CLASS SPECIFICATION

ACCOUNTANT

SALARY

$28.91 - $42.21 Hourly

GENERAL DEFINITION OF WORK

Performs intermediate administrative work performing accounting and inventory audits, various administrative duties, analyzing multiple financial annual reports, preparing and maintaining detailed records, files, and reports, and related work as apparent or assigned. Work is performed under the limited supervision of the Finance Division Manager.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's degree with coursework in accounting, finance or related field and considerable experience in accounting or equivalent combination of education and experience.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required and are subject to change as needs and job requirements change. Position assignments may vary. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable an individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Performs inventory audits; assists with the preparation of periodic reports such as the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR), grant, investment, capital improvement, debt, or other operational reports required to gauge operational efficient and/or compliance with government ordinances/guidelines. Reviews grant requests and manages the completion of reimbursement requests and reports; requests funds from various government agencies through different platforms; prepares and analyzes grant data for internal and external review; manages and monitors financial compliance, financial expenditures, reporting requirements as outlined in the contract/grant agreement and ensures proper accounting procedures for federal grant programs and non-federal grant programs. Composes and analyzes monthly financial statements for funds; advises City budget liaisons regarding budget development, and revenue and expenditure monitoring for departments. Reviews accounts payable; reviews payments prior to release of funds for payment to vendors. Processes monthly fixed asset activity including additions and retirements. Maintains accounts receivable including establishing new accounts and research and analysis. Prepares and analyzes month end close journal entries and reconciles the accounts. Provides advice and assistance to diverse City functions to ensure compliance with City policies and procedures; interprets laws, ordinances, and regulations pertaining to tax and licensing provisions as they apply to each business; assists, informs, and educates businesses as to proper and lawful means of recording and reporting city and state sales tax; prepares tax correspondence to be sent to businesses. Performs work related to special assessments including preparation of assessment rolls, special assessment records, and coordination of property auctions. Assists with special projects as needed if assigned to cash and revenue management: Reviews daily cash flow and cash requirements of the City; verifies and records daily banking activity and performs month-end bank reconciliations; serves as contract coordinator for banking-related services. Analyzes Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) records and historical data to provide input on revenue trends for the City; identifies budget comparison trends to monitor current estimates and development of TPT forecasts; prepares monthly TPT reports for senior management and City Council. Conducts and/or coordinates TPT audits with the Arizona Department of Revenue (ADOR); reviews taxpayer records for compliance; reviews City contracts for compliance and accuracy; monitors ADOR records and reports for accuracy of information or any anomalies. Analyzes City payment journal reports from Arizona Department of Revenue (ADOR) to determine tax payer delinquencies, paying incorrect tax amount or filing incorrect codes; sends taxpayer notifications and delinquency letters; responds to taxpayer inquiries; composes tax brochures and conducts taxpayer seminars. Analyzes and tracks all City revenues; prepares monthly schedules/reports of revenues received; prepares quarterly reconciliations for accounts receivable and deferred revenues; prepares monthly journal entries for revenues, property taxes and tourism payments. Operates and maintains motor vehicles or other work related equipment requiring a valid Arizona driver license.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

General knowledge of the theory, principles, methods and practices of accounting; general knowledge of the laws, ordinances and regulations governing City financial matters, federal grants and loan programs; general knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP); general knowledge of internal audit systems and procedures; general knowledge of the principles, procedures, and practices of electronic data processing accounting applications; general knowledge of modern office methods, practices and equipment. Skill in the use of personal computers, associated software packages, hardware, and peripheral equipment. Ability to use independent judgment and discretion in performing departmental activities; ability to prepare, analyze and evaluate complex financial systems; ability to express technical ideas effectively orally and in writing; ability to make accurate arithmetic calculations; ability to prepare clear, concise and complete financial documents, statements, and reports; ability to perform internal audits; ability to analyze grant requests; ability to use excellent communication and organizational skills; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, auditors, management, outside agencies, vendors, and the general public.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

This work requires the occasional exertion of up to 10 pounds of force; work regularly requires sitting, using hands to finger, handle or feel and reaching with hands and arms, frequently requires speaking or hearing and repetitive motions and occasionally requires standing, walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling and pushing or pulling; work requires close vision, distance vision and ability to adjust focus; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, operating machines and observing general surroundings and activities; work has no exposure to environmental conditions; work is generally in a moderately noisy location (e.g. business office, light traffic).