Accountant I

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Under general supervision, performs a variety of accounting and financial functions within the Finance Department related to financial reporting, account management, general ledger maintenance, compliance, budget preparation and maintenance, assisting in research and data collection activities, conducting financial analysis, and statement reconciliation.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Maintains the general ledger by recording financial transactions and ensuring all entries are accurate.

Prepares and reviews financial statements and reports to ensure accuracy and compliance with regulations.

Assists with the preparation of proposed and final annual departmental budgets.

Prepares documentation for external auditors.

Monitors, updates, and documents changes to existing departmental budgets, grants, and contracts.

Assists with the reconciliation and documentation of bank statements, trustee statements, cash, investments, taxes, etc.

Prepares spreadsheets, runs various financial reports, and distributes them as needed.

Maintains various filing and record keeping systems; organizes and updates financial records.

Performs statistical evaluation of financial data.

Collaborates with other Financial Analysts to establish and monitor new and existing policies and procedures regarding budgeting, accounting, and cash management.

Assists in the performance of management studies (i.e., statistical research and evaluation) on City operations.

Reviews and oversees personnel payroll data and related activities.

MARGINAL FUNCTIONS

Interacts with other departmental representatives in order to resolve issues.

Performs related work as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of general governmental accounting principles and procedures.

Knowledge of budgeting preparation, control, and analysis.

Ability to operate Microsoft Office Suite.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships; collaborates well with others.

Knowledge of the City of Knoxville Finance Department policies and procedures.

Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Skill in research and analysis.

Basic knowledge of statistics.

Skill in mathematics.

Ability to accept and improve upon constructive feedback.

Ability to maintain accurate financial records and documentations.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

This position consists of primarily sedentary work, requiring the incumbent to exert up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, or a lower amount of force frequently, in order to lift/carry, push/pull or otherwise move objects. The job involves sitting most of the time, but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. A description of the specific physical requirements associated with this position is maintained on file in the Human Resources office for review upon request.

MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

This position requires the use of logic and/or scientific thinking to define problems, collect and analyze information, establish facts, draw valid conclusions, devise and implement policies and regulations, and to manage and coordinate multiple programs or projects. A description of the specific mental requirements associated with this position is maintained on file in the Human Resources office for review upon request.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

An Associate's Degree from a CHEA accredited college or university in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field, AND four (4) years of progressively responsible work experience in Accounting or Banking.

OR

A Bachelor's Degree from a CHEA accredited college or university in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field AND one (1) year of relevant work experience in Accounting, Banking, or a directly related field.

OR

A Master's Degree from a CHEA accredited college or university in Accounting or Finance or Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field, with a focus/concentration in Accounting or Finance.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

None indicated.

HYBRID WORK ELIGIBILITY

This position is eligible for hybrid work.