ACCOUNTING MANAGER
DEFINITION
Under general direction, plans, organizes, oversees, coordinates, participates in, and manages the staff and operations of the Accounting Division; performs a variety of advanced level and professional accounting functions; participates in the development of policies and strategies for division operations; manages the effective use of division resources to improve organizational productivity and customer service; provides complex and responsible support to the Director of Finance in areas of expertise; and performs related duties as assigned.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives general direction from the Deputy Finance Director and Finance Director. Exercises direct supervision over supervisory, professional, technical, and/or administrative support staff.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This is a management classification responsible for managing a division in the Finance Department. The incumbent is responsible for developing and implementing policies and procedures for assigned division, including short- and long-term planning, budget administration and reporting, and coordination of key programs/projects with other City divisions and departments and external agencies. Positions apply advanced management principles and strategic thinking to decisions that impact the organization as a whole and the public being served. Positions generally serve as advisors and contributors to executive management on policies, procedures, and major City initiatives.
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 qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.
Plans, manages, oversees, and participates in the daily functions, operations, and activities of the Accounting Division. Reviews and evaluates work methods and procedures; identifies and resolves problems and/or issues. Provides supervision and training for subordinate staff.
Oversee general accounting including Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Cash Management, Payroll, Audit, Grant Management, and debt management.
Oversee debt-related activities and transactions, including bond issuance and refunding, and post issuance compliance with bond covenants.
Oversees cash management initiatives, bank relationships, and day-to-day treasury operations; manages the City’s investment portfolio and ensures compliance with the City’s investment policy.
Participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for the division; continuously monitors the efficiency and effectiveness of assigned programs, service delivery methods, and procedures; assesses and monitors workload, administrative, and support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identifies opportunities and makes recommendations for improvement.
Participates in the selection of, trains, motivates, and evaluates assigned personnel; works with employees to correct deficiencies; issues written and verbal instructions; resolves grievances and complaints; participates in the selection process for new employees; prepares performance evaluations for assigned staff; recommends and implements discipline and termination procedures.
Researches, analyzes, and implements Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) pronouncements, including preparing initial journal entries and ensuring compliance for future transactions.
Performs internal audits and analysis of control systems; assists auditors in the audit of City financial records.
Develops and monitors internal controls for accounting and financial operations; reviews and recommends improved accounting procedures and implements appropriate procedures to minimize vulnerability to fraud, waste, or abuse.
In collaboration with the City's independent auditors and internal staff, prepare and analyzes complex financial reports and statements (i.e. Management Discussion and Analysis (MD&A), the City's Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR), State Controller’s Report, Street Report, and various annual audits).
Participates in the development, administration, and oversight of division budget; determines funding needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; ensures compliance with budgeted funding; Participates in annual budget preparation; identifies resource needs; prepares detailed cost estimates with appropriate justifications; submits budget recommendations; monitors expenditures; advises and consults with management on accounting and budgetary concerns; provides information and recommendations as appropriate; participates in developing and updating long-range financial forecasts and trend analyses for use in financial planning.
Recommends and assists in the implementation of new or revised accounting systems, procedures, and records; may participate in the development of computerized programs for various accounting analysis.
Prepares and presents staff and agenda reports and other necessary correspondence related to assigned activities and services; presents reports to various commissions, committees, and boards.
Conducts a variety of organizational and operational studies and investigations; recommends modifications to assigned programs, policies, and procedures, as appropriate.
Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in municipal finance and accounting; researches emerging products and enhancements and their applicability to City needs.
Monitors changes in regulations and technology that may affect operations; implements policy and procedural changes after approval.
Ensure effective operation of the City’s Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system and other financial system applications; implementation of upgrades; coordinate changes with the Information Technology Department and provide user training on system applications to other department representatives Receives, investigates, and responds to difficult and sensitive problems and complaints in a professional manner; identifies and reports findings and takes necessary corrective action.
Ensures staff compliance with City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
Performs related duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
Administrative principles and practices, including goal setting, program development, implementation, and evaluation, and project management.
Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment, review and evaluation, and the training of staff in work procedures.
Principles and practices of leadership.
Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction to ensure teamwork is conducted smoothly.
Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned areas of responsibility.
Organization and management practices as applied to the development, analysis, and evaluation of programs, policies, and operational needs of the assigned area of responsibility.
Principles and practices of accounting and auditing, including governmental accounting and budgeting, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), and Governmental Accounting Standard Board Statements (GASB).
Established internal control procedures and guidelines.
Techniques for effectively representing the City in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups, and various business, professional, educational, regulatory, and legislative organizations.
Recent and on-going developments, current literature, and sources of information related to the operations of the assigned division.
Methods and techniques of preparing technical and administrative reports, and general business correspondence.
City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with contractors, auditors, and City staff.
The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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:
Plan, organize, oversee, and manage the staff and operations of the Accounting Division.
Develop and implement goals, objectives, practices, policies, procedures, and work standards.
Provide administrative, management, and professional leadership for the division.
Select and supervise staff, provide training and development opportunities, ensure work is performed effectively, and evaluate performance in an objective and positive manner.
Interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local policies, procedures, laws, and regulations.
Evaluate and develop improvements in operations, procedures, policies, or methods.
Apply GAAP in a municipal finance setting.
Make financial forecasts and projections; analyze and interpret fiscal and accounting records and data.
Audit, analyze, and utilize financial information and accounting systems and procedures.
Ensure systems comply with applicable laws, regulations, and policies.
Direct the preparation and maintenance of accurate records.
Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials.
Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures, and techniques.
Analyze, interpret, summarize, and present technical information and data in an effective manner.
Conduct complex research projects, evaluate alternatives, make sound recommendations, and prepare effective technical staff reports.
Effectively represent the division and the City in meetings with governmental agencies, community groups, and various businesses, professional, and regulatory organizations, and in meetings with individuals.
Direct the establishment and maintenance of a variety of filing, record-keeping, and tracking systems.
Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and procedural guidelines.
Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
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:
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:
Five (5) years of increasingly responsible government finance experience to include two (2) years of experience in a supervisory or management capacity.
Licenses and Certifications:
None.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to operate a motor vehicle and visit various City sites; 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.
Accounting Manager
September 2026
FLSA: Exempt