SUMMARY

This position serves as controller, overseeing the efficient general accounting operations of the City in coordination with the Director and Deputy Director of Finance. Responsibilities include establishing an accounting system that will provide for monthly reporting, with a minimum of adjustments to produce the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for the City of Amarillo. In conjunction with these efforts, the position will also be responsible for the design and monitoring the systems of internal controls to ensure external reporting is in conformity with all accounting standards and follow Generally Accepted Accounting Practices (GAAP). This position also oversees all cash and bank accounting operations and grant accounting.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manages all assigned personnel providing training, leadership, and direction, while maintaining a system of accounting policies and procedures that are in conformity with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and provides backup for employees as needed.
• Ensures that all cash City-wide is accounted for and deposited daily, complete with cash reports and reconciliations to the general ledger
• Ensures that all bank accounts maintained by the City are reconciled timely on a monthly or appropriate basis and reviews and approves reconciliations
• Approves department purchases up to $5,000
• Ensures accounts receivable are billed and collected timely and oversees the collections operations of the City
• Ensures that all grant funds are reported and recorded correctly in accordance with State and Federal guidance
• Maintain a system of controls over accounting transactions ensuring that an adequate separation of duties is maintained, and sound internal control policies are implemented and followed.
• Assist with coordination of City staff in preparing information for external auditors and assist auditors with annual audit, and the preparation of the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report and Single Audit
• Assists in the responsibility of the maintenance, monitoring, and refinement of the accounting and reporting modules of the City's financial accounting and fiscal reporting systems to provide reliable information for management forecasting and decision making.
• Monitors and analyzes financial reports that reflect the City's monthly financial position in such areas as cash flow, debt management, and revenue trending.
• Identifies operational problems and assesses needs of the organization in order to develop recommendations for procedures and policies to improve efficiency of operations.
• Meets on a regular basis with all directly assigned staff personnel to establish objectives and to evaluate the need for revision or adjustment of program activities in order to meet those objectives.
• Analyzes departmental financial and operational reports to ensure that objectives, goals, and municipal standards are met in accordance with City Charter and applicable state and federal laws.
• Assists in budget preparation as needed
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Requires a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance or related field and a minimum of five years of accounting-related experience, preferably in governmental accounting. A Certified Public Account (CPA) license in good standing is preferred. A Master’s degree in a related field is preferred. Valid Texas Driver’s License, required.

The City may consider experience and education in determining qualifications.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Understanding and knowledge of accounting principles and practices including municipal finance and accounting preferred.
• Strong computer skills using Word, Excel, and other accounting software for word processing and accounting purposes. 
• Ability to learn new software and improve processes with existing software.
• Strong verbal and written communication skill.
• Ability to operate computers and other basic office equipment.

ADA PROFILE

Reasonable accommodation will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is required exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 30 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.  The employee is also required to hear, speak, see, and talk. Also requires the ability to make rational decisions and perform repetitive motions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The employee works in a safe and secure indoor work environment that may periodically have unpredicted requirements or demands.