Accountant I

Okanogan County; Porterville (CA); On-site; USD 61,000 - 74,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Porterville is seeking an experienced accounting professional to perform professional accounting duties, prepare financial reports, develop accounting systems, and supervise clerical staff. This role involves maintaining accounting records and supporting a range of financial processes for the city.

Under general direction, the incumbent will assist in budget preparation, analyze fiscal data, and interpret laws and regulations affecting local government accounting.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited college with a Bachelor’s degree in accounting, business administration or related field.
• Knowledge of accepted general and governmental accounting principles, practices, theories and procedures; cost accounting principles and systems; laws, rules and regulations that apply to local government and fiscal operations; supervisory methods and practices; budgeting, program planning and evaluation.

Responsibilities

• Prepares detailed financial statements or reports requiring analysis and interpretation of fiscal data for use by the department, auditors, or other agencies.
• Supervises accounting staff in general ledger, accounts payable/receivable, payroll, and financial reporting tasks.
• Reviews accounting systems, procedures, and records; recommends and assists in implementing new or revised systems; designs and maintains accounting forms.
• Distributes revenues to departments and special districts; assists in data collection for establishing tax rates; addresses taxpayer inquiries.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, business administration or related field

Job description

INVITES APPLICATIONS FOR

SALARY: $5,430 - $6,627/month

DEFINITION: Under general direction, performs professional accounting duties in the preparation of financial reports and/or statements, development of accounting systems, and analysis of financial records; supervises the work of clerical and technical personnel;performs related duties as required.

DISTINGUISHINGCHARACTERISTICS:

Entry level class in which incumbents perform technical and limited, well-defined professional duties relating to the maintenance of accounting records.

REPRESENTATIVEDUTIES:

1. 1. Prepares a variety of detailed, factual and analytical accounting, statistical and/or narrative financial statements or reports which require analysis and interpretation of fiscal data for use by a department, auditors and/or other agencies; examines, analyzes and verifies fiscal documents to ensure adherence to established controls;analyzes and initiates changes in accounting methods, procedures and techniques in order to meet internal financial control needs.
2. 2. Supervises the work of assigned accounting technical and clerical personnel in the performance of activities related to general ledger, accounts payable and receivable, payroll preparation; the preparation of financial reports, schedules, and other financial documents.
3. 3. Reviews fiscal accounting systems, procedures and records; recommends and assists in the implementation of new or revised accounting systems; analyzes operational procedures to automate manual accounting systems; designs and maintains accounting forms.
4. 4. Calculates amounts and distributes revenues to departments and special districts;assists in data collection and analysis for establishing tax rates; confere with taxpayers to provide information and investigate complaints.
5. 5. Assists and participates in budget preparation; assembles and analyzes cost accounting records and other supporting technical and statistical data; makes complex or difficult adjusting entries and transfers of appropriation; establishes new accounts and budget controls.
6. 6. Advises superiors and departmental managers of change in laws, rules, regulations and practices which impact on local government accounting and fiscal procedures; interprets rules and regulations to determine accounting and auditing requirements for externally funded programs; develops accounting procedural guidelines for internal and departmental use.
7. 7. Represents and supports the policies and procedures established by the City Council, City Manager, and Department Heads.

QUALIFICATIONS: Education and/or Experience:

Graduation from an accredited college with a Bachelor’s degree in accounting, business administration or related field and three years of clerical/technical accounting experience or any combination of training and experience that provides the desired knowledge and abilities.Knowledge of:Accepted general and governmental accounting principles, practices, theories and procedures; cost accounting principles and systems; laws, rules and regulations that apply to local government and fiscal operations; supervisory methods and practices;methods of business office management; principles and practices of public administration including budgeting, program planning, and evaluation.Ability to:Understand, interpret, explain and comply with laws, regulations and policies governing fiscal operations and/or tax systems operations; plan, organize and administer financial programs/services; analyze fiscal data and draw logical conclusions; identify and resolve problems relating to fiscal and/or administrative operations; prepare fiscal procedures; communicate verbally and in writing; use and understand an automated accounting system; understand program objectives in relation to departmental goals and procedures; draw logical conclusions and make appropriate recommendations; prepare written presentations; supervise others;maintain accurate records and document action taken; interview people to obtain information needed to investigate/resolve complaints; research regulations, procedures and/or technical reference materials; maintain confidentiality of information; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with City staff, other public agencies and the public.

REQUIREMENTS:

Possession of a valid California Driver’s License.

SELECTIONPROCESS:

Screening will consist of a competitive assessment of relevant education, certification, license, training and work experience to be followed by a written examination and an interview before an Oral Board to determine the most qualified candidates. Applicants meeting the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement to an interview and the decision of the screening committee is final. Those candidates who are determined eligible for appointment to the position will be placed on the City’s Certified Eligibility List. Applicants will receive electronic written notification regarding the results of all phases of the recruitment process up to the establishment of the Eligibility List, if applicable. The City reserves the right to alter the testing process, as needed, without notice.

The City of Porterville is an equal opportunity employer (EEO) and is compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you believe you need accommodation under the ADA in the testing process for any position for which you intend to apply, please contact the Human Resources Division at [phone], extension 2, to request such accommodation. The City prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability or medical condition, Acquired Immune Deficiency (AIDS/HIV) or AIDS related conditions, political affiliation, sexual orientation, ancestry, marital or domestic partner status, gender identity, parental status, veteran status, height, weight, or any other basis protected by law.