Senior Accountant (Missoula, MT)

Apply online only at: www.ci.missoula.mt.us/jobs

CLOSING DATE: March 27, 2019 before 5:00 p.m.

DEPARTMENT: Finance Office

ACCOUNTABLE TO: Chief Accountant

STATUS: Regular, full-time, non-union

Primary Objective of Position: Under limited supervision, performs a wide variety of complex and technical accounting functions; performs analytical and processing support for payroll, financial reporting, and internal controls; assists with annual budget and Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) functions for the City of Missoula.

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

Duties are generally performed in an office setting where hazards and discomforts are minor and controllable. Duties require high level of contact with employees, outside parties, and the public.

Tasks:

Perform all types of accounting transactions for the City of Missoula's financial records; create and post accruals, reversals, corrections, transfers between funds and accounts, and other journal entries to the general ledger; perform monthly and year-end closing procedures in a timely and orderly manner; analyze and reconcile general ledger accounts; perform research and solve problems concerning financial records and accounts; and verify account totals and prepare account reconciliation schedules.

Works closely with Payroll accountants; perform reconciliation and reporting functions including but not limited to: Employee Benefit Plan, Health Benefit Plan, Retiree Payments, and Seasonal Health Insurance Plan; keep updated on all payroll regulations, rules and reporting changes as they pertain to the City of Missoula; implement electronic reporting with State and Federal agencies;

Assist in the development of budget documents; assist with preparation of general purpose financial statements including required schedules, and other city financial information; assist with audit preparation and coordinate various audits of City funds including state and federal grant requirements; prepare monthly bank reconciliations; and perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and other Characteristics:

Knowledge of public sector accounting principles and practices, including the principles of governmental accounting, financial reporting and budgeting;

Knowledge of Governmental Accounting Standards Board pronouncements, regulations, and guidelines;

Knowledge of the City of Missoula's accounting, budgeting, payroll, accounts payable, and utility billing practices;

Knowledge of state budgetary accounting and reporting system (BARS) as it applies to local governments;

Knowledge of the Missoula Municipal Code, City policies, administrative rules and procedures related to pay practices and governmental reporting;

Knowledge of governmental debt schedules and payments related to municipal bonds, general obligation bonds and governmental lease schedules;

Knowledge of basic statistical and financial research and forecasting methods;

Knowledge of organizational rules and procedures relating to cash handling and accounts receivable;

Knowledge of grant administration and auditing procedures;

Knowledge and ability to promote safe work practices and ensure compliance with City safety policies;

Skill in evaluating the effectiveness and efficiency of city operations and proposed programs;

Skill in multi-fund governmental budget preparation;

Skill in developing budgetary, financial, and managerial policies, procedures, and guidelines;

Skill in understanding, interpreting and applying complex laws, regulations, policies, procedures, and guidelines;

Skill in using accounting, budgeting, and spreadsheet computer software;

Skill in communicating, in person and in writing;

Skill in establishing and maintaining effective relationships with elected officials, city employees and financial auditors.

Qualifications:

Requires a bachelors degree in accounting, financial management or related field including two years of experience in GAAP financial statement preparation and/or auditing governmental entities. Certified Public Accountant, or governmental and payroll accounting experience preferred.