Accountant/Senior Accountant

East Valley Water District•Highland, CA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

East Valley Water District’s Finance and Accounting staff oversees financial and analytical operations, including preparing and maintaining financial records and reports for District accounts and funds. The Accountant and Senior Accountant perform complex professional accounting and financial analysis, coordinate assigned services and operations with other District divisions and outside agencies, assist with developing and implementing accounting and cost systems, and provide staff assistance in areas of expertise. Placement level is based on qualifications and experience. The Accountant prepares and reconciles journal entries and accounts, helps produce financial statements and reports, monitors receipts and bank reconciliations, administers grants, supports budgeting and audits, and helps maintain compliance with governmental accounting requirements and internal controls. The Senior Accountant provides more complex technical and professional assistance across financial reporting, fund accounting, accounts payable and receivable, payroll, budgets, audits, fixed assets, and financial systems. Both classifications perform related duties as assigned. The Accountant receives general supervision from the Finance Supervisor; the Senior Accountant receives general direction from the Director of Finance. The Accountant may provide technical and functional direction to lower-level accounting and clerical personnel, and the Senior Accountant may direct staff as assigned. The position is based in an office environment with moderate noise, controlled temperatures, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Work is primarily sedentary, with occasional movement and lifting of objects up to 10 pounds. Employees may interact with upset staff and public or private representatives.

Requirements

Accountant: Equivalent to graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in accounting, finance, business administration, or a closely related field.
Accountant: Three years of accounting experience in government accounting, preparing budgets and financial statements.
Senior Accountant: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in accounting, finance, business or public administration, or a related field.
Senior Accountant: Five years of increasingly responsible professional accounting experience related to general accounting, auditing, and/or financial management.
Class C driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record.
Knowledge of public and governmental accounting and finance, budgeting, auditing, applicable laws and regulations, recordkeeping, office practices, and relevant computer and financial systems.
Ability to analyze financial data, draw sound conclusions, prepare clear financial statements and reports, and perform accurate arithmetic, financial, and statistical computations.
Ability to organize and prioritize work, manage competing projects and deadlines, conduct research, evaluate alternatives, and recommend improvements.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing and establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Ability to use computers, financial systems, spreadsheet and word-processing software, and standard office equipment.
Ability to meet the physical demands of office work, including computer use, occasional bending, stooping, kneeling, reaching, pushing and pulling, and lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling objects up to 10 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Senior Accountant experience in a public agency is preferred.

Responsibilities

Prepare journal entries and reconcile general ledger, subsidiary, expenditure, revenue, cash, and bank accounts.
Assist with monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and footnotes, including the Senior Accountant’s preparation and submittal of the Annual Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (ACFR).
Prepare periodic and special financial reports for operational use and presentation to the Board of Directors.
Research and analyze transactions, resolve problems, verify fund availability, and check expenditure classifications.
Coordinate grant administration and reporting, ensure regulatory compliance, and initiate bond construction fund reimbursements.
Assist with 1099 and independent contractor reporting (Accountant).
Interpret and apply governmental accounting and auditing principles, procedures, laws, and regulations.
Review documentation for accuracy and compliance with legal and procedural requirements.
Participate in budget preparation, assist departments with budget development, estimate grant revenues and expenditures, monitor spending, and assist with budget publication as applicable to the classification.
Prepare audit schedules, assist the Finance Manager during annual audits, confer with staff about fiscal procedures, and help ensure internal controls are followed.
Maintain the fixed asset registry, research and document assets, assess asset life and type, coordinate with engineers and District staff, archive records, and retire assets from the financial management system (Senior Accountant).
Verify integration of financial system components and consistency of business processes; confer with vendors regarding system maintenance and upgrades (Senior Accountant).
Assist with special projects, develop and implement accounting policies and procedures, and maintain compliance with mandated requirements.
Attend professional meetings, conferences, workshops, and training; keep current with developments in accounting and public agency finance.
Observe and comply with District and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols (Senior Accountant).
Perform related duties as assigned.