Senior Accountant

City-of-Montros; Montrose (CO); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Montrose is seeking a diligent City Accountant to manage the finance department’s operations, maintain accounting and auditing functions, and ensure fiscal responsibility. You will oversee payroll, cash management, budget processes, and internal controls while supporting the Finance Director and City Manager.

Qualified candidates have a BA/BS in accounting and at least five years of governmental accounting experience, with CPA preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, business, or related field.
• Five years of governmental accounting experience.
• Knowledge of governmental accounting principles and procedures.
• Experience with auditing principles and various accounting systems.
• Strong analytical skills and software literacy.

Responsibilities

• Perform fund and general accounting functions including journals and ledgers.
• Assist Finance Director with records, controls, and access to financial platforms.
• Monitor bank reconciliations and investments; ensure accurate reporting.
• Maintain city asset and inventory records; complete journal entries.
• Prepare financial statements and backup documentation for audits.

Job description

Basic Purpose of the Job:

Under general direction, manages the operations of the finance department. Performs professional accounting and auditing functions related to financial operations, payroll, cash management, budget, and internal control functions. Plans, organizes and conducts ongoing quality control audits to assure fiscal responsibility and accountability.

Essential Functions:

(Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following tasks, knowledge, skills and other characteristics. The list of tasks is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions in this class.)

• Perform fund and general accounting functions. Maintain accounting details and postings; including all journals and ledgers. This includes preparing and posting cash receipts, cash disbursements and journal entries for all departments and funds daily.
• Assist the Finance Director in providing systems necessary to maintain proper records and to maintain adequate accounting controls and services.
• Assist the Finance Director in actively monitoring users for all financial platforms such as the multiple city bank, investments, credit card providers and financial software to ensure high-level internal control and appropriate user access.
• Review bank reconciliations prepared by other financial personnel. Reconcile multiple city bank and investments monthly. Identify and correct any discrepancies.
• Maintain comprehensive city asset and inventory records on a consistent monthly or bi-monthly cycle based on staff inputs, proactively identifying and reporting any potential operational flags or discrepancies. Complete all inventory journal entries and maintain a complete inventory audit file.
• Assist other positions in the department with establishing accounting methods and procedures. Facilitate structured department cross-training to ensure full operational coverage and seamless continuity of functions during personnel absences.
• Create journal entries for annual accruals and depreciation schedules for capital assets.
• Assist Finance Director in preparation of financial statements and other financial reports as determined necessary by the City Manager and Auditor. Monitor and enforce the consistent, year-round collection and digital filing of backup documentation for all cash receipts and disbursements.

Core Beliefs:

Core beliefs are deeply held values and assumptions that guide individuals in the workplace. Core beliefs define how we do things. By establishing core beliefs, the City of Montrose is creating a common culture that shapes employee behavior in a positive and predictable manner. When these beliefs are shared, they create cohesiveness and mutual commitment in the organization and flexibility to changes as they occur.

Our core beliefs are centered on exceptional service and are based around treating our customers and fellow team members with dignity and respect. We value teamwork and recognize that we must continually strive to improve the customer experience. Every team member, regardless of job title, plays a part in creating a service environment and each are empowered to respond to the needs of our customers and teammates. We have six Core Beliefs: Respect, Ethics, Leadership, Accountability, Transparency, Excellence in Service (RELATE).

Job Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree (B. A.) from an accredited four year college or university in accounting, business or other related field preferred.
• Five (5) years related experience and/or training in governmental accounting.
• Knowledge of governmental accounting principles and procedures, analytical skills and knowledge of computer software systems.
• Knowledge of auditing principles and knowledge of different accounting systems.

Licensures & Certificates (must be active and current.):

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) preferred.
• Current Colorado drivers license with acceptable record.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment:

Sedentary physical work requiring ability to lift a maximum of 20 pounds; occasional lifting, carrying, walking and standing, hand/eye coordination for operation of personal computer; vision for reading and preparing written reports and documents; frequent speech communication, hearing and listening to maintain communications with employees and citizens. Works primarily in clean, comfortable office environment. Subject to many interruptions and pressure due to multiple calls and inquiries.Late applications will not be accepted. All candidates are subject to a pre-employment background check and drug screen. The City of Montrose is an Equal Opportunity Employer and participates in E-Verify to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired.