Sample Only
CITY OF PULLMAN, WASHINGTON
CLASS SPECIFICATION
SENIOR ACCOUNTING SPECIALIST 1207
GENERAL PURPOSE:
Performs professional and technical accounting work to prepare and maintain accounting and financial related records; records, prepares and enters corrections and adjustments into accounting and automated systems; assists Accounting Specialists with unusual finance related situations.
CLASSIFICATION SUMMARY:
The principal function of an employee in this class is to perform professional and technical accounting work for systematic maintenance of the City's accounting and financial record-keeping system. The Senior Accounting Specialist ensures that the city's accounting, auditing, and financial systems are maintained on a full accrual, modified accrual, and cash basis on a daily, monthly, and annual basis. There are two Senior Level Accounting positions. (One is currently vacant and frozen) This work differs from the work of Accounting Specialist positions in the overall responsibility for financial system and general ledger maintenance which may include aspects of the Accounting Specialist duties. The Senior Accounting Specialist monitors the city's accounting and financial reporting systems and may audit the activities of others performing cashiering, utility billing, payroll and accounts payable work. The Senior Accounting Specialist may provide instruction to new employees working with the financial system and may perform the work of others in the department during their absences. Work is performed with considerable independence and latitude to perform work, adjust priorities or recommend changes to existing policies, laws, ordinances, and department procedures to the Accounting Manager. The Senior Accounting Specialist reports to the Accounting Manager who reviews work for the accuracy and integrity of accounting and financial records.
ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Reviews new BARS, GAAP and GASB guidelines; works with the Accounting Manager to determine methods to implement changes in the city's accounting and financial management practices and procedures, and recommends changes to comply with regulations and professional standards. Assists the Accounting Manager in the selection, introduction and implementation of new software systems.
Responsible for payroll, utility billing, accounts payable, accounts receivable and cashiering processes as they relate to the city's accounting and financial records; recommends and implements new processes or procedures as needed; originates journal entries; balances and reconciles reports and statements; prepares required payroll reports.
Sets up new funds and accounts as directed including revenue, expenditure, and general ledger accounts; enters proper summary codes, and audits for proper functioning; notifies departments of changes and provides assistance as required.
Reviews and verifies the accuracy of transactions and accounting classification assigned to various records.
Provides procedural instruction in conformance with procedure manuals to accounting specialists or other employees who process accounts payable/receivable, payroll, and utility billing documents.
Works with state auditors; provides requested information; responds to questions from auditors; follows up on audit findings by assisting the Accounting Manager in making required changes in the system.
SENIOR ACCOUNTING SPECIALIST 1207
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Performs special project research, analysis, and report writing work as assigned.
Attends work on a regular and dependable basis.
Interacts in a professional and respectful manner with city staff and the public.
OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:
May perform the same work as Accounting Specialists during their absences. Performs other tasks as assigned.
SELECTION FACTORS:
(Applicants should describe their previous experience and training for each of the following selection factors. These factors will be the basis for selecting the most qualified applicants to be interviewed. Candidates selected for employment must satisfactorily demonstrate possession of these factors during a prescribed probationary period, and afterwards, for continued employment.)
Knowledge of:
¬ Accounting theory and principles, including practices involving accruals, general ledger, subsidiary ledgers, reconciliations;
¬ Governmental accounting, auditing, and reporting principles and practices and skill in their application;
¬ Computer applications for governmental accounting and reporting principles and practices;
¬ GASB and Washington State BARS requirements and skill in their application;
¬ Accounting codes, classifications, and terminology pertinent to accounts maintenance activities;
¬ Accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, or other accounting procedures.
Ability to:
¬ Recommend, and also conform to, changes in practices and procedures;
¬ Maintain financial records and prepare accounting reports and statements;
¬ Analyze, develop and implement accounting procedures, standards and requirements;
¬ Learn and develop proficiency in the operation of the City's networked Eden software;
¬ Communicate and instruct others in necessary operating requirements;
¬ Demonstrate ability to set priorities and perform a wide variety of duties, while meeting established deadlines;
¬ Develop and utilize spreadsheet and other Microsoft Office modules to process and analyze data quickly and thoroughly;
¬ Provide technical assistance to department and other city personnel in a pleasant and courteous manner;
¬ Prepare accurate accounting and finance status reports;
¬ Establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, department personnel, and other city employees;
¬ Provide quality services in a cost-effective manner and to recommend improved methods of performing the work;
¬ Provide quality service to customers seeking assistance.
¬ Physically perform the essential functions of the job.
SENIOR ACCOUNTING SPECIALIST 1207
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MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
(Persons applying for a position of this class should have any combination of the following experience and training.)
Three years of experience involving the operation and maintenance of accounting and financial management records such as municipal accounting, payroll, utility billing, auditing and reporting, or general ledger; or substituting course work or training in governmental accounting or financial management for up to two years of the experience; or any equivalent combination of experience and training.
TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED:
Desktop/Server Windows-based system and Eden software, 10-key calculator; check and warrant signer; typewriter; phone; copy machine; fax machine.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
(The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.)
Work is performed primarily in an office environment while sitting at a desk or computer terminal or while standing at a counter for extended periods of time. Physical exertion may be required to lift office supplies.
The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.
The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.
FLSA Class: Non-Exempt
Adopted: 9/82 Revised: 9/91, 3/94, 6/99, 12/01