Accountant III

City of Turlock•Turlock, CA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Under direction, performs professional accounting work; records and reports financial transactions in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP); reviews accounting records for accuracy; prepares financial reports, statements, and special financial analyses for both internal and external customers; and reviews accounting transactions for accuracy. This classification is assigned to the Turlock City Employees Association bargaining unit and is subject to overtime assignments. This is the working lead/advanced journey-level class in the professional accounting series. Incumbents are expected to independently accomplish more complex accounting duties and responsibilities. Successful performance requires considerable knowledge of governmental accounting policies and procedures, as well as the ability to exercise sound independent judgment within established guidelines.

Requirements

Basic leadership principles and practices.
Generally accepted accounting principles and governmental accounting principles and standards.
Theories, principles and practices of governmental budgeting and finance.
Computer software applications used in the accounting office environment.
Modern office practices, procedures, methods, and equipment.
Federal and state grant regulations and guidelines.
Statistical concepts and methods.
City policies and procedures.
Plan, direct, and review the work of assigned professional and support staff.
Train others in work procedures.
Examine and verify complex financial documents and reports.
Prepare a variety of complex financial statements, reports, and analyses.
Maintain cooperative relationships with those contacted during the course of work.
Interpret and apply accounting and financial management laws, rules, regulations, policies, and guidelines.
Present ideas effectively orally and in writing.
Use computer and software programs effectively.
Organize, analyze, manage, and implement a variety of programs.
Two years of professional journey level accounting experience similar to that of the Accountant II in the City of Turlock that would have provided the opportunity to develop the required skills, knowledge and abilities.
Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in accounting, business administration, economics or a related field.
Possession of a valid California Driver’s License in the category necessary to perform essential duties of the position may be required at the time of appointment.
See well enough to read instructions, read fine print, view computer screen, operate vehicle and related equipment.
Hear well enough to converse on the telephone and in person, assist the public and other staff.
Use hands and fingers for use of computer keyboard and mouse, adding machine, copy machine, filing, writing, drive vehicles and answer telephone.

Nice To Haves

Individuals who do not meet this requirement due to a physical disability will be considered for accommodation on a case-by-case basis.

Responsibilities

Perform a variety of complex accounting duties related to the operation and maintenance of City-wide and multi-department accounting records.
Coordinate, assign, and review the work of others; participate in the selection, training, and evaluation of assigned staff; may provide input to the Principal Accountant on performance and discipline issues.
Participate in the posting, balancing, and reconciliation of the General Ledger and subsidiary accounts; perform interest allocation accounting.
Prepare work papers, financial statements, and various reports for federal, state and county agencies related to a variety of reporting requirements including, but not limited to, grant reporting to various agencies as well as reporting to the State Controller’s office.
Provide assistance and information to outside auditors as required.
Recommend or implement changes in accounting systems and procedures.
Maintain fixed asset records; analyze expenditures for capitalization in accordance with City policy and calculate depreciation expense.
Assist other City Departments with the financial aspects of special projects.
Assist in monitoring various accounts and classification of expenditures; research and analyze transactions to resolve problems.
Recommend changes in accounting and auditing systems, policies and procedures.
Perform related duties as assigned.

Benefits

Eleven (11) paid holidays and three (3) floating holidays.
Paid vacation that increases with years of service.
Accrual of one day (eight (8) hours) for each month worked.
Qualified candidates who are currently a CalPERS member or have been a CalPERS member within the last six (6) months or are subject to reciprocity with another eligible retirement plan, may be a "classic member" and may be enrolled in the City's 2.7% @ 55 plan. Employee pays employee contribution rate of 9% on a pre-tax basis. CalPERS "final compensation" may be based on the highest twelve (12) continuous months of qualifying employment. Non-classic or "new members" will be enrolled in the 2% @ 62 plan and CalPERS "final compensation" will be based on the highest thirty-six (36) continuous months of qualifying employment.
The City will match employee's contribution up to one half of one percent (0.5%) of the employee's base salary for each pay period in which employee contributes to the program.
Two (2) percent of the employee's base payroll will be deposited in each individual's RHS Vantage Care account.
The City offers a generous health, prescription, vision, and dental insurance plans for employees and dependents.
Beginning with the tenth (10th) year and every year thereafter, 1.5% of base salary. Beginning with the fifteenth (15th) year and every year thereafter, 1.5% of base salary. Beginning with the twentieth (20th) year and every year thereafter, 1.5% of base salary.
Associate/Bachelor/Master's Degree Incentive Pay (If not listed as a minimum qualification)
Educational Reimbursement Program
Computer Loan Program Upon completion of probation.