*** ACCOUNTANT -  $102,690 - $124,842 Annually

*** SENIOR ACCOUNTANT - $113,381 - $137,779 Annually

DEFINITION

East Valley Water District 's Finance and Accounting staff oversees the financial and analysis operations  in the preparation and maintenance of financial records and reports for various District accounts and funds; coordinates and/or prepares assigned services and operations with those of other District divisions and outside agencies; assists in the development and installation of new accounting and cost systems; provides complex staff assistance to staff in areas of expertise; performs related duties as assigned. Placement level is based on the qualifications and experience.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Accountant

Receives general supervision from the Finance Supervisor.  May exercise technical and functional direction over lower-level technical accounting and clerical personnel.

Senior Account

Receives general direction from the Director of Finance. May exercises technical and functional direction to staff, as assigned.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
These classifications are responsible for performing various complex professional accounting and financial analysis duties in the preparation and maintenance of financial records and reports for various District accounts and funds; coordinates and/or prepares assigned services and operations with those of other District divisions and outside agencies; assists in the development and installation of new accounting and cost systems; provides complex assistance to staff in areas of expertise; performs related duties as assigned.

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

Accountant

• Prepares journal entries and reconciles general ledger and subsidiary accounts.
• Assists in preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and footnotes; prepares a variety of periodic, and special financial reports for operational use, and for presentation to the Board of Directors.
• Analyzes and reconciles expenditure and revenue accounts, verifying availability of funds and classification of expenditures; researches and analyzes transactions to resolve problems.
• Monitors cash receipts and reconciles monthly bank statements.
• Coordinates and performs grants administration and reporting; ensures compliance with federal, state and local regulations; initiates bond construction fund reimbursements.
• Assists with preparation of 1099’s and independent contractor reporting.
• Interprets, explains and applies general and governmental accounting/auditing principles and procedures, laws and regulations affecting the financial operations of municipal government.
• Reviews documentation submitted for accuracy and conformance to legal and procedural requirements.
• Participates in the compilation and preparation of the annual budget, including assisting other departments with budget preparation, providing estimated grant revenues and expenditures, monitoring expenditures to ensure compliance with adopted budget, and assisting in publication of the budget.
• Assists in preparing audit schedules for external auditors and assists the Finance Manager during the annual auditing process; confers with staff regarding new or modified fiscal procedures and ensures that internal controls are observed.
• Attends meetings, conferences, workshops, and training sessions, and reviews publications to maintain current knowledge of principles, practices, and new developments in accounting and reporting requirements, policies and procedures; recommends and implements changes to accounting policy and procedures to ensure compliance with governmental requirements and regulations.
• Assists Manager with special projects as required. 
• Performs other duties as assigned.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Senior Accountant
• Provides complex professional and technical assistance in the administration and implementation of the District's financial, auditing, and accounting programs, including financial report development, fund accounting, accounts payable, receivable, and payroll.
• Prepares analysis, spreadsheets, schedules, journal entries, and reconciliations to produce accurate balances in cash, assets, liabilities, revenue, expenses, financial reports, and footnotes.
• Assists in the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and footnotes including the preparation and submittal of the Annual Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (ACFR); interfaces with the independent auditors in the audit process; prepares a variety of periodic and special financial reports for operational use and for presentation to the Board of Directors.
• Analyzes and reconciles expenditures and revenue accounts; verifies availability of funds and classification of expenditures; researches and analyzes transactions to resolve problems.
• Monitors cash receipts and reconciles monthly bank statements.
• Coordinates and performs grants administration and reporting; ensures compliance with federal, state, and local regulations; initiates bond construction fund reimbursements.
• Interprets, explains, and applies general and governmental accounting/auditing principles and procedures, laws, and regulations affecting the financial operations of the District.
• Participates in the compilation and preparation of assigned program budgets; monitors expenditures to ensure compliance with adopted budgets.
• Assists in preparing audit schedules for external auditors and assists the Finance Manager during the annual auditing process; confers with staff regarding new and modified fiscal procedures and ensures that internal controls are observed.
• Maintains the fixed asset registry; researches assets, reviews drawings, gathers documentation, assesses life and type of asset; consults with engineers and other District personnel prior to booking into the financial management system; archives and files asset records; retires assets from the financial management system.
• Verifies and monitors proper integration of financial system components and consistency of business processes; confers with vendor on system maintenance and upgrades.
• Provides responsible professional and technical assistance to management and other members of the finance staff in the administration and implementation of the District’s financial, auditing and accounting processes.
• Assists Finance Manager and other department and District management staff with special projects as assigned.
• Participates in the development and implementation of accounting policies and procedures; ensures compliance with mandated requirements and regulations.
• Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of public agency finance and accounting.
• Observes and complies with all District and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Performs related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

