ACCOUNTING MANAGER

DEFINITION

Under the general direction of the Assistant Director of Finance Operations or his/her designee, this position provides direct oversight of the overall function and operation of the assigned division. Responsible for supervising assigned staff and managing the day-to-day operations of the division. Analyzes, develops, and recommends improvements to the Authority's enterprise resource planning system. Assists in the development and interpretation of finance and accounting policies and procedures. This position is also responsible for regulatory requirement compliance.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This classification is a division head in the Finance Department for the Section 8 Accounting, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, General Ledger, and Payroll. Incumbents in this classification perform a variety of finance and accounting tasks involving complex governmental accounting and reporting processes. The Accounting Manager exercises direct supervision over professional, technical, and/or administrative staff.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Generally accepted government accounting principles and associated laws and regulations.
• Directs, plans, and organizes the activities of the assigned division, including developing and implementing division goals, objectives, and initiatives, policies and procedures, and priorities; and
• Assists the Director of Finance Operations with the preparation of financial and accounting reports as mandated by Federal, State, and local laws, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), including the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR); and
• Develops financial statement formats in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and legal requirements; and
• Responsible for the month-end and year-end close and the year-end audit; and
• Responsible for the maintenance and/or the implementation of new accounting statements set forth by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB); and
• Ensures that the General Ledger is a proper reflection of current financial activities, including propriety of accounts, internal controls, accounting, and cash control policies. Directs the Authority's accounting system, including the general ledger and all required subsidiary ledgers. Responsible for the reconciliation of subsidiary ledgers to the controlled general ledgers; and

• Responsible for the creation and maintenance of the chart of accounts, properties/funds, and the corresponding mapping of the general ledgers and/or the properties/funds for various reporting purposes; and
• Reviews, recommends, and implements accounting and financial operations for efficiency, effectiveness, and compliance with policies, procedures, and regulations. Takes appropriate action to resolve discrepancies; and
• Establishes system controls for financial systems and develops procedures to improve existing systems; and
• Plans, organizes, and provides direct supervision of professional and accounting staff assigned to the division. Reviews workload, schedule, status of projects, and availability of personnel for assignments. Reviews journal entries and/or reports prepared by assigned staff for accuracy and to ensure compliance with policies and regulations. Trains develops and evaluates staff performance, provides feedback for performance improvement, sets performance expectations, and initiates disciplinary action; and
• Coordinates activities with other departments and agencies. Provides information and assistance to stakeholders regarding accounting and financial matters, policies, and practices; and
• Responsible for both internal and external audits, including coordinating the preparation of schedules, gathering information from various departments, and ensuring access to records; and
• Maintains current knowledge of GASB Statements, HUD guidance, and updates, including 1099s and W-2s issuance.

MARGINAL FUNCTIONS

Performs special projects and other related work as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in finance, accounting, public administration, business administration, or a related field; and
Seven (7) years of experience of a progressively responsible nature in accounting, auditing, and financial work, including implementing accounting systems; and
Three (3) years in a supervisory or management role.
Possession of a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license is desirable. Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience will be considered.
Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California driver's license and an insurable driving record.