Accountant IIThe 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 DOQUnder 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 ResponsibilitiesEssential 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 QualificationsLicenses, 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 InformationKnowledge of:Advanced bookkeeping and accountingStatistics and research methodsGovernment accounting and budgeting practicesAuditing practices and their application to accounting and budget controlOffice practices, procedures, and equipmentPersonnel supervision, management, and oversightRecord keeping, report preparation, filing methods, and recordsGeneral office policies and procedures; computers and general office equipmentSkill in:Strong organizational skillsSetting priorities to meet deadlinesPreparing and monitoring accounting statements and reportsAnalyzing and interpreting fiscal and accounting dataEnsuring accurate delivery of financial information and accountingPerforming general office and clerical workPreparing accurate accounting reports and statementsMake arithmetic computations quickly and accuratelyAbility to work with limited supervisionEstablishing and maintaining strong office relationshipsOperating a computer and related software