Accountant

Travis County•Austin, TX

10d•Onsite

About The Position

Under moderate supervision, the Accountant performs professional accounting services using standardized methods and procedures in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and County policies. The role prepares financial statements, schedules, and reports; completes journal entries; maintains ledgers; reconciles and verifies accounts; and monitors revenue and expense accounts. It interprets and analyzes accounting data and financial reports and recommends action. The position may also perform accounting functions involving collection of delinquent tax accounts or court fine and fee accounts to support compliance with applicable laws, requirements, and regulations. This is the first of three professional accounting-related classifications in the Finance job family. Incumbents typically perform routine professional financial accounting duties applying standard accounting theories, principles, and techniques, and generally consult with higher-level accounting staff on more complex functions. The role requires initiative and independent judgment and typically supports a department or office. A flexible schedule may be required to meet department needs. The position is based at 700 Lavaca St, Austin, Texas. Work hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Travis County employees may be assigned to business continuity efforts outside their normal job functions. Criminal, credit, driving, education, and employment background checks are required. Physical requirements include occasionally lifting or carrying up to 10–15 pounds and the visual, speech, hearing, coordination, and dexterity abilities needed to operate a computer and office equipment. The role may involve standing, sitting, walking, climbing, crawling, bending, stooping, crouching, kneeling, pushing, pulling, reaching, twisting, balancing, repetitive motion, and squatting.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a directly related field.
Two years of increasingly responsible relevant professional-level accounting or financial analysis experience; a master's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a directly related field may substitute for the required experience.
Knowledge of policies, practices, procedures, and terminology of the assigned function.
Knowledge of applicable federal, state, local, and county laws, rules, regulations, and guidelines.
Knowledge of GAAP and standardized financial practices.
Knowledge of manual and automated systems relating to the assigned function and modern office practices, procedures, and methods.
Knowledge of computer equipment and word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and a variety of software packages.
Knowledge of business letter writing, grammar, punctuation, and report preparation.
May be required to develop knowledge of and adhere to federal and state laws requiring confidential handling of certain health information.
Skill in problem-solving and decision-making; entering and reconciling financial data; reporting and monitoring fund and ledger balances; completing professional financial reports; and verbal and written communication.
Ability to analyze, calculate, consolidate, reconcile, and interpret accounting data and identify errors.
Ability to develop and maintain financial spreadsheets, accounts, and ledgers and prepare accurate financial statements.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with County employees and officials, outside agency representatives, and the general public.
Ability to meet the stated physical requirements and operate a computer and office equipment.

Nice To Haves

Valid Texas Driver's License.

Responsibilities

Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements, schedules, and reports, including accounting entries and account and statement reconciliations.
Develop or assist in developing non-standard reports and statements, including detailed cost and financial analyses, forecasts, trend analyses, and projections.
Participate in or complete special accounting studies.
Monitor revenue and expenses for assigned accounts.
Complete journal entries, maintain ledgers, and prepare cost accounting information.
Verify accounts and reconcile and analyze entries, transactions, ledgers, and reports.
Maintain filing systems for accounting data, including canceled checks, bank statements, and other documentation.
Interpret and analyze accounting data and financial reports and recommend action.
Assist in developing and implementing department accounting systems and procedures and drafting financial policies and procedures.
Assist with budget preparation and maintenance.
Monitor compliance with GAAP and maintain accounting controls and financial security by following policies, procedures, and internal controls.
Provide department staff and other clients with procedural or financial information and guidance on automated or manual systems.
Assist with required documents, verify completion, review for accuracy, and submit documents for further processing as required.
Instruct staff in entering information into the accounting system as required.
May train or assist in training, review the work of, and provide technical assistance to lower-level accounting staff performing ledger entries, reconciliations, trial balances, and payroll, purchasing, travel, or other accounting and bookkeeping work.
May perform specialized accounting functions, such as grant accounting or accounting related to a collections program.
May assist in establishing and maintaining a system for reviewing delinquent tax accounts or court fine and fee accounts.
Perform other job-related duties as assigned.