SENIOR ACCOUNTANT

Job Description

Job Description

Why Work for the City of Balch Springs?

The City of Balch Springs is a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable community that thrives on its rich history, commitment to progress, and dedication to fostering a positive work environment. As a city, we focus on enhancing the quality of life for our residents, businesses, and visitors.

We are a forward-thinking organization that embraces innovation and strives for excellence in every department. With our clear vision to inspire growth and community pride, the City of Balch Springs is an excellent place to build a rewarding career. Whether you’re passionate about public safety, economic development, or community engagement, we offer diverse opportunities that allow you to make a meaningful impact.

As an employee of the City of Balch Springs, you’ll be part of a supportive team where professional development is encouraged, and collaboration is valued. We believe in providing employees with the tools and resources they need to succeed, ensuring a positive work-life balance and fostering a culture of respect, integrity, and open communication.

Employee Benefits & Compensation:

• Competitive Salary: We offer competitive pay based on qualifications and experience.
• Comprehensive Benefits Package: Includes medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and their families.
• Retirement Plans: Access to Texas Municipal Retirement System
• Paid Leave: Generous paid time off, including vacation (15 days for 1st year), sick leave, and holidays (11 plus 2 floating.)
• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, certifications, and career advancement within the city.
• Employee Recognition: We value and celebrate the hard work and dedication of our employees.

Our core values of integrity, respect and transparency guide our everyday work, and we actively support our employees’ professional growth. Join our team and help shape the future of a city that’s committed to creating a thriving environment for all.

Job Summary: The Senior Accountant performs advanced professional accounting and financial work in support of the City’s financial operations. This position is responsible for general ledger administration, complex reconciliations, journal entries, financial reporting, closing activities, audit preparation, and the review of financial transactions for accuracy and compliance. The Senior Accountant serves as an advanced technical resource to Finance employees and City departments but does not have formal supervisory authority unless specifically assigned.

Minimum Job Requirements

1. Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
2. At least three years of progressively responsible accounting, finance, auditing, or related experience, including at least one year leading or supervising employees, projects, programs, or complex financial processes.
3. Governmental or municipal finance experience preferred.
4. Valid driver’s license.

Essential Job Functions

• Performs advanced accounting work across assigned Finance functions, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, revenues, payroll accounting, purchasing, utility billing, grants, fixed assets, cash management, and fund accounting.
• Serves as the first line supervisor for assigned Finance employees by coordinating assignments, monitoring deadlines, reviewing completed work, providing training and feedback, and assisting with performance evaluations and employee development.
• Prepares, reviews, and posts journal entries, account adjustments, allocations, accruals, transfers, and other financial transactions with appropriate supporting documentation.
• Prepares and reviews bank reconciliations, general ledger reconciliations, subsidiary records, revenues, expenditures, assets, liabilities, and other financial activity and resolves identified discrepancies.
• Coordinates assigned monthly, quarterly, fiscal year end, and calendar year end accounting activities, ensuring required entries, reconciliations, schedules, and reports are completed accurately and timely.
• Prepares financial statements, fund balance analyses, budget reports, audit schedules, management reports, and other financial documents for review by the Assistant Director of Finance.
• Supports the annual financial audit by preparing schedules, gathering documentation, responding to assigned audit requests, researching questions, and assisting with corrective actions.
• Reviews financial transactions and records for proper coding, authorization, budget availability, supporting documentation, internal controls, and compliance with City policies and applicable requirements.
• Provides advanced technical guidance to Finance employees and City departments, identifies accounting errors, control concerns, and process gaps, and recommends improvements to the Assistant Director of Finance.
• Performs assigned financial projects, provides operational coverage during vacancies, absences, audits, and critical reporting periods, and performs other related duties as required.

Knowledge of

• Governmental accounting, fund accounting, and generally accepted accounting principles.
• Governmental Accounting Standards Board requirements.
• General ledger, journal entries, reconciliations, financial reporting, and closing processes.
• Accounts payable, accounts receivable, revenues, payroll accounting, purchasing, grants, fixed assets, cash management, and budget control.
• Internal controls, audit preparation, financial documentation, and records retention.
• Financial software, reporting systems, spreadsheets, and database applications.

Skills in

• Preparing journal entries, reconciliations, financial reports, audit schedules, and supporting documentation.
• Analyzing financial information and resolving discrepancies among accounts, systems, and records.
• Completing accounting assignments accurately within established deadlines.
• Applying accounting standards, financial policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Reviewing transactions for accuracy, proper coding, authorization, documentation, and compliance.
• Preparing clear financial reports, schedules, analyses, and recommendations.
• Explaining accounting procedures and requirements to employees and City departments.
• Identifying accounting errors, control concerns, and opportunities for process improvement.
• Using financial systems and Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.
• Exercising sound judgment, maintaining confidentiality, and working independently under general direction.

Physical Demands/Work Environment:  Work is performed in a standard office environment with low to moderate noise level. Subject to sitting for an extended period of time, standing, walking, bending, reaching, kneeling, and lifting and putting away such items as records and office supplies of moderate weight of up to 40 pounds. Working with a wide variety of people, some of whom may be irate or difficult.

E.E.O.C. The City of Balch Springs does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability or military service in employment or the provision of services.