Accounting Services Administrator

General Definition of Work
Performs difficult professional work assisting in planning, organizing, and directing the financial activities of the City, managing the annual budget process, managing the annual audit process and preparation of the annual comprehensive financial report, preparing and maintaining financial records and reports, and related work as apparent or assigned. Work is performed under the general direction of the Director of Finance.  

Qualification Requirements
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable an individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Essential Functions

• Supervises division managers and assigned staff.  
• Supervises all accounting functions for the City and Schools.
• Manages the annual budgeting process with departments; assists with departmental budget meetings and budget balancing process.
• Participates in annual budget meetings with departments and work sessions with City Council; prepares/reviews sections of the budget book for proposed and adopted budgets.
• Assists with development of revenue estimates for general fund and works with Finance Director to balance the annual budget.
• Performs detailed review of City and School Annual Comprehensive Financial Reports prior to presentation to auditors; reviews custodial fund financial reports.
• Serves as the primary liaison with external auditors; manages the annual audit process; develops year end audit schedules; monitors audit issues with external auditors; manages audit progress with internal staff; manages adoption of new GASB statements.
• Performs detailed review of monthly financial reports for all City funds including review of budget vs. actual, current YTD vs. prior YTD; prepares budget transfers as needed.
• Supervise accounting staff; assigns, directs, trains, and reviews the work of staff; rewards, disciplines, coaches, counsels, and evaluates staff performance.
• Review journal entries and various quarterly and annual reports prepared by accounting staff.
• Perform detailed review of payroll changes report for City and Schools.
• Reviews audit work papers prepared by accountants; prepares certain audit work papers including tax analysis.
• Maintains central Finance calendar of monthly report deadlines, grant report deadlines and other deadlines related to accounting function.
• Performs special projects as needed; reviews financial policies prepared by accounting staff.
• Coordinates and reviews preparation of actuarial study for Other Post-Employment Benefits as required by GASB for City and Schools; reviews Annual Cost Report submitted to Auditor of Public Accounts.
• Perform detailed review of bank reconciliations for the City’s two largest bank accounts.
• Presents financial information and reports to City leadership, City Council, and other stakeholders as needed.  
• Any other duties that may be assigned.  

Requirements

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Comprehensive knowledge of the principles and practices of accounting and budgeting as applied to municipal government; thorough knowledge of the principles, underlying general laws, and administrative policies governing municipal financial practices and procedures; thorough knowledge of accounting terminology, methods, procedures and equipment; thorough knowledge of principles and procedures of financial record keeping and reporting; general knowledge of audit practices; ability to plan, organize, and direct the work of subordinates; skill in the use of personal computers, associated software packages, hardware, and peripheral equipment; ability to plan, organize, and direct the work of staff; ability to post accounts and to perform mathematical computations with speed and accuracy; ability to prepare complex financial reports; ability to analyze and evaluate complex financial systems; ability to communicate effectively in oral and written form; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, external auditors,  insurance consultants, actuarial firms, associates, and the general public.

Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business, or public administration, or a related field with experience in accounting, budgeting, and debt issuance, or equivalent combination of education and experience.  Minimum of 5-10 years of progressive experience in public sector with at least 3- 5 years in management or supervisory role.  

Physical Requirements

This work requires the occasional exertion of up to 10 pounds of force; work regularly requires sitting and using hands to finger, handle or feel, frequently requires speaking or hearing and occasionally requires standing and repetitive motions; work has standard vision requirements; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, operating motor vehicles or equipment and observing general surroundings and activities; work has no exposure to environmental conditions; work is generally in a moderately noisy location (e.g. business office, light traffic).

Special Requirements

Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Public Finance Officer (CPFO), or master’s degree in related field required.
Subject to a complete criminal history and credit back search with acceptable results.
Valid driver's license in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Summary

The City of Salem, an Affirmative Action and EEO employer, welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds and recognizes the benefits of a diverse workforce. Therefore, the City of Salem is committed to providing a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. Employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications. We prohibit discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, mental or physical disabilities, political affiliation, veteran status, gender identity, or other non-merit factors.

The City of Salem is proud to be a Certified Virginia Values Veterans (V3) program employer.