Accountant I

Accounting Position

Performs professional and technical accounting work to examine, analyze, maintain, reconcile, and verify financial records.

Work is performed in a standard office environment. Light physical demands; mostly desk work. Frequent to constant use of a personal computer.

Position involves competing demands, performing multiple tasks, working to deadlines, occasional work beyond normal business hours, and responding to customer issues. Regular attendance is an essential function of this job to ensure continuity of services. Position is subject to drug testing in accordance with applicable State and Federal regulations and City of Las Cruces policies.

First consideration may be given to current City of Las Cruces employees who meet all the minimum requirements.

Meeting or exceeding the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an invitation to participate in the process. This recruitment will be used to fill a full-time, regular, exempt position in the Utilities Department, but may be used to fill vacancies in various City of Las Cruces departments. This position is graded at RX17.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Reviews, approves and posts documents to ensure accuracy of information and calculations and makes correcting entries; examines supporting documentation to establish proper authorization and conformance with contracts and other agreements, policies and appropriate regulations; reconciles revenue and expenditures with records to ensure integrity of data.
• Performs other technical accounting activities including general ledger, accounts payable, revenue, accounts receivable, grants / special fund accounting, capital assets, and payroll; reconciles transactions and financial activities according to policies and procedures; reviews, investigates, and researches financial and accounting records and documents to recommend solutions to issues and correct errors as required.
• Reconciles complex transactions, grant funds and financial activities to the general ledger; assures fund integrity and resolves issues as needed and according to established processes; monitors accounting documents for accuracy and completeness, and prepares journal entries to comply with applicable regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Analyzes, interprets, and collects financial and administrative information and data for reports; updates and maintains data in various formats, mediums, and systems; prepares and distributes various special and recurring reports, forms, schedules, billings, and payments to ensure consistent, accurate, and timely processing.
• Establishes and maintains funds, departments, budget units, and project and object codes in Chart of Accounts; researches regulations and compliance issues and coordinates the development of new chart of accounts; locates and reviews inactive funds and follows up with departments on status to meet established deadlines, goals, and objectives.
• Provides technical information to City staff as authorized; responds to requests for information within the scope of authority; may assist with preparation of annual financial report and work with auditors as required to provide appropriate levels of service and support.

Distinguishing characteristics : Accountant is an entry-level, professional position. Employees in these positions are responsible to organize and prepare general accounting transactions; reconcile revenue and expenditures; prepare, maintain and analyze accounting information and records. As experience is gained, there is greater independence of action and independent judgment within established guidelines.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration or related field PLUS one (1) year of professional-level accounting experience is required. A combination of education, experience, and training may be applied in accordance with City of Las Cruces policy. Public sector fund accounting experience may be preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

General knowledge of : federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and rules related to municipal accounting, finance, fiscal controls, and governmental financial reporting; generally accepted accounting and auditing principles related to public sector financial administration; grant and special fund accounting procedures; records and file management, and record keeping principles and practices; effective customer service, communication, and problem resolution techniques and methods; business mathematics; appropriate business English, spelling, grammar, punctuation, proofreading and editing; modern office equipment, business and personal computers, business office software applications, and report generation; City organization, operations, policies and procedures to effectively perform the required functions and duties of the position.

Ability to : perform a variety of duties and responsibilities timely and with accuracy to meet time-sensitive deadlines and ensure achievement of goals and objectives; read, understand, interpret, and ensure compliance with a variety of policies, procedures, rules, and regulations governing related activities, programs, and functions; make mathematical calculations and verify calculations submitted for compliance and accuracy; communicate effectively orally and in writing; research, analyze, interpret, and compile applicable information and maintain accurate records; prepare and present accurate and reliable reports containing findings and recommendations; review documents and extract relevant information; maintain confidentiality of sensitive information and data; establish and maintain effective and appropriate working relationships with employees, other agencies, and the public; assess and prioritize multiple tasks, projects, and demands; use initiative and independent judgment within established procedural guidelines to successfully meet established goals and objectives.

Skills in : reviewing, updating, and verifying financial information systems and mathematical calculations; maintaining accurate accounting records, identifying errors, and reconciling accounts; understanding and applying accounting standards and procedures, and applicable Federal rules and regulations; analyzing and interpreting financial documents and preparing financial reports; analyzing issues, evaluating alternatives, and making logical recommendations based on findings; reading and interpreting rules and regulations; operating a personal computer with installed generic and specialized software; preparing and presenting accurate, timely, and reliable information and reports containing finding and / or recommendations in a clear and concise manner.