Senior Accountant Budgets

Department: Finance

 Title: Sr. Accountant – Special Projects & Budget Systems

Nature of Work:

The Special Projects and Budget Systems Accountant will serve under the direction of the Deputy Controller. In exercising the duties of this position, the accountant must be able to assist in the development and implementation of standard operating procedures and interdepartmental procedures to ensure compliance with established policies, state, and federal guidelines, generally accepted standards for municipal accounting and generally accepted accounting procedures.

The Special Projects and Budget Systems Accountant will be responsible for reviewing departmental budget detail and revenue reports to analyze appropriate recording of transaction in accounts; annual salary and operating budget preparation, monitoring, and update; analyzing and recording transactions from trust and escrow accounts.

Principal Functions:

· Assist in the development, implementation, and monitoring of the annual budget and financial forecasts.

· Collaborate with department directors to prepare budget submissions and offer guidance on budgetary constraints and projections.

· Review and analyze budget variance reports to identify trends and variances, recommending corrective actions as needed.

· Prepare detailed financial reports and presentations for departmental directors.

· Conduct thorough financial analyses to support strategic planning and decision-making for future budgets.

· Support the reconciliation of general ledger accounts to ensure accuracy and compliance with accounting standards.

· Oversee and review encumbered purchase orders and expenditures, ensuring proper allocation and reporting.

· Address and resolve accounting discrepancies and financial issues.

· Ensure adherence to internal financial policies, accounting standards, and regulatory requirements set forth by the State Board of Accounts.

· Maintain accurate reporting of yearly budgets to departmental directors.

· Maintain accurate records for all water, electricity, and gas utilities associated with City of Gary properties.

· Oversee the payment and reconciliation of utility bills, and promptly address any property-related issues.

· Analyze utility usage to develop recommendations for cost reduction.

· Conduct annual audits of properties managed or utilized by tenants to ensure operational efficiency and compliance

· Assist Deputy Controller with Special Projects that are not part of daily routines as requested.

· Annually assists Deputy Controller with assignments required during the State Board of Accounts annual audit of the city.

Supervision Received: Deputy Controller

Supervision Exercised: None

Knowledge Abilities and Skills Required:

· Reading, Printing, and Analyzing Financial Statements and General Ledgers

· Analyzing Bank and Investment Statements

· Budgeting and Trending Concepts

· Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills

· Utilizing word processing, and spreadsheet programs

· Governmental payment processes

· Monthly closing procedures

· TQM Document Preparation and Procedure Follow-Through

· Federal and State fiscal regulations

· General Accounting Software knowledge

· Planning, Preparing, and Completing an assignment with minimal supervision

Specific Areas:

· Analyzing and recording governmental transactions

· Fund, department, and account categories

· Monitoring Budgets, Projecting, and Forecasting government funds by cash, revenue, and expenditures.

· GAAP and GASB guidelines

· Budget Performance Measurement

Training and Experience Required:

· General Accounting knowledge required

· Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Business Administration, or Municipal Accounting

· Computer efficiency in spreadsheets, word processing, and general accounting software.

· 3 years of related experience or training

· Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills

· Ability to write reports