget-to-actual performance, ensuring proper capitalization, and coordinating with project managers on financial status and forecasting.
Responsible for cash management and tracking investment activities.
Prepare monthly and quarterly treasury reports, including cash flow analysis, investment activity, and reconciliation of bank and investment accounts in compliance with applicable policies and regulations.
Lead mid-year and year-end audit processes and assist in the preparation, coordination and review of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR).
Provide training and guidance to assigned staff.
Perform related duties as assigned.