Senior Financial Accountant

$62,620 - $77,900/Yr

City Of Arlington - Arlington, TX

Full-time

Arlington, TX

Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support

About the position

The Finance position under general direction involves assisting in performing financial accounting functions according to established procedures and regulations associated with municipality and fund accounting. This role is crucial for ensuring the accuracy and integrity of financial reporting for the City of Arlington. The individual will be responsible for a variety of tasks that include preparing schedules, closing entries, and financial statements for the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report. The position requires a strong understanding of accounting principles and practices, particularly in a governmental context, and the ability to work collaboratively with various city departments and the public. In this role, the employee will reconcile general ledger accounts, working capital, and bank statements, ensuring that all financial reports are accurate and up-to-date. Communication skills are essential, as the employee will need to interact with the public and other city departments to answer questions and provide technical support. The position also involves preparing adjusting journal entries, year-end accruals, and conducting trial balance research to facilitate the year-end close process. Additionally, the employee will monitor encumbrance and retainage accounts, process returned checks, and prepare detailed reports for the state regarding unclaimed property. The role may also involve assisting in special projects and other activities as directed, making it a dynamic position that requires adaptability and a proactive approach to problem-solving.

Responsibilities

• Assist with internal and external audits by researching, analyzing, and preparing various schedules, closing entries, and financial statements for the City of Arlington's Annual Comprehensive Financial Report.
• Reconcile general ledger accounts, working capital, water, sewer/street assessments, and bank statements by researching, analyzing, and correcting accounts for financial reports.
• Communicate with the public and other city departments to answer questions, gather information, and provide technical support to accounting, audit, and budget personnel.
• Identify appropriate accounts, assign accounting distribution codes, and prepare adjusting journal entries to properly record activity in general ledger accounts.
• Study technical accounting pronouncements and apply those applicable to reconciliations and adjustments necessary to correctly record general ledger accounts.
• Monitor encumbrance and retainage accounts.
• Work with city departments to prepare entries, including processing returned checks.
• Determine the accuracy of system reports and provide instructions to users as needed.
• Prepare detailed reports to the state for unclaimed property and research accounting records for refunds.
• Assist in other activities and special projects as needed or directed.

Requirements

• Knowledge of principles and practices of accounting and auditing, including GAAP, GASB, and governmental finance.
• Knowledge of municipal accounting and principles of public finance administration.
• Knowledge of budgetary development and controls.
• Knowledge of modern office methods, procedures, and equipment including computerized accounting systems.
• Knowledge of continuous process improvement techniques and practices.
• Skill in communicating ideas to all types of individuals orally and in writing.
• Skill in reasoning abstractly using quantitative concepts and symbols.
• Skill in performing complex statistical and bookkeeping activities and maintaining detailed records of that work.
• Ability to operate a variety of office equipment including but not limited to a PC, calculator, and telephone.
• Ability to research, analyze, and prepare statistical statements and reports.
• Ability to receive detailed information through oral communications and to make fine discriminations in sound.
• Ability to identify, evaluate, and respond to situations or problems in a timely manner.
• Ability to perform a variety of physical skills including but not limited to grasping, holding items, seeing, sitting, sorting, and reaching.