 Accountant

      Knowledge of:

• Modern principles, practices, and methods of public and governmental accounting and financing, including program budgeting and auditing and their application to municipal operations. 
• General principles and practices of data processing and its applicability to accounting and municipal operations. 
• Applicable federal, state, and local ordinances, resolutions and laws affecting municipal financial operations.
• Principles and practices of business organization and public administration. 
• Record keeping principles and procedures.
• Modern office practices, methods and computer equipment.
• Computer applications related to work, including financial systems, word processing and spreadsheet software.
  English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation. 
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service to public and District staff, in person and over the telephone.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Ability to: 
• Analyze financial data and draw sound conclusions. 
• Work on multiple projects with competing priorities effectively and in a timely manner; organize and prioritize timelines for self and others in an effective and timely manner. 
• Evaluate and recommend improvements in operations, procedures, policies or methods.
• Analyze situations accurately and recommend effective course of action. 
• Understand and carry out a variety of complex instructions in a responsible and independent manner.
• Prepare clear, complete and concise financial statements and reports. 
• Establish and maintain a variety of files and records. 
• Operate modern office equipment, including computer equipment and specialized software application programs.
• Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.

Senior Accountant

        Knowledge of:

• Functions, roles, and authorities of public agencies and special districts, including the role and responsibilities of a public governing board.
• Principles, practices, and methods of public and governmental accounting and financing,.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations as well as industry standards and best practices pertinent to the assigned area of responsibility.
• Principles and practices of preparing financial statements and reports.
• Principles, practices, and methods of cost accounting, general ledger maintenance and account reconciliation.
• Methods and techniques of evaluating and maintaining fixed asset fiscal records.
• Principles of budget maintenance and oversight.
• Record-keeping principles and procedures.
• Arithmetic and statistics.
• Data collection and information handling practices.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service, by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and District staff.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.         

Ability to:

• Analyze, interpret, summarize, and present financial data in an effective manner.
• Conduct complex research projects on a wide variety of accounting, financial, and budgetary issues; evaluate alternatives, make sound recommendations, and prepare effective reports.
• Make accurate arithmetic, financial, and statistical computations.
• Work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation.
• Effectively represent the department and the District in meetings with governmental agencies; community groups; various business, professional, and regulatory organizations; and in meetings with individuals.
• Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, documentation, and other written materials.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and procedural guidelines.
• Organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Education and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

         EDUCATION

          Accountant

• Equivalent to graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in accounting, finance, business administration, or a closely related field and three (3) years of accounting experience in government accounting, preparing budgets and financial statements.             

        Senior Accountant

• Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in accounting, finance, business or public administration, or a related field.

        EXPERIENCE

        Accountant

• Three (3) years of accounting experience in government accounting, preparing budgets and financial statements.                                                         

       Senior Accountant

• Five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience performing professional accounting duties related to general accounting, auditing, and/or financial management preferably in a public agency.

Licenses and Certifications:

Class C driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 10 pounds.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing divisional policies and procedures.