Accountant I

U nder the general guidance and leadership of the City Clerk-Treasurer, t his position performs professional governmental accounting work involving the preparation and maintenance of accounting records, general ledger reconciliations, recurring journal entries, monthly and year-end closing activities, financial reporting, and support for annual audits. This position requires attention to detail, accuracy, confidentiality, strong analytical skills, advanced computer skills, and the ability to interpret and apply governmental accounting principles and procedures. The Accountant I is responsible for maintaining assigned accounting functions in a timely, accurate, and well-documented manner that supports the City’s monthly financial reporting process.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position.

• Prepares, reviews, and maintains municipal accounting records, general ledger accounts, recurring journal entries, account reconciliations, financial statements, and supporting documentation. 
• Performs assigned month-end and year-end closing responsibilities, including preparation of reconciliations, journal entries, supporting schedules, and other workpapers required to complete the City’s financial close.
• Reconciles assigned City bank accounts, investment accounts, and other balance sheet accounts in accordance with established procedures and monthly closing deadlines.
• Prepares and provides audit-ready schedules, reports, reconciliations, and supporting documentation for external auditors and other regulatory reviews. 
• Processes returned checks, accounting adjustments, correcting entries, and related accounting transactions while maintaining complete supporting records.
• Research and resolve accounting discrepancies, account variances and financial reporting issues by identifying root causes and recommending corrective actions.
• Provides accounting support to City departments by researching financial activity, answering accounting questions, and explaining financial information in a clear and professional manner.
• Maintains organized financial files, electronic records and documentation in accordance with record retention requirements and established procedures.
• Utilizes enterprise financial systems, spreadsheets, databases and other technology tools to maintain accounting records, perform reconciliations, analyze financial information and improve accounting processes.
• Communicates professionally with employees, department representatives, vendors, financial institutions, auditors, regulatory agencies and the public regarding accounting and financial matters.
• Assists with budget preparation, financial analysis, special projects, and other accounting assignments as directed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) standards, governmental fund accounting, and municipal financial procedures.
• Ability to prepare, review, and maintain accurate accounting records, reconciliations, journal entries, financial reports, and supporting workpapers.
• Skill in analyzing financial data, identifying trends, investigating discrepancies, determining root causes, and recommending corrective actions. 
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive financial information.
• Knowledge of municipal finance, internal controls, and financial reporting procedures.
• Knowledge of applicable Federal, State and City regulations related to governmental accounting and grant administration. 
• Ability to establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with team members, supervisors, departmental officials, officials of other agencies and the general public.
• Strong skills in Microsoft Excel and skills in other Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Demonstrated attention to detail and commitment to producing accurate, complete, and well-supported financial records.
• Ability to organize work, manage multiple assignments, and meet established deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive financial, payroll, personnel, and organizational information.
• Ability to identify opportunities to improve accounting processes, strengthen internal controls, and increase operational efficiency.
• Ability to independently manage assigned accounting functions and accept responsibility for the accuracy and timely completion of recurring accounting activities.
• Ability to prepare clear, organized, and audit-ready supporting documentation that demonstrates compliance with accounting standards and established procedures.
• Ability to communicate financial information clearly and professionally, both verbally and in writing, to employees, management, auditors, and external stakeholders.

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field. 
• Two (2) years of bookkeeping or accounting experience. 
• Governmental accounting experience or familiarity with governmental fund accounting is preferred.
• Valid driver's license.

A comparable amount of training and/or experience may be substituted for the minimum qualifications.

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 essential functions.

Summary:

• Occasionally - Lift/Carry: 15+ lbs., Push/Pull: 25+ lbs., Climb, Drive
• Frequently - Lift/Carry: 15 lbs. or less, Push/Pull: 25 lbs. or less, Twist/Turn, Reach Above Shoulder, Reach Outward, Stand, Walk.
• Constantly – Acceptable Eyesight (with or without correction), Acceptable Hearing (with or without a correction), Sit, Handling/Fine Motor Skills and Type/Keyboard. 

These are intended only as illustrations of various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position.

The City of Panama City is an Equal Opportunity Affirmative/ Action Employer.