Under general supervision (Accountant I) or direction (Accountant II), performs routine to difficult professional accounting and financial analysis duties in the analysis, preparation, and maintenance of financial records and reports for various District funds, companies accounts, and projects; areas of responsibility may include water and sewer sales, capital asset project accounting, special funding-district accounting, cash accounting, debt accounting, general accounting, and other related financial areas; serves as department liaison to other District departments; and performs related duties, as assigned. Some positions in this class may be confidential, non-represented.

Required Skills

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Positions at the Accountant I level may exercise some of these knowledge and abilities statements in a learning capacity.

 Knowledge of:

• Principles, practices, and methods of public and governmental accounting including GAAP, GASB, and financing, including program budgeting and auditing.
• Budgeting principles and terminology.
• Cost accounting methods and procedures.
• Methods and techniques of preparing financial reports and related documents.
• Principles and practices of financial analysis, auditing, and reporting.
• Principles and practices of fixed asset accounting.
• Retirement plan fiscal practices and data reporting requirements.
• Mathematical principles.
• Principles and procedures of financial record keeping.
• District and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and District staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability to:

• Perform professional general accounting tasks.

• Read, analyze, and interpret financial reports.

• Verify the accuracy of financial data and information; ensure proper authorization and documentation for disbursements.

• Analyze, post, balance, and reconcile financial data and accounts.

• Make accurate mathematical, financial, and statistical computations.

• Prepare clear, complete, and concise financial statements and reports.

• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies, and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.

• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.

• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and procedural guidelines.

• Follow and apply oral and written work instructions.

• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.

• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.

• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Required Experience

Accountant I:

• One (1) year of professional accounting program experience.

This is the entry-level classification in the Accountant series. Initially under close supervision, incumbents learn and perform routine professional accounting duties. As experience is gained, assignments become more varied and difficult; close supervision and frequent review of work lessen as an incumbent demonstrates skill to perform the work independently. Positions at this level usually perform most of the duties required of the positions at the Accountant II level but are not expected to function at the same skill level and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern.  Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise.

 Accountant II:

• Two (2) years progressively responsible professional accounting program experience, or one (1) year as Accountant I with the District.

This is the fully qualified journey-level classification in the Accountant series.  Positions at this level are distinguished from the Accountant I level by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned, working independently, and exercising judgment and initiative.  Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.  Successful performance of the work requires thorough knowledge of governmental accounting practices and procedures, fund accounting, and fiscal management.

Education: Accountant I/II: Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Positions at the Accountant I level may exercise some of these knowledge and abilities statements in a learning capacity.

 Knowledge of:

• Principles, practices, and methods of public and governmental accounting including GAAP, GASB, and financing, including program budgeting and auditing.
• Budgeting principles and terminology.
• Cost accounting methods and procedures.
• Methods and techniques of preparing financial reports and related documents.
• Principles and practices of financial analysis, auditing, and reporting.
• Principles and practices of fixed asset accounting.
• Retirement plan fiscal practices and data reporting requirements.
• Mathematical principles.
• Principles and procedures of financial record keeping.
• District and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and District staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability to:

• Perform professional general accounting tasks.

• Read, analyze, and interpret financial reports.

• Verify the accuracy of financial data and information; ensure proper authorization and documentation for disbursements.

• Analyze, post, balance, and reconcile financial data and accounts.

• Make accurate mathematical, financial, and statistical computations.

• Prepare clear, complete, and concise financial statements and reports.

• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies, and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.

• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.

• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and procedural guidelines.

• Follow and apply oral and written work instructions.

• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.

• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.

• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.