Accountant

City of Fremont•Fremont, CA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Under general direction, performs professional accounting duties in the development and maintenance of financial records and systems to support one or more City departments, special funds, revenue and investments and/or budget; conducts special projects; performs related duties as required. This is the fully qualified journey level classification in the Accountant series, characterized by the responsibility to apply professional accounting principles and practices in the maintenance of manual and automated financial control and information systems and the development, review and analysis of budgetary and financial data. Incumbents may be assigned responsibility to act as service team leader for one or more City departments, supervising team members, support the development and implementation of the budget, in addition to providing staff assistance in the preparation of ongoing and special reports. Work assignments and objectives are set within standard policy and operating procedures, with problems brought to the attention of the supervisor; review of work is periodic or upon completion of assignment.

Requirements

Knowledge of the principles and practices of general accounting, cost accounting, fixed assets accounting and budgeting; financial information and reporting systems; financial control systems and methodology; written and verbal communication techniques; governmental accounting systems; laws, rules and regulations that apply to local government fiscal operations; principles and practices of public administration including budgeting, program planning and evaluation and supervision; automated financial information systems including spreadsheet and word processing applications; principles of investment and debt administration; group dynamics.
Skill to use an automated financial information system.
Ability to read, understand, explain and apply complex laws, regulations, policies and procedures and reports; develop and maintain effective working relationships; plan, organize and administer financial services; analyze financial information and draw logical conclusions; develop and implement financial systems, processes and procedures; develop cost related fee structures; understand and use an automated accounting system; learn to apply principles of government accounting; conduct cost analysis studies; prepare financial statements and technical reports; communicate effectively with individuals from a variety of ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds; research regulations, procedures and technical reference materials; recognize and respect limits of authority and responsibility.
Incumbents must possess the physical and mental capacity to work under the conditions described in this document and to perform the duties required by their assigned position.
Any combination of education and/or experience that has provided the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary for satisfactory job performance would be qualifying. An example combination would be: a Bachelor of Arts degree in accounting, finance or public administration with three years progressively responsible experience in accounting, finance or budget administration.
This classification requires the ability to travel independently within and outside of City limits.

Responsibilities

Provides budgeting, accounting and financial support services to one or more City departments.
Creates new and reviews established financial systems, processes and procedures.
Reviews Council agenda minutes for approved appropriation transfers or additions.
Prepares journal vouchers to effect transfers or additions.
Reviews transactions and account balances for completeness, accuracy and anomalies.
Prepares monthly transaction reports.
Participates in the mid-year review.
Analyzes expenses and forecast expenditures for the balance of the fiscal year.
Responds to questions concerning transactions and account balances.
Establishes new accounts.
Prepares journal entries to close books at the end of the fiscal year.
Participates in the preparation of the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report.
Participates in the design and implementation of new/changed budgetary and financial reporting systems.
Coordinates with other City staff to determine necessary report information.
Designs report format depending on assigned departments needs.
Coordinates implementation of new/changed reports with systems support staff or consultants.
Participate in inter and intra-departmental training in the financial management system.
Reconciles fixed assets report.
Participates in the preparation of a variety of specialized reports and claims such as the State Controller's Reports, grant programs, the Redevelopment Agency, the Para transit program and claims for grants and other funds due to the City.
Provides technical assistance to outside auditors.
Maintains/reconciles general ledger control accounts.
Provides staff support in the preparation and maintenance of the City general fund and budget, capital and cost center funds and budgets.
Researches and analyzes accounting records to determine variances/anomalies and initiate corrective action.
Prepares financial and written reports.
Reviews and effects budget transfers.
Responds to inter and intra departmental inquiries.
Compiles master fee schedule.
May participate in debt administration and investment activities.
Other duties as assigned.