ACCOUNTANT I/II

JOB SUMMARY

Performs account reconciliations of subsidiary systems to the General Ledger including bank accounts, accrued liabilities, inventories and supplies, and prepares and posts a variety of journal entries.  Coordinates and performs professional accounting functions that involve the research and analysis of financial transactions and the reporting of municipal finances; provides accounting guidance and assistance to City departments as directed by the Finance Director and in regard to the application and interpretation of Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) and Federal and State regulations; Provides guidance and assistance to support staff on accounting policies and procedures; performs other accounting related duties relative to their area of assignment and at the direction of the Finance Director.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Performs accounting duties according to City policies; enters, reviews and processes transactions and resolves accounting issues within scope of authority; duties may vary according to job assignments. 
2. Performs routine bank reconciliations of certain major subsidiary systems to the General Ledger including bank accounts, inventories and supplies and accrued liabilities. 
3. Processes certain monthly journal entries which impact financial reporting and budget variance analysis.   
4. Monitors account balances and determines the availability of funds; communicates this information via monthly forecast updates to department heads
5. Assists in the preparation and distribution of department financial reports.
6. Researches and resolves cash transaction issues.
7. Records and initiates fixed asset additions and disposals.
8. Records credit card purchases.
9. Assists in developing accounting policy and procedures from accounting best practices; and interprets the Public Funds Investment Act (PFIA) statutes to maintain the City’s depository accounts and assist Finance Director in managing accounts.  
10. Checks documents for validity and accuracy of information, and research technical issues, updates information and provides assistance to employees and others having financial business with the City. 
11. Assists City staff and explains accounting rules, policies and procedures, research financial and technical issues and resolves problems within their scope of authority. 
12. Updates and maintains a variety of electronic and paper files, records, reports and documents; including outstanding reports for accounts payable, accounts receivable, service orders, and purchase orders.
13. Supports the relationship between the City of Commerce and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with citizens, visitors and City Staff; maintains confidentiality of work-related issues and City information.   
14. Provides annual year-end audit support by preparing schedules and providing supporting documentation as requested by the director.
15. Performs all duties in conformance to appropriate security standards.
16. Complete and record quarterly closing to include balance sheet reconciliations, journal entries, depreciation and any outstanding items related to accounts payable and accounts receivable. 
17. Performs all other duties as required or as assigned by Director within finance department. 

DESIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

• High School diploma or GED equivalent is required;
• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance or other related field is required;
• Three-years of bookkeeping and clerical experience is preferred; or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• One-year of accounting, financial, banking or similar experience is preferred;
• Extensive, high-level spreadsheet knowledge;
• A valid Texas driver license with an acceptable driving record

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

(A) Some knowledge of City organization, equipment, facilities, operations, policies and procedures; and

(B) Skill and knowledge of principles and practices of accounting, bookkeeping and records maintenance; and

(C) Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, other departments and the public; ability to understand and carry out written and oral instructions; and

(D) Ability to operate a computer utilizing both standard and specialized software; and

(E)  Provide Effective Customer Service and deal tactfully and courteously with customers.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT

Certifications Required:

• Certification in the Public Funds Investment Act (PFIA) is required within one (1) year of employment as an Accountant I;

Accountant I:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting or Finance or related field;
• 0-3 years’ experience in Finance, Accounting or related field

Accountant II:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting or Finance
• A Master’s Degree is preferred, but not required, in Accounting, Finance or a related field
• 3+ years’ experience in Finance, Accounting or related field
• Certificate of Governmental Finance or certification related to governmental finance in similar municipal finance Certification program

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work involves sitting, standing, walking, talking, lifting, carrying, hearing, using hands to handle, touch, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls and reaching with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to sit.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

The employee may occasionally push, pull, lift and/or carry up to 10 pounds and occasionally exert up to 10 pounds of force while carrying, pushing, pulling or otherwise moving objects.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works indoors. The employee frequently works near or in proximity to other city employees. The employee may be asked to work outside of City Hall when contributing to other teams and departments within the City. 

The noise level in the work environment is usually mild.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

A copy of the City’s Step & Grade/Pay plan regarding compensation can be found online at:

Open Data

The City of Commerce offers a competitive benefits package including a contributory retirement plan, medical, dental and vision insurance for City employees paid for 100% by the employer, life and disability insurance, and paid time off.

SELECTION GUIDELINES

Formal application, rating of education and experience; oral interview and reference check; job related tests may be required; drug screen; final selection and pre-employment medical examination.  NOTE:  Appointees will be subject to completion of a standard probationary period which will last for six (6) months.  Appointees have access to paid, vacation time following the completion of their probationary period. Appointees have access to health, vision and dental insurance benefits on the first of the month following the first full month of employment. 

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

The City of Commerce is an “at will” employer.  The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

The City of Commerce is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing fair and equal treatment of all applicants for employment without regard to age, race, gender, ethnicity, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation or gender identity.  We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.   

By submitting an application, applicant certifies he or she has been provided with this job description.