Accountant II

Accountant II

The City of Clearwater is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future visa sponsorship. City of Clearwater will not sponsor employment visas (e.g., H-1B, or any other work authorization status).

Target entry salary: $71,912 - $75,507 DOQ

Under limited direction, the Accountant II maintains, analyzes, oversees, and reports on an assigned department’s accounting and administrative operations to mitigate financial risk and foster compliance with principles and standards. Independent work will be required with knowledge of government principles, practices and procedures. Current recruitment is for our General Services Department.

Duties and Responsibilities

Essential Functions:

• Performs and delivers advanced accounting tasks, cost analyses, and statistical evaluations for the department assigned; prepares statements and periodic statistical reports, reconciles ledger accounts and bank statements, drafts journal entries, analyzes invoices and receiving reports, prepares audit worksheets, and monitors expenditures.
• Monitors, evaluates, and audits commercial, utility, and governmental accounts for verification purposes; develops and implements various improved financial systems and internal controls.
• Administers, monitors, and assists in preparing the operating and capital improvement budgets; prepares and presents reports on budget matters, projects future budget needs, and develops manual and computer procedures for recording and storing statistical information.
• Reviews, evaluates, and ensures accuracy in collections and payment processing; analyzes and reviews financial data using automated financial accounting systems to monitor organizational performance, analyze trends, and make recommendations for improvement.
• Performs and conducts special management studies in a wide variety of administrative and operational areas; performs, assists, supports, and participates in conducting functional and procedural surveys throughout the organization to evaluate operations and recommend modifications in accounting or administrative practices.
• Supervises, monitors, and supports clerical and accounting personnel; verifies P-card transactions and provides support for other personnel; performs special projects and assignments as needed.
• Compiles information and financial data for the creation and delivery of special reports on management issues, cost efficiencies, and revenue-generating concepts; collaborates, engages, and works with departments to compile and deliver annual operating and budget findings.
• Participates in the development and implementation of automated financial accounting and budget systems and the completion of the City's annual budget.
• Manages the performance reporting system of the operating department; compiles and maintains accountability for operational and capital improvement budgets.
• Audits commercial and governmental accounts for verification purposes and for the development of improved financial systems and internal controls.
• Performs customer service and other duties as assigned.

Finance:

• Administers the financial software system including user access, security and workflow; researches, diagnoses, troubleshoots and identifies solutions to resolve process issues; translates business requirements into functional requirements; creates complex reports and queries; acts as the liaison between the Finance, City Departments and Information Technology staff; coordinates and trains all end users; creates and updates all training documentation.

Minimum Qualifications

Licenses, Certifications and Equipment: A valid State driver's license is required. Education and Experience: Bachelor's Degree in Accounting or closely related field PLUS three (3) years of experience in accounting, auditing, or budget analysis. Experience with financial software or another ERP software is preferred. Experience in administration of financial software and a financial/ERP system is desired; OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered.

Supplemental Information

Knowledge of:

• Advanced bookkeeping and accounting
• Statistics and research methods
• Government accounting and budgeting practices
• Auditing practices and their application to accounting and budget control
• Office practices, procedures, and equipment
• Personnel supervision, management, and oversight
• Record keeping, report preparation, filing methods, and records
• General office policies and procedures; computers and general office equipment

Skill in:

• Strong organizational skills
• Setting priorities to meet deadlines
• Preparing and monitoring accounting statements and reports
• Analyzing and interpreting fiscal and accounting data
• Ensuring accurate delivery of financial information and accounting
• Performing general office and clerical work
• Preparing accurate accounting reports and statements
• Make arithmetic computations quickly and accurately
• Ability to work with limited supervision
• Establishing and maintaining strong office relationships
• Operating a computer and related software