Staff Accountant

Staff Accountant

Working under the supervision of accounting and/or finance staff, this position: Ensures compliance with accounting and finance standards, best practices, and government regulations. Researches financial variances and analyzes financial data. Prepares monthly reconciliations and financial statements. Prepares and submits financial reports in a timely and accurate manner. Reviews financial reports and accounting records to ensure accuracy and completeness. Performs month-end closing activities. Conducts reviews and audits of financial and accounting records as requested. Analyzes business operations, financial commitments, costs, revenues, and trends to develop projections. Performs other duties as assigned.

Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, or a directly related field from a four-year accredited college or university required. Must have completed sufficient academic coursework credit hours to qualify to sit for the Ohio CPA exam before the date of hire. A strong understanding of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) required; familiarity with the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) pronouncements is preferred. Must be competent in the use of accounting software and possess excellent computer skills. Must have the ability to use logic, critical thinking, and deductive reasoning skills. Must be capable of completing intricate tasks with a high degree of accuracy while working independently. Effective written and verbal communication skills are required. Valid State of Ohio Driver's License required.

Primary responsibilities:

• Learn about the water, sewer, and power industry and how the financial rules apply within the department.
• Track grants and loans received by the department and complete reporting to appropriate agencies. Work closely with various areas within the department receiving funding to ensure operational compliance is met as stated within the grant/loan agreement. Assist in researching grant opportunities that may be available to the department and work with Fiscal Managers and divisions to apply for the grants.
• Facilitate travel and training documents needed for the department including obtaining approvals, setting up funding, and processing payments.
• Create annual budgets with the assistance of fiscal and operational managers. Monitor annual budgets throughout the year to ensure that all expenditures are within budget.
• Run financial reports from the City's financial system and analyze the data using Excel to determine the financial status of the assigned division. Discuss any areas of concern with managers.
• Forecast budget spending during the year, and update management as needed.
• Assist in creating monthly capital reports and track capital projects within the department. Ensure all grant/loan opportunities related to capital are reported accurately.
• Assist in completing monthly revenue reports. Run reports from the billing system and work closely with the billing division to gain a sound understanding of how the system works and what reports are available.
• Performs other job-related duties as required.

Preferred requirements:

• Working knowledge of capital projects, grants, loans, revenue and debt issuances.
• Two years' government accounting experience, including enterprise accounts.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word and Excel, excellent written and oral communication skills, good time management.
• Must possess good organizational and time management skills.

The City's guiding principles are as follows: Placing Clevelanders at the Center, Empowering Employees to Do Purposeful Work, Defining Clear and Pragmatic Objectives, Leading with Trust and Transparency, Striving for Equity in All We Do, and Embracing Change. All City employees are responsible for embracing and carrying out these principles in all that they do.

The City of Cleveland makes available a variety of benefit options depending upon your employment status and any applicable union membership. In general, benefit options include comprehensive medical, dental, vision, prescription medical and life insurance. Specific information regarding benefit eligibility will be discussed and reviewed at the time of hire.