Accountant III

About the Role

The Accountant III is responsible for processing, recording, updating, and reconciling fiscal information in compliance with established policies. This role involves maintaining financial records, preparing reports, managing collections, monitoring fiscal services staff, providing accounting support to other personnel, and analyzing expenditures against budget.

Responsibilities

• Analyzes financial information to identify potential budget variances, compile statistical information, develop procedures, and ensure conformity with established financial practices and regulatory requirements.
• Assists auditors by providing supporting documentation and information on internal processes required for audit.
• Compiles a wide variety of financial information related to work assignments to provide required documentation and process information.
• Maintains financial information, files, and records (e.g., accounts payable, accounts receivable, contracts, 1099-Misc, IRS) to ensure availability of documentation and compliance with policies and regulatory guidelines.
• Monitors account balances and related financial activity to ensure accurate allocations, revenue generation, and adherence to budget limits and fiscal practices.
• Prepares written and electronic financial information for required activities, documentation, information conveyance, and compliance with financial, legal, and administrative requirements.
• Processes financial information to update and distribute data, authorize actions, and comply with established accounting practices.
• Provides orientation and support to departmental personnel regarding procedures and program requirements to ensure efficient processing in compliance with district policy and regulatory guidelines.
• Recommends policies, procedures, or actions related to accounting functions to provide direction and decision-making support.
• Reconciles financial data to maintain accurate account balances and ensure compliance with established accounting practices.
• Researches discrepancies in financial information and documentation (e.g., purchase orders, invoices, journal entries, cash, fraud) to ensure accuracy and adherence to procedures prior to processing.
• Responds to inquiries from employees, vendors, auditors, and government agencies to facilitate communication, provide guidance, and offer information or referrals.
• Performs other related duties as assigned to ensure the efficient and effective functioning of fiscal services.

Requirements

• Knowledge of algebra and geometry, ability to read technical information, compose documents, facilitate discussions, and solve practical problems.
• Specific knowledge of accounting/bookkeeping principles and budget processing.
• Skills in applying district, state, and federal policies and regulations, operating standard office equipment and software, performing accounting procedures, and maintaining accurate records.
• Ability to schedule activities, meetings, and events; gather, collate, and classify data; and use job-related equipment.
• Flexibility to work with diverse individuals and groups, adapt to changing priorities, and work with detailed information.
• Problem-solving skills to analyze issues and create action plans, including independent interpretation of guidelines.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships, maintain confidentiality, set priorities, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing priorities.

Qualifications

• Job-related experience with increasing levels of responsibility in governmental accounting and preparation of detailed monthly and annual financial reports.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, or a related discipline.

Work Environment

The role requires some lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling, as well as significant fine finger dexterity. The job is typically performed in a clean and healthy environment, with 80% sitting, 10% walking, and 10% standing.