About the position
This position performs difficult professional work in the preparation and maintenance of complex financial records and the utilization of business application software for personal and midrange computer systems. The Accountant will work independently under the general supervision of the Controller, ensuring that all financial records are accurate and up to date. The role involves a variety of tasks including the maintenance and design of accounting controls, records, and billing systems, as well as the management of the general ledger and subsidiary ledgers. The Accountant will also be responsible for extracting financial data from various accounting and information systems for analysis and developing reports for other City departments as needed. In addition to maintaining financial records, the Accountant will evaluate accounting processes and procedures, communicate findings, and make recommendations to improve efficiency. The role includes supervising and training accounting staff, reconciling bank statements, payroll interfaces, and general ledger accounts, as well as preparing and processing tax returns. The Accountant will also prepare complex audit work papers and schedules to support the annual audit and the preparation of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report. The position requires a strong understanding of governmental accounting principles, as well as the ability to analyze and evaluate complex financial systems. The Accountant will work closely with various departments to assist with fixed asset maintenance and capital project-related questions, ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations. This role is essential for maintaining the financial integrity of the City of Jacksonville Beach and requires a commitment to the core values of empowerment, pride, integrity, communication, and teamwork.
Responsibilities
- Participates in the maintenance and design of the accounting control, records, and billing system.
- Maintains general ledger and subsidiary ledgers.
- Communicates and interacts regularly with management, staff, and professional level employees of local, state, and federal agencies.
- Extracts financial data from various accounting and information systems for analysis; develops reports for other City departments as needed.
- Evaluates accounting processes and procedures; communicates findings and makes recommendations to improve efficiency.
- Assists in supervising and training of accounting staff and exercises considerable judgment with respect to accounting technical issues and matters.
- Reconciles bank statements including subsidiary and depository accounts.
- Reconciles payroll interface to payroll registers.
- Analyzes general ledger accounts to determine taxes payable; prepares and processes sales and use tax and gross receipts tax returns; responds to correspondence and inquiries related to Department of Revenue audits.
- Prepares and assembles complex audit work papers, schedules, and reports to support the annual audit and preparation of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report.
- Reviews and evaluates vendor activities to determine taxable status and prepares 1099-MISC tax forms.
- Oversees miscellaneous receivable invoice and statement processing and reconciles the subsidiary ledger to the general ledger.
- Enters special assessments into the subsidiary ledger and issues statements.
- Reconciles fixed asset subsidiary ledger acquisitions, disposals, and transfers to general ledger.
- Evaluates reasonableness of system-generated depreciation forecasts and proposes necessary adjustments.
- Develops and recommends new and revised policies and procedures to respond to changes in fixed assets and continuing property records to improve effectiveness of those systems.
- Assists other departments with fixed assets maintenance and capital project related questions and procedures.
- Assists in the completion, close, and capitalization of electric work and posts adjustments to the proper general ledger accounts.
- Evaluates reasonableness of work order associated costs and overhead values and proposes necessary adjustments.
- Works with Beaches Energy Services and Information Services to develop a system to conduct a complete physical inventory of all electric infrastructure assets.
- Audits all capital Electric substation projects and works with Beaches Energy Services to determine proper capitalization.
- Ensures electric work orders meet minimum FERC capitalization requirements.
- Assists departments in tagging fixed assets and performing annual fixed asset inventories; performs test counts and proposes adjustments.
Requirements
- A Bachelor's Degree in accounting or related field.
- Three years of experience in accounting and finance administration.
- Graduate level coursework, CPA, and/or governmental accounting experience are preferred.
- Knowledge of theory, principles, methods, and practices of governmental accounting.
- Knowledge of the laws, ordinances, and regulations governing sales and use tax, gross receipts tax, and 1099-MISC filing.
- Thorough knowledge of modern office methods, practices, and equipment.
- Superior skill in time management and critical thinking.
- Ability to prepare and maintain complex financial reports and records.
- Ability to analyze and evaluate complex financial systems.
- Ability to exercise considerable judgment related to accounting technical issues and matters.
- Ability to plan and supervise the work of professional and clerical subordinates.
- Ability to express technical ideas effectively, both orally and in writing.
- Ability to work independently and understand and follow complex oral and written directions.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, City Officials, and the general public.
Nice-to-haves
- Graduate level coursework in accounting or related field.
- Experience with governmental accounting.
