Accountant III

The City of Portsmouth is seeking a detail-orientated and highly skilled Accountant III to join its Finance Department. This position plays a critical role in maintaining accurate financial records, supporting budgeting and forecasting processes, and ensuring compliance with applicable accounting standards and regulations. The ideal candidate will bring strong technical accounting expertise, analytical skills, and a commitment to accuracy and transparency in financial reporting.


Starting salary range: $74,685.09 - $90,780.19 per the Professional Management Association (PMA) Working Agreement



Hours: Full Time, 37.5 hours a week



Schedule: Monday: 8am-6pm, Tuesday-Thursday: 8am-4:30pm, Friday:8am-1pm


We encourage you to apply even if you don't satisfy every single bullet on this list.


The City offers a generous compensation and benefits package that includes retirement paid time off including vacation holidays medical & dental insurance flexible spending account professional development career growth longevity incentives and more!


NATURE OF WORK


Position is responsible for assisting the Finance Department in utilizing technical accounting, financial recording, budgeting, forecasting, internal auditing and analysis duties. The Accountant III assists with developing, compiling, and maintaining accurate financial records and reporting in compliance with Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) standards, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), as well as state and local regulatory requirements.


SUPERVISION


Under the general direction of the Deputy City Manager of Finance and Administration and the Deputy Finance Director, the majority of work is performed independently, in accordance with standard practices and previous training. Incumbent plans, prioritizes, and organizes work activities, including determining the work methods. Instructions for new assignments or special projects usually consist of statements of desired objectives, deadlines, and priorities. Work is generally reviewed only for technical adequacy, appropriateness of actions or decisions, and conformance with policy or other requirements and to provide signature of approval.


ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS


The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustration 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 work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to, or extension of, the position.


1. Performs general ledger account reconciliations and related analysis.


2. Prepares monthly journal entries, posting and reviewing entries.


3. Assists in the development of the City's annual budget including analyzing and developing supporting documentation.


4. Assists in confidential cost analysis calculations for collective bargaining agreement negotiations.


5. Completes year-round monitoring of expenditures and provides year-end projections.


6. Develops and maintains strong, positive relationships with City Departments and Divisions along with other staff for the smooth operation of all financial functions.


7. Assists with establishing and reviewing the salary and benefit budget for the annual operating budget to ensure accuracy and compliance with the City's collective bargaining agreements.


8. Assists in the preparation and activities of the annual audit by the independent auditing firm as well as in preparation of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR).


9. Assists with developing, updating, and implementing the Finance Department internal control policies and procedures.


10. Assists and makes recommendations to the Deputy Finance Director and works collaboratively with Departments and City staff to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and enhance internal controls.


11. Provides functional, technical, and operational support during the implementation and ongoing optimization of the City's Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and financial management systems. The role serves as a liaison between Finance, Information Technology, departmental users, and the ERP vendor to ensure accurate system configuration, efficient business processes, reliable financial reporting, and successful system adoption.


12. Provides additional Finance Department duties/tasks as requested.


REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES


An incumbent in this position consistently demonstrates a(n)...


1. High degree of judgment and competency to assist in the preparation and administration of the annual budget and annual audit.


2. Capability of examining, analyzing, and evaluating financial information and verifying the appropriateness of actions taken.


3. Understanding of and ability to appropriately interpret and apply complex federal, state, and local regulations.


4. Practical application of a variety of accounting concepts, practices, and specialized techniques.


5. Ability to communicate effectively with the general public, City staff, and government officials at all levels.


ENVIRONMENT, WORKING CONDITIONS, PHYSICAL AND MENTAL EFFORT


Primary duties of this position involve communicating accurately and effectively with members of the public and staff on a variety of financial related items. This includes responding to inquiries and complaints, providing information, and ensuring compliance with regulations, procedures, and laws. Work is performed in an open office setting which can be somewhat noisy. Current position includes some limited physical requirements including transporting documentation, reports, and office supplies weighing up to 25 pounds.


Errors can result in delay or loss of service, monetary loss, and/or legal repercussions.


The position has seldom contact with the public and daily contact with other City Departments. The purpose of this contact is to answer inquiries or to provide or receive information regarding budgets, operating procedures, or related financial matters. Contact is usually made over the telephone, in person, or in writing.


MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS


A Bachelor's Degree in Accounting or a related field is required. Thorough knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). Excellent computer skills, including proficiency in Excel and thorough knowledge of other MS Office Suite applications.


(The above descriptions are illustrative. They are intended as guides for personnel actions and are not complete itemizations of all facets of any job.)


DISCLAIMER


The essential functions and duties described herein are normal for this position. They are intended as an illustration 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 work is similarly related or a logical assignment to or extension of the position. Other duties may be required and assigned by the supervisor. The City of Portsmouth is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. The City is committed to providing access to equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact our Human Resources Director by phone View phone number on click.appcast.io.


APPLICATION SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS


Finalist must complete pre-employment screening, drug testing, & background check.