Principal Accountant

The City of Turlock is seeking applicants for the Principal Accountant position to perform a variety of complex and journey level accounting and financial analysis work involving the development and maintenance of accounting systems affecting departments city-wide.  This is a managerial level position that will supervise and direct the work of accounting professionals and support staff; as well as perform other job related work as required, with emphasis on coordinating and managing the city-wide annual audit.

This position is designated as un-represented for Labor Relations purposes and is considered exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

Distinguishing Characteristics:
The job incumbent has responsibility for assigning, supervising, and directing the work of staff assigned to the city-wide accounting, auditing, and budgetary functions of the City. Duties and responsibilities are performed in accordance with law, ordinance, and City policy.

Essential Functions

Duties may include, but are not limited to:

• Oversee and perform a variety of accounting duties related to the operation and maintenance of city-wide and multi department accounting records. 
• Coordinate and oversee the development and administration of the city-wide budget. 
• Establish and maintain a variety of special accounts and systems related to grant and other special funding accounts. 
• Assist in the planning, development and implementation of accounting and financial management programs. 
• Provide assistance to City Departments and employees on accounting and financial systems management problems, the interpretation of accounting and financial management policies and procedures and in resolving accounting and financial system problems. 
• Provide professional and technical advice and recommendations on accounting pronouncements, standards, policies and procedures. 
• Facilitate fiscal controls and compliance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) by the City and its related entities. 
• Prepare a variety of financial reports including periodic reports, year-end closing and reconciliation, and budgetary documents. 
• Supervise and direct the work of staff with accounting support responsibilities including provision of timely performance evaluations; recommend and implement approved discipline; provide staff development; and maintain high standards necessary for efficient, professional operations. 
• Participate in recruitment and selection activities; makes recommendations for appointment of new staff; assists with staff orientation and training. 
• Supervise the activities of subordinates including employee selection, training, instruction, task assignment, work review, performance evaluation and administration of progressive discipline as needed. 
• Assist outside auditors and coordinates reviews of City accounting and financial systems. 
• Assist in the development, implementation and evaluation of fiscal policies, procedures and practices. 
• Review and approve accounting transactions for input to the various financial systems of the City and its related entities and departments. 
• Direct and participate in complex fiscal, financial, and accounting problem resolution in areas impacting the City's financial condition and operation. 
• Prepare highly complex and technical reports; document policies and procedures; perform research 
• Make and assist with presentations before various groups, including City Council, Commissions, and professional and public meetings, as needed. 
• Answer questions; provide information to the public; recommend corrective actions; investigate, reports, documents and resolve complaints. 
• Build and maintain respectful, positive working relationships with staff, supervisors, outside agencies and the public using principles of good customer service; provides effective conflict resolution, as needed. 
• Model appropriate professional management conduct; maintains appropriate confidentiality of sensitive information; comply with and supports City policies and procedures, labor laws, and MOU provisions. 
• Conduct internal audits as required. 
• Utilize computer software financial and spreadsheet programs on personal computer and mainframe platforms.
• Perform related duties as assigned. 

Knowledge of: 

• Governmental finance and administration.
• Generally accepted accounting principles and governmental accounting principles (GAAP) and standards. 
• Theories, principles, and practices of governmental budgeting and finance. 
• Current information technology principles and applications for fiscal and financial systems. 
• Public agency administration. 
• Federal, State and local laws and regulations relating to fiscal management. 
• Budget preparation, program analysis, and revenue forecasting. 
•  Principles of organization and management. 
• Statistical concepts and methods. 
• Career development planning techniques and methods. 
• Principles of employee supervision, career development and training. 
• The concepts of word processing, micro-computer and mainframe computer applications.
• Modern methods of records management.
• Principles and practices of supervision, staff selection, training and personnel management. 
• Safe work practices and related regulations. 
• Principles of public speaking, conflict resolution and excellent customer service. 
• Public debt financing instruments. 

Ability to:

• Plan, organize, direct, review and supervise the work of a small technical and office support staff. 
• Delegate authority and responsibility effectively. 
• Perform professional, technical financial management analysis including the preparation of complex analytical reports and documents. 
• Interpret and apply accounting and financial management laws, rules, regulations, policies and guidelines. 
• Prepare complex and comprehensive fiscal analyses and reports. 
• Develop and administer city-wide budgets. 
• Conduct revenue forecasting. 
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with elected officials, administration, other employees, and the general public. 
• Present ideas effectively orally and in writing. 
• Read, comprehend and apply complex laws and regulations. 
• Lead, supervise, evaluate and train personnel effectively and maintain discipline. 
• Organize, implement and supervise departmental goals and City objectives. 
• Use computer and needed programs effectively. 
• Organize, analyze, manage and implement a variety of programs.

Experience:
Four years of professional journey level municipal accounting experience, to include at least two years in a lead capacity, similar to that of the Accountant III in the City of Turlock that would have provided the opportunity to develop the required skills, knowledge and abilities.
 
Education:
Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in accounting, business administration, economics, or a related field.