Senior Accountant (NY HELPS Program)

The City of Albany is an Equal Opportunity /Affirmative Action Employer. Posted on Friday, Aug ust 14th, 2026 Office of Human Resources Tatiana Diaz, Director Albany City Hall 24 Eagle Street , Rm 301 (p) 518 -434-5049 (f) 518 -434-5269 Mayor Dr. Dorcey L. Applyrs Notice of Job Opening Position: Senior Accountant (NY HELPS Pr ogram) Applicants must meet th e requirements outlined in the enclosed job description. PLEASE NOTE: This position is in the NY HELPS Program, which is under the Non -Competitive class until the expiration of the program. Department: Water & Water Suppl y Vacancies to be filled : 1 Rate of Pay: $62,350 - 89,230 Annually Commensurate with qualifications and experience Schedule: M-F 7:30am -4pm Application Deadline: Until Filled All applicants must submit an application online via jobs.albanyny.gov to be considered for the jo b opening. Residency Preference : Preference in hiring is given to qualified City of Albany residents. All candidates must reside in the following counties at the time of appointment and throughout their employment. Proof of residency will be required at time of appointment. o Albany County o Rensselaer County o Schenectady County o Saratoga County o Greene County o Columbia County o Schoharie County Albany Municipal Civil Service Commission Classification: Competitive Revised: 8/25/23 SENIOR ACCOUNTANT DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: An incumbent in this class performs professional and supervisory accounting functions and has direct or indirect responsibility for the accounting functions related to the books and records assigned. Assist with banking activities such as wire and book transfers and bank reconciling items. There is considerable leeway in this position for the exercising of independent, professional judgment in the performance of assigned ta sks. Work may require supervision of clerical and junior accounting personnel. The incumbent is responsible for reconciliation and asset management of the Capital Fund account . TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES : (Illustrative Only) Reconciles Capital Fund account including the tracking of bonds, notes, etc. ; Performs professional accounting functions utilizing modern governmental accounting practices and procedures; Prepares journal entries and reconciliations for the monthly general ledger close; Prepares a variety of monthly and quarterly financial analysis and reports for management and outside parties; Assists in preparation of monthly management report and accompanying schedules ; worksheets and narratives incl uding "budget vs. actual" variance reports; Assists in providing follow -up and documentation of significant variances; Assists staff, as required in month -end activities of the department; Prepares schedules required for the annual year -end audit and closi ng process; Supervises and instructs subordinate clerical and junior accounting staff in proper work methods and techniques; Collaborate with Billing Supervisor on monthly billings ; Research es and recommend s improvements to Department accounting processes ; Conducts research and prepares recommendations regarding operations, internal controls, financial software, etc; Applies automated data processing techniques to departmental accounting procedures; Enters and retrieves information in an automated informat ion system; Performs related work as required . FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS : Strong working knowledge and skills using MS Excel ; Good knowledge of GAAP and GAAP practices and procedures; Good knowledge of t he principles and practices of maintaining computerized accounting systems and software applications; Working knowledge of automated data processing systems; Page 2 of 2 Ability to develop and implement standard and special accounting methods, procedures, forms and r ecords; Ability to apply established accounting and auditing principles and techniques; Ability to plan, supervise and evaluate the work of others; Ability to maintain and interpret accounts and records of a automated accounting system; Ability to design, prepare and analyze accounting records and reports; High degree of accuracy; Ability to maintain confidentiality. Sound professional judgment; Good knowledge of personal computers and office equipment; Physical condition commensurate with the demands of th e position . MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS : A. Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with a Bachelor's Degree (or higher) in accounting or closely related field and two (2) years full -time paid satisfactory exp erience as a professional accountant; OR B. Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or one accredited by the NYS Board of Regents to grant degrees with an Associate's Degree in accounting or closely related field and minimum of 12 semester credit hours in accounting and four (4 ) years full -time paid satisfactory experience as a professional accountant; OR C. Any equivalent combination of training and experience as defined by the limits of (A) and (B) above. SUBSTITUTIONS: Satisfactory completion of 30 credits towards a Master's Degree in Accounting or closely related field may be substituted for one (1) year of experience. A transcript of courses is required to qualify under Sectio n (B) of the minimum qualifications.