SENIOR ACCOUNTANT DEFINITION:
Under the direction of a Supervising Accountant or other fiscal officer, performs complex professional accounting work concerned with designing, maintaining, analyzing and operating accounting record and reporting systems in support of agency operations; does related work as required.
NOTE: The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.
EXAMPLES OF WORK:
Performs more complex financial audits of documents and implements accounting functions, systems, policies and plans.
Monitors and inspects complex expenditures to ensure that all transactions comply with accounting and tax policies, procedures, recommendations and regulations.
Provides guidance to professional and clerical staff who perform accounting tasks.
Prepares required financial statements and fiscal reports including the compilation and analysis of data for monthly, quarterly and/or annual reports.
Conducts complex investigative book audits and financial record examinations.
Prepares and interprets budget requests and prepares current statements of allocations and disbursements of budgeted funds.
Conducts surveys to prepare recommendations for improvements, controls and other changes to improve the efficiency of accounting systems.
Audits and records expense invoices.
Conducts operational audits and edits cost reports and other financial summaries and statements.
Checks disbursements and controls adherence to contractual obligations.
Compiles, analyzes and prepares a variety of statements and reports for use in financial, budget and personnel planning.
Maintains essential accounting records and files.
Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office or related units.
REQUIREMENTS:
NOTE:Applicants must meet one of the following or a combination of both experience and education. Thirty (30) semester hour credits are equal to one (1) year of relevant experience.
Five (5) years of professional accounting or auditing experience, including or supplemented by twenty-one (21) semester hour credits in professional accounting courses.
OR
Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, including or supplemented by twenty-one (21) semester hour credits in professional accounting courses; and one (1) year of the above-mentioned experience.
OR:
Possession of a valid certificate as a Registered Municipal Accountant (RMA) or Certified Public Accountant (CPA) issued by the New Jersey State Board of Certified Public Accountants or as a Certified Municipal Finance Officer issued by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, Division of Local Government Services; and one (1) year of the above-mentioned experience.
NOTE:"Professional experience" refers to work that is creative, analytical, evaluative, and interpretive; requires a range and depth of specialized knowledge of the profession's principles, concepts, theories, and practices; and is performed with the authority to act according to one's own judgement and make accurate and informed decisions.
LICENSE:
Appointee will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge of generally accepted accounting theories, principles, methods, practices and equipment.
Knowledge of laws, rules, and regulations governing the operation and maintenance of accounts and their application to specific situations.
Knowledge of the techniques commonly used in analyzing, correcting and maintaining accounts.
Ability to analyze accounting problems, organize assigned work and develop effective work methods.
Ability to ensure that prescribed accounting procedures are followed.
Ability to provide technical advice and assistance to those charged with keeping financial records.
Ability to apply established accounting methods, procedures, interpretation, and facts.
Ability to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
Ability to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.
