Accountant II

Performs routine professional accounting activities. Work involves applying professional accounting principles to assist in the management of city accounts, accounting practices, and general accounting operations, auditing accounts for accuracy and accountability, and generating routine and requested reports.

Work is performed independently under general supervision with moderate latitude in the use of initiative and independent judgment. Position typically requires processing and interpreting of less clearly defined issues. Reports to the Assistant Director of Financial Services/Controller or designee.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

The essential functions listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Staff may also perform other duties as assigned.

Develops, implements, and/or modifies internal accounting policies and procedures to increase the conformity, and efficiency and effectiveness of accounting operations.

Receives, reviews, prepares, and/or submits a variety of electronic records and reports including general ledger, financial statements for month-end closing, bank statements, utility billing analyzes and records, canceled checks, refund applications, and invoices.

Implements internal systems to effectively balance and analyze the general ledger; reconciles and updates the city’s bank account/s to the general ledger; prepares and updates complex journal entries; analyzes accounts for discrepancies and variances; maintains and prepares records for external audit.

Updates the general ledger with manual journal entries needed to record revenue, receivables, wire and other electronic payments, and other required transactions.

Audits accounts payable records and checks and approves payments issued to vendors.

Participates in the preparation of the annual budget; analyzes assigned revenues and expenditures, calculates and explains variances, and develops and modifies worksheets and reports.

Represents the Financial Services Department for assigned interdepartmental contracts; confers with departmental personnel on fiscal matters pertaining to the interpretation of financial and accounting system policies and procedures and responds to inquiries from personnel regarding the same.

Controls and maintains the fixed asset database system; verifies utility billing system journal entries, and reviews financial reports and statements.

Implements accounting systems to monitor all grants for the city and prepares grant reimbursements.

Oversees the billing and accounting for Emergency Management Services (EMS) including the false alarms and red-light camera programs, and variable programs and services as assigned.

Analyzes, reconciles, and researches ordinances, contracts, and other documents to assist in the implementation of various special projects and reports as directed by supervisor.

Trains departmental personnel on applicable computer applications, the general ledger system, purchasing procedures, budget transfers, and the annual budget preparation process.

Assists with year-end auditing activities and/or responds to requests from external auditors.

Adheres to all city and public health and safety guidelines and protocols; performs job functions in a safe manner and reports all safety hazards per established policies and procedures.

Maintains quality communication and interaction with all city personnel, representatives from external organizations, and the public to maintain good will toward the city and to project a positive city image.

Maintains on-call work availability as assigned, to prepare for, respond to, or recover from a hurricane, tropical weather event, or other emergency to meet the city’s obligation to remain operational before, during, and after the event; duties assigned may or may not be typical of the job and are contingent upon the needs of the city and the residents because of the event.

Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with those interacted with during work regardless of race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, disability, political affiliation, military service, or diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.

Supervisory Responsibilities
This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Minimum Training and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in accounting or related field required; supplemented by two (2) years of professional accounting experience; or an equivalent combination of education, certification, training and/or experience.

Required Certifications and Licenses
May be required to possess and maintain a valid State of Florida Driver License and the ability to travel independently from one city location to another or to offsite location/s.

National Incident Management System (NIMS) training will be required (and sponsored) according to job duties and responsibilities.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Master’s degree in business or public administration and two (2) years of governmental accounting, experience, including complex general ledger transactions and bank reconciliations; licensed in the State of Florida as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) ); or Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM), or Certified Public Finance Officer (CPFO), or Certified Government Finance Officer (CGFO).

NOTE: Job description, minimum qualifications, and the standards required to perform the essential functions are detailed in the official job description. The City of Tamarac is a drug-free workplace. Recommended candidates must pass a pre-employment drug screening prior to appointment, as appropriate. An eligible veteran or spouse of veteran shall receive preference in the selection process as provided for in the Florida Statutes. To obtain veteran's preference, a candidate MUST submit a copy of a DD-214, Certificate of Discharge, or Statement of Eligibility with their application.

FIRST REVIEW: February 16, 2024. Subject to closing at that time, or when sufficient number of applications are received.