Introduction
This is complex professional accounting work in the City’s centralized accounting division.
Nature Of Work
Employees perform a range of challenging tasks related to
financial record-keeping and processing. These tasks include reviewing
transactions for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with established
procedures, as well as accurately and efficiently completing and processing
relevant documents. This role is distinguished from lower-level positions by
the diversity of assignments, the range of activities involved, the level of
discretion exercised, and the experience and expertise required to complete
tasks. Additionally, it demands a higher degree of problem-solving complexity
to process and balance transactions. Higher-level employees are usually
available to assist with particularly demanding technical assignments and to
handle the most challenging financial record-keeping and accounting tasks.
While established criteria and procedures are in place, employees must
demonstrate significant initiative and independent judgment when evaluating
transactions, determining the best course of action, and ensuring that all
related records are maintained and processed accurately and in a timely manner.
Employees may also perform general clerical tasks. Work is conducted under
general supervision, with oversight provided through observation, meetings,
examination of completed documents, and both internal and independent audits.
Examples of Duties
The role involves participating in the design,
implementation, and maintenance of accounting systems and standards. This
includes developing test data for trials of new or revised systems and
reviewing current accounting practices, procedures, controls, and systems to
provide recommendations for improved effectiveness and efficiency.
Additionally, the position requires monitoring and evaluating accounting
efficiency, maintaining internal control systems, and keeping accurate records.
Responsibilities also include gathering, recording,
organizing, analyzing, interpreting, and distributing financial data. The
individual will process and review reports, transaction documents, and other
financial data to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with accepted
accounting practices. Regular and special financial reports and summaries will
be prepared, along with worksheets and schedules for auditors. It is essential
to ensure that funds are available and facilitate timely payments.
The position entails performing specialized accounting
tasks related to federal, state, and local grants. This includes establishing
and maintaining record-keeping and processing systems for the receipt and
disbursement of these funds, as well as monitoring accounting systems and
program operators to ensure compliance with municipal, federal, and state
requirements. Participation in the preparation of fiscal reports is also
required.
Furthermore, specialized accounting tasks will be carried
out in areas such as general ledger and sub-ledger systems, which involve
establishing and maintaining record-keeping and processing systems. The
individual will participate in revising these systems, working with user
departments to tailor them to specific needs. Balancing general ledger
transactions and coordinating with personnel in other central accounting areas
for necessary corrections is also part of the role.
The position requires reviewing the payment provisions of
capital improvement contracts and preparing documents to initiate payments in
accordance with contract requirements and established procedures.
Responsibilities also include performing various fixed asset transactions,
schedules, and significant external audit duties, which include preparing
reports for the City's Annual Comprehensive Financial Report. Additional
related assignments may be completed as required.
This position also involves reviewing, processing, and
approving pension transactions, including calculations for the Deferred
Retirement Option Plan (DROP), as well as conducting tax form audits. Other
responsibilities include preparing and approving schedules for debt and investments,
as well as reconciling and recording investment transactions, loan payments,
and related invoices.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Knowledge
of: Governmental accounting principles, accepted
practices, and methods. Computer processing capabilities and their applications
in accounting. Laws, rules, and regulations relevant to municipal governmental
accounting.
Skills: Ability to identify deficiencies in accounting
systems and develop improvements in line with generally accepted accounting
principles. Proficient in analyzing and interpreting fiscal records to prepare
accurate and comprehensive financial statements, summaries, and reports.
Capability to maintain precise and complete technical operating records. Skill
in preparing and presenting both oral and written reports effectively. Ability
to establish and maintain productive working relationships with user departments,
internal and external auditors, and the general public.
Physical Requirements
Primarily
sedentary, this role requires extended use of computers, including typing and
viewing computer monitors, while working indoors.
Minimum Qualifications
Graduation from an
accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a
closely related field and three (3) years professional accounting
experience.
Licenses or Certifications
Possession
of one or more of the following certifications is preferred: Certified Public
Accountant (CPA), Certified Public Finance Officer (CPFO), Certified Government
Finance Officer (CGFO), Certified Public Pension Trustee (CPPT), or an
equivalent certification relevant to the area(s) of responsibility. Possession
of a valid driver's license may be required.
Examination
Evaluation
of education and experience. Drug testing is included in all
pre-employment processing.
Comments
Employees
may be required to work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays
and overtime as needed. During periods when the Mayor issues an emergency
declaration for the City of Tampa, all employees may be required to work in
preparation, response or recovery activities related to the stated emergency.
Conclusion
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