Accountant

Sonomacity; Sonoma (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Sonomacity is seeking a professional Accountant to perform advanced accounting tasks while maintaining the financial systems of the city. The role involves preparing financial statements, supervising technical staff, and supporting various financial functions.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field and at least two years of relevant experience. Strong knowledge of municipal accounting principles and effective communication skills are essential for success in this position.

Qualifications

• Two years of responsible accounting, finance, or budget administration experience.
• Ability to prepare accurate financial statements.
• Understand and use an automated accounting system.

Responsibilities

• Review and analyze financial records for accuracy.
• Oversee general ledger activities and prepare journal entries.
• Assist in preparing the City's annual budget.

Skills

Knowledge of municipal accounting principles

Budget accounting and auditing principles

Financial control systems

Automated financial information systems

Effective communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance or related field

Tools

Spreadsheet applications

Job description

To perform professional accounting work in the development and maintenance of the financial
systems and records of the City; to prepare and analyze financial statements; and to provide
professional level support to an assigned supervisor.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This is the journey level in the single level professional Accountant class. Incumbents initially
perform the more routine duties assigned to positions in this series and work under close
supervision. However, as experience is gained, incumbents are expected to perform the full
range of duties as assigned with increasing independence.

Supervision Received and Exercised

Receives direction from the Finance Director.

May provide technical and functional supervision of technical and administrative support staff.

Examples of Essential Duties

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Review and analyze financial records for completeness and accuracy.
• Create new or review established financial systems, processes and procedures.
• Provide direction and training to technical staff.
• Oversee general ledger activities; prepare journal entries, trial balances, fiscal and statistical
  reports.
• Prepare monthly bank reconciliations.
• Provide support to the accounts receivable and payroll functions, business license
  processing, and utility billing function.
• Assist in the preparation of the City's annual budget, Comprehensive Annual Financial Report
  (CAFR), fee study updates, and long term forecasting models.
• Analyze expenses and forecast expenditures; participate in the mid-year budget review.
• Provide technical assistance to outside auditors in their annual review of accounting records.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees and the
  public using principles of good customer service.
• Foster an environment that embraces diversity, integrity, trust, and respect.
• Be an integral team player, which involves flexibility, cooperation, and communication.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of general and municipal accounting.
• Principles and practices of cost accounting, budget accounting and auditing.
• Financial control systems and methodology.
• Pertinent local, state, and federal laws, ordinances, rules and regulations.
• Automated financial information systems including spreadsheet applications.

Ability to:

• Perform professional level accounting functions in support of the City's financial systems.
• On a continuous basis, know and understand all aspects of the job; intermittently analyze
  work papers, reports and special projects; identify and interpret technical and numerical
  information; observe and problem solve operational and technical policy and procedures.
• On a continuous basis sit at desk for long periods of time; intermittently twist to reach
  equipment surrounding desk; perform simple grasping and fine manipulation; use
  telephone and write or use a keyboard to communicate through written means; and lift or
  carry weight of 10 pounds or less.
• Prepare clear and accurate financial statements and reports.
• Develop and implement financial systems, processes and procedures.
• Understand and use an automated accounting system.
• Use sound judgment in recognizing scope of authority.
• Operate and use modern office equipment including computers and applicable
  software.
• Maintain regular attendance and adhere to prescribed work schedule to conduct job
  responsibilities.
• Utilize appropriate safety procedures and practices for assigned duties.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the
  course of work.
• Work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and effective manner.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Experience and Training:

Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

• Experience: Two years of responsible accounting, finance, or budget administration
  experience.
• Training: Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with
  major coursework in accounting, finance, public administration or a related field.

License and Certificate:

Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California driver's license as required by the
position.