Tampa Skyline
Tampa Skyline
Tampa Skyline

Accountant II

Number of Vacancies: 1

Recruitment #260202-000262-001

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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