accountant, senior

JOB DE SCRIPTION ACCOUNTANT, SENIOR

WATERWORKS

Human Resources Department

700 Town Center Drive, Suite 200

Newport News, VA 23606

Phone:

Fax:

NEWPORT NEWS, VA

CITY OF OPPORTUNITY

GENERAL STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITIES

Under general supervision, this position is responsible for performing complex professional

accounting work involving the research, analysis, preparation and maintenance of financial records

and reports. Reports to Chief of Fiscal Operations.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Responsible for performing complex accounting work including the preparation and maintenance of

financial reports, records and statements, to include the Waterworks Comprehensive Annual Financial

Report (CAFR) data; performs research, analysis, and interpretation of financial information; makes

recommendations related to operation effectiveness and efficiency.

Processes expenditure, revenue and budget amendment requests; prepares journal entries as needed.

Reconciles general ledger accounts with the City's Accounting System (MUNIS) and SAP; researches

financial records and initiates appropriation transfers and journal entries as appropriate

Responsible for the effective supervision and administration of assigned accounting positions within

the Business Services Accounting section and the Processing Operations Center Staff Supervisor, to

include staff development and training, performance management, employee relations, prioritizing

and assigning work and related activities.

Reviews disbursement of monies and control of expenditures to ensure budget appropriations are

not exceeded; monitors accounting of Waterworks long-term debt, debt service program, and fixed

assets; ensures accuracy of Petty Cash report and verification in Impress Fund.

Ensures preparation of required complex reports throughout the year including Bond Cash report,

statement of financial condition, capital asset values and depreciation, capital projects reports and

depreciation schedules, as required to comply with local, state and federal regulations.

Performs other duties as assigned.

PERFORMANCE STANDARD

Employees at all levels are expected to effectively work together to meet the needs of the community

and the organization through work behaviors demonstrating the City's Values. Employees are also

expected to lead by example and demonstrate the highest level of ethics.

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REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE

• Accounting – Considerable knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and

governmental accounting standards of the Governmental Accounting Standards Board ( GASB) to

include fund accounting, financial computations, statistical and financial analysis and forecasting

techniques. Knowledge of budgeting and procurement principles and practices and multi-faceted

accounting application systems. Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local laws and regulations

governing the receipt, custody, and expenditure of public funds.

• Customer Service — Considerable knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer

service. This includes setting and meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of

customer satisfaction.

• Supervision – Knowledge of leadership techniques, principles and procedures to assign work,

schedule, supervise, train, and evaluate the work of assigned staff. General knowledge of Human

Resources Information Systems.

• Technology – Knowledge of fiscal business solutions, practices, and procedures including, but not

limited to personal computers, for procurement and vendor management, expenditures and

encumbrance management, revenue and reporting functions, spreadsheets, and related programs.

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Computer Skills – Utilizes a personal computer with word processing, spreadsheet, and related

software to effectively complete a variety of financial tasks with reasonable speed and accuracy.

• Interpersonal Relationships – Develops and maintains cooperative and professional relationships

with employees at all levels, accounting representatives from all departments, and outside agencies.

Effectively responds to and resolves complex inquiries and disputes.

• Judgment and Decision Making – Evaluates the best method of research and then exercises

appropriate judgment in establishing priorities and resolving complex matters. Considers the

relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

REQUIRED ABILITIES

• Financial Management – Ability to perform complex arithmetic, algebraic, and statistical

applications to perform financial transactions. Ability to employ accounting principles and

practices in the analysis and reporting of financial data.

• Communication – Ability to effectively communicate ideas and proposals verbally and in writing,

to include the preparation of detailed reports which include numerical information and statistics.

Ability to handle a variety of financial issues with tact and diplomacy and in a confidential manner.

Ability to listen and understand information and ideas being presented verbally and in writing.

• Coordination of Work – Ability to establish and implement effective administrative programs and

procedures. Ability to plan and organize daily work routine. Establishes priorities for the

completion of work in accordance with sound time-management methodology. Attends and

maintains a calendar for meetings, deadlines and events. Performs a broad range of supervisory

responsibilities over others.

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EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Requires a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Business Management, Finance or a related field with

course work equivalent to a major concentration in accounting and 3-5 years of progressively

responsible accounting experience, including 1-2 years of lead or supervisory experience or an

equivalent combination of education and experience.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

An acceptable general background check to include a local and state criminal history check and a valid

driver's license with an acceptable driving record.

ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS

This job risks no exposure to any environmental hazards.

PHYSICAL AND DEXTERITY REQUIREMENTS

• Requires the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work
• Some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of lightweight (5-10 pounds).
• Tasks may involve extended periods at keyboard or work station.

SENSORY REQUIREMENTS

This job requires normal visual acuity, and field of vision, hearing, and speaking.

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