Accountant / Sr. Accountant

As a key member of the Financial Services Department, the Accountant/Sr. Accountant works under the Finance Director to support the department's responsibilities, focusing on accounting, budgeting, and grants management. This role includes overseeing capital budgeting, audits, strategic planning, financial analysis, and reporting in line with Governmental Accounting standards in these areas. Additionally, the Accountant/Sr. Accountant coordinates citywide grant programs, serving as a liaison between the City of Navasota and granting agencies. Related tasks may be assigned as needed. 

Summary of Duties:

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. It is not necessarily descriptive of any one position in the class. The omission of an essential function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed herein if such functions are a logical assignment to the position.

Grants Management:

• Identify potential grants and funding opportunities. Assist departments with the financial components of grant applications and collaborate with grant consultants to ensure effective applications.
• Ensure adherence to federal, state, and local regulations regarding grant management, including financial compliance and reporting requirements.
• Serve as the financial liaison between the Finance department and other departments engaged in grant activities.
• Examine award documents to clarify guidelines and reporting obligations for each grant received.

General Ledger:

• Oversee the City’s general ledger, including payroll, accounts payable, and fixed assets.
• Analyze general ledger accounts for variances and ensure accuracy.
• Maintain the integrity of financial statements and conduct risk assessments.
• Record and review financial transactions for inconsistencies.

Budget:

• Assist with preparing the City’s annual budget for various funds.
• Analyze expenditures in departmental budgets to ensure compliance with allocations.
• Provide information for budgeting policies and the impact of grant-funded programs.

Financial:

• Support citywide projects with financial solutions per Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.
• Conduct month-end and year-end closings for financial accuracy.
• Ensure proper reconciliation of account balances.
• Assist the Finance Director with development of the monthly expenditure reports and the quarterly investment reports to present to City Council.
• Supports other City departments with accounting-related issues and tasks as needed.

Other:

• Coordinates and/or reviews special projects, studies, and contracts for financial impact and feasibility.
• Assists in cash and treasury management.
• Resolves internal and external concerns, inquiries, or information requests.
• Complies with City policies and procedures to include work schedule and attendance policies.
• Manages work allocation and establishes timelines and priorities.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA’s)

• Proficient in GAAP, general accounting practices, financial reporting, and ledger systems.
• Knowledgeable in purchasing standards for local government, regulatory requirements, and experienced in budget preparation and controls.
• Strong Excel skills for data analysis and entry, with proficiency in Word and PowerPoint.
• High integrity, critical thinking, and skilled in assessing complex proposals and contracts.
• Committed to process improvements, problem-solving under time constraints, and effective communication.
• Reliable judgment, dependability, and a collaborative approach.

Qualifications:

Education
Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business, or related field, supplemented by formal training in GAAP and Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB). Must be able to pass a background check and drug screen. Successful candidates should possess three (3) years of relevant experience in progressively responsible experience in budget, financial, and accounting administration.
Any work-related experience resulting in acceptable proficiency levels in the above minimum qualifications is an acceptable substitute for the above-specified education and experience requirements.

Preferred Qualifications, Certificates, Licenses
Preferred certifications/licenses for this position: Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Government Finance Officer (CGFO), and/or Certified Public Manager (CPM). Experience with governmental accounting software.

Supplemental Information:

Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
While performing the essential duties of this job, the employee is required to sit at a desk, as well as engage in tasks that involve the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, but which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of lightweight (25 pounds). These essential duties include tasks that may involve extended periods at a keyboard or workstation. Some tasks require visual and sound perception and discrimination and oral communication ability. May be subject to extended periods of standing and sitting during presentations or attending public and special events. May work extended hours, evenings, and weekends as needed.

Scheduled Working Hours

• Full-time workweek is 40 hours. Hours of work to be assigned by Supervisor.
• Attendance is an essential function of this position. Must report to work as scheduled and in a timely manner. 
• Position requires a standard work schedule. 
• Position may require 24-hour availability during emergency conditions.

Sensory Requirements
The employee must be able to see clearly, with or without vision correction, and able to recognize colors and adjust focus. Some tasks require oral communication ability.

Environmental Factors
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

While performing the essential duties of this job, the employee constantly must present a positive attitude as a role model in the community. The employee frequently must work closely with others as part of and/or leader of a team and must remain calm and professional in tense, emotionally charged, and stressful situations. The employee regularly must work under time pressures to meet deadlines and occasionally must perform multiple tasks simultaneously. The work environment characteristics of the employee’s essential functions are regularly performed without exposure to adverse environmental conditions.

LEGAL NOTIFICATION 
Any applicant receiving a bona fide job offer for this position will be required to undergo and pass a pre-employment physical examination, illegal drug screening, and criminal background check prior to employment.    

All positions at the City of Navasota require documentation of employment eligibility in accordance with Federal employment law. Communication skills in English are required for some specific assignments based upon job-related needs for communication with the general public and/or co-workers.  Bilingual skills (Spanish/English) are encouraged but not required. 

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the person assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, skills and physical demands required of the personnel so classified.

The Job Description does not constitute an employment agreement between the City of Navasota and the employee.  This position is subject to change by the employer as the employer's needs and job requirements change.