Senior Staff Accountant

JOB DESCRIPTION

DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

Under the supervision of the Accounting Manager, the Senior Staff Accountant performs complex accounting functions as required for the proper accounting, reporting, collection and disbursement of Authority funds. Ensures that a satisfactory accounting system and internal control functions are established and maintained and that periodic financial statements and reports are prepared.

EXAMPLES OF WORK:

Assists the Accounting Manager (AM) in the daily financial operation functions; monitors the day-to-day cash flow and status and responds to customer financial operations inquiries.

• Participates in the annual audit; assists the AM in completing the audit engagement and coordinates the efforts of the Finance staff in the development of preliminary financial information.
• Assists in the preparation of reports of the fiscal condition of the Authority and provides information to the Authority’s Executive Staff as requested.
• Prepares bank reconciliations
• Monitors budget to evaluate the agency’s financial position throughout the fiscal year.
• Assists in the organization of the year-end process.
• Job duties, responsibilities, specifications, and other job aspects may be changed as needed; performs other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Experience in public housing is a plus
• Extensive knowledge of principles and practices of accounting and auditing.
• Knowledge of general laws and administrative policies governing municipal financial practices and procedures.
• Extensive familiarity with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Ability to prepare and analyze financial statements and reports to ensure compliance with budgetary restrictions governing public housing accounting and reporting.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to plan, organize and schedule work to meet critical deadlines.
• Excellent organizational skills and be detailed oriented in performing and coordinating work activities.
• Work requires application of independent judgment and initiative.
• Must show good judgment in support of policies and procedures.
• Strong computer literacy is required.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills are essential.
• Promotes a positive image of the Authority by establishing and maintaining to the greatest extent possible a viable and positive working relationship with residents, co-workers, local agencies and all appropriate agencies of the City with which the Authority may come into contact.
• Must be generally available for occasional after-hours and weekend activities; in the event of emergencies, must be accessible, preferably by telephone or by other effective means.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Sufficient manual dexterity to allow operation of a variety of automated office machines, i.e. computer keyboard, copy machine, printer, fax machine, telephone, etc.
• Ability to move, carry and/or operate objects and materials such as office supplies, files, computer printouts, reports, calculator, etc.
  • Ability to operate an automobile and must be insurable by an automobile insurance carrier and possess and maintain a valid driver’s license issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia throughout the duration of employment.

ACCEPTABLE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:

Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting or related field and at least 2 years of accounting experience. GAAP knowledge and understanding the preparation of basic financial statements is required. Computer literacy and excellent verbal and written skills required. A minimum of 10 years of accounting experience will be accepted in the absence of a bachelor’s degree.