Senior Accountant

JOB DESCRIPTIONUnder general direction, performs advanced level professional accounting and financial analysis work in the maintenance and control of the City’s accounting systems; performs related duties as required.CLASS CHARACTERISTICSThe Senior Accountant is a single position classification which performs complex accounting functions in the Administrative Services Department. This classification is distinguished from the Accountant classification by difficulty and complexity of work performed, and the use of a high degree of independent judgment in making decisions. Incumbents in this classification provide guidance to professional level staff. SUPERVISION RECEIVEDWorks under the general supervision of the Budget & Procurement Manager.SUPERVISION EXERCISEDMay supervise the work of para-professional and/or professional staff. EXAMPLE OF DUTIES Essential functions may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; and reasonable accommodations will be made as required. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following: Performs difficult and specialized professional accounting work in the maintenance of financial records (e.g., bank reconciliations, CIP projects, fixed assets and grants).Monitors and records financial transaction and assures compliance with state and federal regulations, City policies and goals, and governmental accounting standards.Assists in the accounting for complex financing projects and agreements.Performs month-end and year-end closing of books, including all necessary entries and reconciliations.May prepare or assist in the preparation of complex financial reports such as the annual State Controller’s Reports, the Annual Street Report and the Successor Agency’s Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule (ROPS). .Maintains City’s debt records including coordinating payments to fiscal agents, preparation of disclosure information and reconciling trustee statements.Assists in the preparation of the City’s annual budget, Single Audit and Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, and various grant audit reports.May assist with the selection of employees.Maintain the City’s chart of accounts; perform set-up and closing of general ledger at year-end; and assist in implementation and maintenance of the City’s FRP system/database.Provides technical and functional assistance/backup to Department staff as needed.May assist in the managing of the City’s investment portfolio; may perform duties of the Budget & Procurement Manager in his/her absence. SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENTThe physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. Incumbents may be exposed to repetitive motion. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet. Incumbents are not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions.RECRUITMENT PROCESS: Application Packets Must Include: A fully completed online employment application which: Covers at least the past 10 years of employment history (or longer if you have other relevant experience). Responses to the supplemental questionnaire. Must be specific in describing your qualifications for this position. Failure to state all pertinent information may lead to elimination from consideration. Stating "See Resume" is not an acceptable substitute for a completed application.Individuals who require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any phase of the application or selection process must advise Human Resources and make such a request during the application process. Every effort will be made to provide a reasonable accommodation where requested. Selection Process: All application materials received by the application deadline will be reviewed and evaluated. All information supplied by applicants is subject to verification.Application Review: The first phase will be a detailed review and appraisal of each candidate's application. This phase is for qualifying purposes only. There is no weight assigned to this phase. Those candidates who meet the minimum qualifications may be invited to the next phase. Oral Appraisal Interview: A minimum of 70% must be obtained to pass the oral appraisal interview. Employment Eligibility List: The Employment Eligibility List will be established after completion of the examination process. Current and future vacancies will be filled from this list. Lists typically last for 12 months but may be extended or abolished in accordance with the City's Civil Service rules and regulations. Pre-employment ProcessThe City supports a Drug-Free Workplace. All potential employees are required to successfully complete a thorough background investigation, fingerprinting, and pass a post-offer pre-employment medical examination (which will include a drug/alcohol screening). New employees must complete a verification form designated by the United States Department of Homeland Security, Citizenship and Immigration Services, that certifies eligibility for employment in the United States of America.Hiring of Relatives: Relatives of existing employees by blood or marriage will not be eligible for employment with the City if potential supervision, safety, security, or morale problems exist; or if potential conflicts of interest exist. Relatives include an employee's parents, children, spouse, brothers, sisters, in-laws, and step relationships.The provisions of this announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract and any provisions contained in this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice.Equal Opportunity EmployerThe City of South Gate is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with all applicable Federal and State laws, it does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, marital status, age, religion, disability (mental or physical), medical condition, genetic characteristic or information, sex (including gender, gender identity, gender expression, or pregnancy), sexual orientation (including homosexuality, bisexuality, or heterosexuality), or military or veteran status in its employment actions, policies, procedures, or practices.The City of South GateThe City of South Gate is a busy urban community consisting of residential, commercial, and industrial development, spread over 7.41 square miles. It is currently ranked the 79th largest city in California with a population of approximately 97,000. Strategically located along the 710 freeway, the City is just 12 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles.