Accountant II (Parks and Recreation Department)

Job Description:

Accountant II (Parks and Recreation Department)

Description

Minimum Qualifications
Education and/or Equivalent Experience:

• Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in a field related to Accounting, twenty-four (24) college semester hours in Accounting, plus two (2) years of accounting experience; A Master’s degree in a related field may substitute for 1 year of experience; CPA license may substitute for the education requirement.

Licenses or Certifications:
None
Notes to Applicants

The City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department ( PARD ) provides, protects and preserves a park system that promotes quality recreational, cultural and outdoor experiences for the Austin community. Working with the City of Austin provides a number of health and welfare benefits, such as medical, paid leave time, a great retirement plan, training opportunities and more! Click HERE for more information.

The purpose of the Accounting Associate I position is to coordinate the collecting/recording of revenue and/or paying of invoices by ensuring the accuracy and completion of payable/receivable and other expense account transactions. This position provides financial information to management by preparing, researching, and analyzing accounting data, preparing intermediate to advanced level reports and statements.

Other relevant duties include, but are not limited to:

• Prepares asset, liability, and capital account entries by compiling and analyzing account information.
• Prepares financial statements and/or special reports by preparing balance sheets and income statements.
• Maintains information and reviews financial transactions by creating and/or monitoring electronic files and/or accounting documents.
• Maintains accounting ledgers by posting/reviewing and/or approving the posting of account transactions of intermediate dollar-value and complexity.
• Collecting, analyzing, and summarizing account information and trends; applying intermediate skills and knowledge of accounting and reporting requirements.
• Verifies accounts and resolves account discrepancies by reconciling statements and transactions and investigating documentation.
• Assists departments and other customers by providing procedural/financial information and/or other information and guidance with automated or manual systems.
• Maintains financial security by following internal accounting controls.

Application Instructions/Job Requirements:

• Application: A detailed, complete application is required, and applicants must include on their Employment Record all experience (work and/or volunteer) related to this job posting - up to 10 years or more; this will be used to determine your base compensation. Employment Record dates must include month and year. Verification of employment history dates on resume should match online Employment Application. Statements such as “See Resume” will not be accepted and a resume alone will not be accepted in lieu of a complete online application.
• Skills Assessments: Skills assessment(s) may be required as part of the recruitment process.
• Virtual Interviews: PARD may conduct virtual interviews.
• Military/Veteran: An applicant claiming Military/Veteran status must provide a copy of his or her DD-214(s), or valid comparable document, at the time of interview.
• Physical Requirements: Tasks may involve bending, lifting, walking, carrying, or using a force equal to lifting up to ten (10) pounds. Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Must be physically and mentally able to communicate, respond and work with participant’s needs and safety issues.

Other Information:

• Posting Guidelines: PARD reserves the right to close posted positions prior to the advertised close date, based on recruitment strategies and business needs. This posting may be used to fill other vacancies in other divisions/work locations within the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department. Decisions on assigned selection will be made at the time of hire based on the business needs of the department.
• Travel: If you are selected for this position, and meet the Driver Safety Standards in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program , you may drive when necessary to multiple locations as part of your regular job duties. Otherwise, you are responsible for getting to and from these locations.
• Tobacco and Vape-Free Workplace: PARD work site locations are tobacco-free. Use of tobacco products and/or e-cigarettes is not permitted on any PARD work site - including construction sites, parking lots, garages or in any personal vehicles located on the premises.

Pay Range
$30.70 - $38.37 per hour
Hours
Work/Location Schedule Notes:

• Monday through Friday; 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Remote work may be available after initial probationary period per the COA Flexible Work Arrangement.
• May be required to work during special events, evenings, weekends & holidays.
• Work schedule and location is subject to change based on department needs and programs.

Job Close Date 01/02/2025 Type of Posting External Department Parks and Recreation Regular/Temporary Regular Grant Funded or Pooled Position Not Applicable Category Professional Location PARD Main, 200 S. Lamar Blvd. Austin, TX 78704 Preferred Qualifications
Preferred Experience:

• Experience managing grant finances, including preparing journal entries, meticulous review of expenditures, and providing audit support for grant-funded programs.
• Experience with grant compliance regulations, ensuring all financial activities align with grant guidelines and reporting requirements.
• Experience in reviewing revenue streams, ensuring accurate recording, and implementing effective control measures to prevent discrepancies.
• Experience in handling and documenting cash receipts, implementing secure practices, and ensuring proper recording of all transactions.

Preferred Skills:

• Proficiency in advanced Excel functions ( VLOOKUP , PivotTables, Macros) for data analysis, financial modeling, and reporting.
• Proficiency in managing petty cash funds, including regular audits, documentation, and reconciliation to maintain accuracy and accountability.
• Ability to conduct effective training sessions on cash handling, petty cash management, and donation processing, ensuring staff members are well-versed in these areas.

Other:

• Ability to travel to more than one work location.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities
Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.


Maintains general ledger information and reviews financial transactions by creating and/or monitoring electronic files and/or accounting documents. Maintains accounting ledgers by posting/reviewing and/or approving the posting of accounting transactions of intermediate and higher dollar-value and complexity, insuring transactions are processed in accordance with City policy, applicable laws and regulations, generally accepted accounting principles ( GAAP ), and sound business practices. Processes revenue collections and/or customer payments; prepares analysis of delinquent accounts, calculating/assessing delinquent fines/fees for supervisor/manager review; prepares/ reviews accruals and/or other accounting entries, insuring transactions are processed in accordance with City policy, applicable laws and regulations, generally accepted accounting principles, GAAP . Prepares and/or reviews grant accounting entries and reconciliations by compiling and analyzing general ledger account information. Prepares and/or reviews asset, liability, inventory, and/or capital accounting entries by compiling and analyzing general ledger account information. Reconciles general ledger and/or bank accounts and resolves account discrepancies by reconciling statements and transactions and investigating supporting documentation. Prepares financial statements and/or special reports by preparing balance sheets, income statements, cash flows, and other special reports; at an intermediate to advanced level; collecting, analyzing, and summarizing general ledger account information and trends; conducting variance analysis; applying intermediate skills and knowledge of accounting and reporting requirements; generally accepted accounting principles, GAAP . Prepares audit work papers for annual or special audit by preparing accurate supporting work papers at an intermediate level for assigned area(s); work is reviewed by other staff; providing explanations of city policy/procedures and responding to auditor’s questions/requests in a timely and accurate manner. Assists departments and other internal or external customers by providing procedural/financial information and/or other information and guidance with automated or manual systems. Carries out projects by completing projects of moderate to advanced levels of complexity and/or completing parts of complex projects. Maintains financial security by following established internal accounting controls.

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:
None
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of bookkeeping procedures.
• Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles ( GAAP ).
• Knowledge of the preparation process of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
• Knowledge of financial reporting concepts and preferred business practices.
• Skill in effective verbal and written communication.
• Skill in analyzing and interpreting financial records.
• Skill in processing large volumes of numerical data.
• Skill in performing basic mathematical calculations.
• Skill in classifying fiscal data and compiling fund level statements and reports.
• Skill in operating a personal computer and related equipment.
• Skill in designing spreadsheets and utilizing word processing and database software.
• Skill in analyzing, preparing, checking and balancing routine fiscal transactions and accounts.
• Ability to prepare accurate financial statements at an intermediate level of complexity.
• Ability to resolve problems or situations requiring the exercise of good judgment.
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other City employees and the public.

Criminal Background Investigation This position has been approved for a Criminal Background Investigation. EEO/ADA
City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual’s AIDS , AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.
Information For City Employees: If you are an employee within the department, are in good standing and meet both the minimum and preferred qualifications, then you will receive an initial interview.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
* This position requires graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in a field related to Accounting, twenty-four (24) college semester hours in Accounting, plus two (2) years of accounting experience; A Master's degree in a related field may substitute for 1 year of experience; CPA license may substitute for the education requirement. Do you meet these qualifications?

• Yes
• No

* In reviewing the preferred qualifications section of this job posting, please describe in 500 words or less how you meet those preferred qualifications.
(Open Ended Question)
* This position requires experience in auditing and evaluating grant expenditures and knowledge of local, state and federal grant requirements. Please describe your relevant experience with grant expenditures and auditing of various grants.
(Open Ended Question)
* This position requires experience in coordinating the collection and recording of revenue and/or paying of invoices and reimbursements, including preparing cash receipt documents and back account reconciliations. Please describe your relevant experience with cash receipts, revenue and related reconciliation.
(Open Ended Question)
* Do you have experience reviewing revenue streams, ensuring accurate recording, and implementing effective control measures to prevent discrepancies?

• Yes
• No

* Do you have experience conducting trainings sessions on cash handling, petty cash management, donation processing, etc.?

• Yes
• No

* Do you have advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel functions (VLOOKUP, PivotTables, Macros) for data analysis, financial modeling, and reporting?

• Yes
• No

* This position requires a criminal background investigation (CBI). By selecting the following, you are acknowledging that you understand if you are selected as a top candidate for this position, you will need a successful CBI to be hired.

• I acknowledge and understand this position requires a Criminal Background Investigation.

* Do you have the ability to travel to multiple sites as part of the regular job duties?

• Yes
• No

Optional & Required Documents

Required Documents Cover Letter Resume Optional Documents