Accounting Manager

Summary

Performs senior-level complex work, in addition to managerial responsibilities. Works under limited supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Responsible for managing and overseeing the daily operations of the accounting department; supervising accounting staff and assigning duties; ensuring proper treatment with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) according to the Government Accounting Standards Board (GASB); overseeing the annual external audit; and assists with the operating budget function.

Essential Duties & Required Qualifications

• Supervises the Accountant, Senior Accountant, and the Accounting Supervisor. 
• Responsible for interviewing, hiring, and training employees. Addresses and resolves personnel issues and takes responsibility for subordinates’ activities.
• Administers, manages, plans, and directs the activities of the Accounting Division. Evaluates work performance of assigned staff and provides timely feedback. Inspires and encourages staff development, provides staff training, responds to staff inquiries, and ensures that tasks are performed timely and accurately.
• Responsible for the annual year-end financial system close out process ensuring all general ledger reconciliations, accruals, and various year-end adjustments and entries are accurate and complete.
• Responsible for the development and periodic review of internal controls within the City as they relate to the accounting function; ensures compliance with City policies, federal laws and mandated standards. Updates policy and procedures as needed.
• Responsible for researching new accounting pronouncements issued by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) and legal requirements. Develops a process for implementing new standards into the workflow and financial statements.
• Directs the maintenance of the City's accounting records and accounting systems. Oversee general ledger entries and approves all general ledger reconciliations. Prepares journal entries. Oversee record retention of accounting documentation.
• Coordinates selection of the independent auditors and serves as the primary contact for the audit. Prepares Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR). Coordinates with auditors to issue annual reports and implement the auditor’s recommendations.
• Responsible for debt management, including maintaining the debt service schedule subsidiary ledgers and preparing year end journal entries.
• Provides assistance with Request for Proposal (RFP) for bank depository services. 
• Responsible for Record Retention process and execution. 
• Completes analytical reviews of balance sheet and income statement accounts to confirm accuracy. Research items as needed and prepares corrections to general ledger. 
• Assists other departments in analysis of financial transactions and reconciliations of subsystems to the general ledger. Ensures 3rd party systems have proper integration with ERP system.
• Responsible for reviewing and administering the annual operating budget for compliance, including the Capital Improvement Program.
• Oversee the credit card merchant accounts City-wide. Assist departments with requests for equipment, new credit card merchant account set up, and with any issues with day-to-day operations.
• Responds quickly and accurately to Open Record Requests through appropriate channels.
• Assists in developing long-term goals, objectives, and priorities for the Accounting Division.
• Responds to requests for service or assistance, displays willingness to make decisions, exhibits sound and accurate judgement, supports and explains reasoning for decisions, and includes the appropriate people in decision making process.
• Builds and maintains positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees, and the public using principles of good customer service with tact and consideration. Offers assistance and support to co-workers and works cooperatively in group situations. Provides training to City staff.
• Provides back up for the Assistant Finance Director in their absence.
• Performs additional related duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Minimum of five years of related experience.

Required Certificates and Licenses

• Valid Class "C" Driver's License from any U.S. State. Must be able to obtain a Texas license within 90 days of hire, per state law. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree (M.A.) or equivalent.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA).
• Certified Government Finance Officer (CGFO).
• Minimum or two years of management experience. 
• Experience working for a government entity such as a City, County, or State agency. 

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of accounting principles and practices including general ledger, accounts payable, and accounts receivable; methods and practices of governmental accounting.
• Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB).
• Ability to interpret and apply Federal, State and local policies, procedures, laws and regulations.
• Ability to demonstrate accuracy and thoroughness. Displays commitment to excellence. Looks for ways to improve and promote quality. Monitors own work to ensure quality.
• Ability to learn and apply new skills. Keeps abreast of current developments and requires minimal supervision. 
• Ability to balance team and individual responsibilities; puts success of team over own interests.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to follow detailed verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to communicate with other employees and the general public in a courteous and diplomatic manner.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
• Analyze situations and adopt quick, effect, and reasonable courses of action. Ability to manage difficult or emotional situations.
• Knowledge of Methods and techniques of scheduling work assignments; methods and techniques for record keeping and report preparation and writing with proper punctuation, spelling and grammar.
• Skill in directing the activities of a complex and diverse organization.
• Skill in using computers and related software applications, including MS Word and Excel.
• Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
• Ability to plan strategically.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with City employees, the public, elected officials, and boards and commissions. 

Physical Demands & Additional Information

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, sit, use hands and arms, talk, and hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be considered to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified in this position.