Description

Hands-on oversight in all areas of responsibility including difficult professional and administrative work involving the planning, directing, accounting, and reporting functions of the City in a manner consistent with accounting principles, practices, policies and procedures and State regulations; performs related work as required. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Assistant Director of Finance.  Supervision is exercised over division personnel.  

Essential Functions/Typical Tasks:

Hands-on oversight of general ledger accounting, budgetary accounting, grant accounting, debt accounting, fixed asset accounting, payroll, accounts payable, encumbrance accounting and financial reporting activities for a variety of funds; prepares complex journal entries; balances general ledgers; prepares periodic and special reports.

(The following tasks are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.)

• Plans, organizes, directs, and supervises the activities of employees involved in payroll, accounts payable, accounting and report/file maintenance; reviews completed bank reconciliations; prepares/reviews revenue and expenditure reports and balance sheets to ensure completeness, accuracy and conformance with established accounting principles and practices; oversees monthly and periodic distribution of financial statements to department directors; maintains the Chart of Accounts.
• Oversees/assists with the grant administration process; ensures financial grant reporting is properly and timely submitted; prepares/reviews monthly grant summary prior to submission.
• Maintains accounting records for debt obligations, monitors payment schedules, and prepares debt analyses in coordination with the Assistant Director of Finance.
• Prepares journal entries for complex or difficult transactions; prepares correcting entries and other entries as needed; reviews daily balancing reports, research discrepancies and makes corrections as appropriate.
• Prepares/oversees preparation of the City’s fixed asset inventory; reconciles additions, disposals, and transfers; prepares adjusting entries,
• Compiles a variety of financial information for preparation of periodic and special reports; completes special projects as required.
• Recommends operational accounting procedures consistent with established financial policies; implements and monitors internal control procedures within the Accounting Division to ensure compliance with established financial policies.
• Leads preparation and oversight of audit schedules and year-end entries; provides documentation, audit work papers, and required reports for the audit; provides support to the Assistant Director of Finance and external auditors.
• Trains, motivates, develops, and supervises staff; answers questions and provides direction and technical advice; prepares performance evaluations; advises on disciplinary matters; reviews and approves time sheets, overtime requests and leave requests.
• Maintains staffing necessary to meet division goals; assists with the hiring/dismissal process.
• Provides financial data and expenditure analysis to support the Budget Administrator in the development and monitoring of the City’s annual budget; monitors Accounting Division expenditures to ensure compliance with adopted budget appropriations. This position serves as the back-up to the Budget Administrator and is required to be cross trained in the preparation of budget ordinances and budget amendments. 
• Supports financial forecasting activities.
• Performs related tasks as required.

Requirements

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Thorough knowledge of the theory, principles, methods and practices of accounting; thorough knowledge of the laws, ordinances and regulations governing municipal financial matters; thorough knowledge of grant accounting, fixed asset accounting, debt accounting, cash management and internal accounting controls and auditing methods; considerable knowledge of payroll, accounts payable and accounts receivable functions; general knowledge of budgetary accounting and reporting systems; ability to think analytically; ability to prepare complex financial reports; ability to prioritize work and meet established deadlines; ability to motivate, collaborate, and work cohesively in a team environment, ability to delegate duties appropriately,  ability to plan, organize, direct and evaluate the work of subordinate employees; ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal customers and the general public.

Requirements:
Education and Experience
Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with course work in accounting or related field and extensive progressively responsible governmental accounting experience including considerable supervisory experience.

Special Requirements
Possession of an appropriate driver's license valid in the State of North Carolina. NC Government Finance Officer certification preferred..

CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECKS ARE REQUIRED ON FINAL INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL CANDIDATE(S)

 APPLYING FOR THIS POSITION WITH THE CITY OF NEW BERN.
 
THE CITY OF NEW BERN IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUITY EMPLOYER.