Project Accountant

City of Odessa•Odessa, TX

11d

About The Position

Performs professional accounting work focused on project, grant, and contract-related financial activities. Applies governmental accounting principles to monitor budgets, track expenditures, maintain financial records, and support financial reporting for departmental and City projects. The role includes reconciliations, journal entries, project and grant tracking, contract-related financial documentation, and audit support. It works closely with the Finance Director and departments to ensure accurate reporting, compliance with purchasing and financial controls, and proper documentation of project-related transactions. Work is performed in a standard office environment. Essential functions may include representative duties listed in the posting, and reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job description is not an employment agreement and may be changed by the employer.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in accounting or a closely related field, with extensive education credits in accounting coursework.
Knowledge of governmental and general accounting principles and practices.
Knowledge of basic fund and project accounting methods.
Knowledge of journal entries, reconciliations, and financial reporting procedures.
Knowledge of budget and expenditure tracking practices.
Knowledge of internal controls and audit documentation requirements.
Knowledge of municipal purchasing and financial compliance standards.
Knowledge of financial systems and spreadsheet tools.
Ability to prepare journal entries and perform account and bank reconciliations.
Ability to track budgets, project expenditures, and other applicable account activity.
Ability to review invoices and transactions for accuracy and proper coding.
Ability to maintain accurate financial and project records and prepare routine financial and budget reports.
Ability to identify and resolve discrepancies and support audits and financial reporting requests.
Ability to use financial systems and spreadsheets effectively, manage multiple assignments, meet deadlines, and communicate clearly with departments and supervisors.

Nice To Haves

Two years of accounting or closely related experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

Monitor operating and capital budgets for assigned departments and projects, reviewing expenditures and revenue activity for accuracy and compliance with approved budgets.
Develop and maintain current-year expenditure and revenue estimates for assigned projects and accounts, and assist with budget projections.
Maintain detailed financial and compliance files for contracts and special projects, including supporting documentation and required reporting records.
Monitor contract financial terms, funding limits, and deadlines to support timely payments, reporting, and project closeout.
Review invoices, payment requests, and purchasing transactions for accuracy, account coding, contract compliance, and adherence to City purchasing policies.
Track project expenditures, encumbrances, reimbursements, and funding sources in the financial system.
Prepare and record routine and adjusting journal entries related to projects, banking, and assigned accounting transactions.
Perform account, bank, and project reconciliations; research and resolve discrepancies and report errors.
Prepare routine monthly, quarterly, and ad hoc financial and budget reports for projects and assigned accounts.
Assist departments with project financial reporting requirements and supporting documentation for external agencies when applicable.
Support annual budget development by compiling project budget data, expenditure trends, and supporting schedules.
Conduct financial research and basic analysis for special projects and management information requests.
Maintain accurate accounting and project records in financial systems in accordance with internal control and recordkeeping standards.
Support financial and grant audits by preparing schedules and providing requested documentation and explanations.
Assist with annual financial reports and audit schedules as assigned.
Ensure assigned transactions and project activities comply with internal controls, funding-source requirements, and applicable financial regulations.
Provide backup support for other accounting functions when needed.
Perform other related accounting and project financial duties, including accounting and banking research projects, as assigned by the Finance Director.
Support departmental operations through regular and timely attendance.
Demonstrate courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with the public and City staff, and maintain confidentiality of work-related issues and City information.