Accountant

Accountant

The purpose of this position is the maintenance of City accounting records and the preparation of financial reports. An Accountant may be assigned responsibility for maintenance and operation of the City's accounting ledgers, for the audit of departmental accounts, and for examining the financial records of University City businesses. The Accountant receives general instructions regarding what is expected and completes assignments independently. Work is reviewed by superiors for overall accuracy and quality through spot checks and appraisal of results. Reports to the Director of Finance. Supervises the Accounts Payable Specialist as assigned by the Director of Finance.

Essential Functions

• Reconciles bank accounts for a variety of City funds
• Prepares cash balance statements and financial reports
• Verifies cash collections and checks distribution to accounts
• Audits accounts of all departments authorized to collect City funds
• Checks numbered tickets or permits with receipts, deposit slips, and other records.
• Analyzes departmental accounting procedures
• Audits financial records of businesses in University City to ascertain correctness of license payments
• Verifies size of gross receipts, inventories and value fees and penalties.
• Makes necessary follow-ups
• Provides support for the Collector's Office
• Maintains general and subsidiary ledgers
• Prepares statements of appropriations, expenditures and encumbrances
• Assists superiors in such special projects as the revision of the chart of accounts or the year-end financial statements
• Maintains records on individual pieces of equipment
• Receives vehicle usage reports
• Calculates monthly costs and posts amounts to individual equipment records.
• Prepares departmental bills
• Performs related work as required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or other accounting experience (preferably governmental accounting)
• Three years of experience in accounting and auditing theory, principles and practices
• Thorough knowledge of the principles of accounting, best practices, and account classification
• Close attention to detail
• Excellent organization skills
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to maintain complicated financial records and to prepare clear and comprehensive financial reports is essential.