GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF CLASS

This is professional accounting and administrative position assisting the in the planning, organizing and directing the operations for central fiscal control.  Work involves participation in all general accounting activities of the City, requiring a thorough knowledge of governmental and fund accounting principles.  Work includes the exercise of considerable judgment in assisting in planning, installing, revising and maintaining accounting procedures and in the preparation of statements and reports.  Work requires considerable proficiency with, and the ability to learn and efficiently utilize sophisticated computer application software, including development of customized spreadsheet, reporting, and database applications.  Work assignments are received in general form indicating the results desired. Questions relating to major objectives and priority of work are discussed with an administrative superior. Supervision may be exercised over various employees of the unit on specific project assignments.  Work is reviewed by a technical or administrative superior for overall standards of performance and accuracy and is also subject to periodic and annual audits.

This position is for an Accountant II; however, it may be filled at the lower level of Accountant I. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS

• Establishes and performs control procedures used to verify the accuracy, integrity and smooth operation of large computerized databases containing the central financial and payroll information for all City funds.
• Performs special assignments that require considerable technical knowledge of accounting principles and procedures as well as City policies and procedures.
• Acts in the capacity as liaison accountant to support larger departments of the City that require an expanded level of attention in the area of special reporting and detailed familiarity with financial status of operating budgets.
• Assists in the compilation and update of the City's accounting procedures manual.
• Monitors general ledger accounts related to special project accounting, including establishment of budgets, posting of transactions, and progress reporting.
• Prepares reports issued to federal and state regulatory agencies as required to request funding and to satisfy financial and reporting requirements of financial assistance programs.
• Prepares short and long-range forecasts and projections of revenues and expenses using statistical techniques and spreadsheet models in order to prepare multi-year business and financial plans relating to operating and financial performance.
• Reconciles the general ledger to subsidiary ledgers to verify the accuracy of account balances.
• Compiles regular monthly financial statements, statistical reports and analysis, annual reports and statements, special reports and analysis.
• Prepares schedules and reports used to record a variety of financial transactions.
• Assists external auditors during annual audits, including preparation of financial statements and supporting work paper files.
• Aids in the preparation, balancing and monitoring of the City's annual and long-term capital budget.
• Assists in the development of automated systems used to accumulate, track and report financial transactions.
• Maintains computerized fixed asset accounting system, including entry of new purchases, dispositions, and reconciliation to general ledger.  This includes a continuing property records system maintained to track assets of the electric and water utilities.
• Assists personnel in other City departments in solving problems of a technical accounting nature.

This posting reflects the essential functions and knowledge, skills, and abilities for Accountant II; however, applicants may view the complete job description for Accountant I on the City of Lakeland's employment page. 

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Performs related work as required.
• Delivers presentations to personnel in City departments or to the public regarding the work performed by the Finance Department.
• Coordinates work with that of other Business Units or divisions within the Department or other City departments as required.
• May serve as acting Chief Accountant in his/her absence.

QUALIFICATIONS (EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE) AND SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Qualifications for Accountant I:

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in accounting.
• Two (2) years of experience in accounting and fiscal operations.

OR

• Graduation from an accredited masters’ program or higher in accounting.

Qualifications for Accountant II:

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in accounting.
• Four (4) years of experience in accounting and fiscal operations.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must possess a valid driver's license.
• Must maintain a valid home telephone number.
• May be required to work overtime, or alternate hours, as necessary for the efficient operations of the department. 
• Position is designated as Mission Critical.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Thorough knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles, including governmental accounting and accounting rules of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
• Thorough knowledge of modern office procedures, practices, systems and equipment, as applied to financial operations.
• Considerable knowledge of the practices of City fiscal administration.
• Ability to apply accounting principles to the maintenance of voluminous financial and accounting transactions.
• Ability to analyze and solve a wide variety of accounting and fiscal problems.
• Ability to prepare complex financial reports and statements in accordance with general accepted accounting principles.
• Ability to apply extensive skills and to develop and apply new skills associated with the use of sophisticated computer applications and desktop and mainframe hardware systems, including the ability to readily adapt to changes in the use of computer programs and hardware configurations resulting from advances in computer technology.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, co-workers and personnel from other departments.
• Ability to express ideas clearly, both verbally and in writing.
• Detail oriented, analytical and inquisitive.
• Extremely organized with strong time management skills.
• Theoretical and practical knowledge of financial planning and analysis techniques, including discounted cash flow, present value, rate of return, and break even analysis.
• Effective presentation and oral communications skills.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS:

• Requires sedentary work that involves walking or standing some of the time, exerting up to 10 pounds of force on a recurring basis, and routine keyboard operations.
• The job risks exposure to bright/dim lights, dusts and pollen.
• The job requires normal visual acuity, and field of vision, hearing, speaking, color perception, sense of smell, depth perception, and texture perception.

All City of Lakeland positions are subject to testing (e.g. written, oral, performance, computerized, interview, and/or any combination).  Candidates selected for testing will be notified via email or telephone.  Please check your e-mail and telephone messages regularly, including "junk" folders.  Test times and locations to be announced. 

THE CITY OF LAKELAND IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/EQUAL ACCESS EMPLOYER AND A DRUG FREE WORKPLACE