Senior Accountant - Systems/Payables

Senior Accountant

Under general direction of assigned supervisor, the Senior Accountant plays a key role in ensuring financial integrity, accuracy, and compliance with evolving accounting standards. This position requires strong analytical thinking, problem-solving, and consulting skillsto provide financial insights, improve processes, and support decision-making across departments. The role also involves process automation, financial system optimization, and data-driven decision-making to enhance efficiency and strategic planning. The intent of this position description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbent(s) in this position. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties in this description and incumbent(s) may be required to perform position-related tasks other than those specifically listed in this description.

Essential Job Functions & Other Important Duties

Essential Job Functions:

• Performs financial analysis, general ledger reconciliations, and compliance reporting in accordance with GAAP and GASB.
• Implements and monitors accounting practices, policies, and procedures aligned with new and existing GASB standards to maintain accurate financial reporting and transparency.
• Prepares and reviews journal entries, financial reports, and audit documentation to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Supports external audits, budget development, and the preparation of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR).
• Maintains and improves internal controls to enhance compliance, fraud prevention, and financial accuracy.
• Monitors and balances assigned accounts including verifying availability of funds and classifying expenditures or revenues; research and analyze transactions to resolve problems relating to accounts and the computer systems.
• Establishes new accounts, maintain subsidiary ledgers, prepare payment requests, reconcile, and analyze various general ledger accounts as assigned.
• Evaluates, recommends, and implements process improvements to streamline financial operations and increase efficiency.
• Leverages automation tools, AI-driven analytics, and ERP optimizations to improve financial reporting and data accuracy.
• Identifies opportunities for cost savings, workflow automation, and reduced manual processes.
• Leads cross-functional projects to modernize financial processes, integrating business intelligence tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau, SQL).
• Acts as a financial consultant to other departments, providing insights on budgeting, financial planning, and compliance.
• Trains and supports departments on financial reporting, tax requirements, and best accounting practices.
• Communicates complex financial information to non-financial stakeholders in an easily understandable way.
• Closes end of month in the system and balance control accounts for all funds.
• Oversees accounts payable reviews, tax compliance, and vendor payments in accordance with IRS and state regulations.
• Assists in the design, testing, and implementation of financial system upgrades (e.g., Tyler Munis, Oracle, SAP).
• Works closely with IT teams to improve ERP security, workflow automation, and financial system integrations.
• Partners with operations, procurement, and project management teams to develop data-driven financial strategies.
• Participates with management and the IT staff in resolution of system problems on assigned systems.
• Sets up security requests and maintain and monitor security setups for Finance, Human Resources and Administrative Services software/systems.
• Prepares tax returns for approval by manager.
• Provides end user support to departments using the financial systems.
• Maintains and sets up workflow for Finance, Human Resources and Administrative Services software/systems.

Other Important Duties:

• Responds to and resolves difficult and sensitive vendor and staff inquiries and complaints.
• Stays current in GASB and FASB pronouncements and changes in the accounting profession, including accounting system trends.
• Travels to offsite meetings, conferences, and training.
• Regular and consistent attendance for the assigned work hours is essential.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Job Requirements

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong knowledge of Generally Accepted Auditing Principles (GAAP), Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB), and regulatory reporting.
• Strong knowledge of Federal, State and Local financial policies, laws, and regulations,
• Experience in financial data analytics, forecasting, and predictive modeling.
• Proficiency in ERP systems (Tyler Munis, Oracle, SAP) and automation tools (Power BI, RPA, AI-driven accounting software).
• Understanding of blockchain in finance, cybersecurity risks in accounting, and cloud-based financial platforms.
• Knowledge of municipal audit practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of City policies and procedures.
• Skill in interpreting City policies and procedures.
• Skill in effective oral and written communications.
• Skill in tracking, monitoring, and reviewing various reports.
• Ability to prepare clear and concise reports.
• Ability to analyze, innovate, and implement modern accounting solutions.
• Ability to assess financial workflows and recommend efficiencies through automation and restructuring.
• Experience in business process reengineering, Lean principles, and financial system optimizations.
• Strong change management skills, helping teams adapt to new financial processes and technologies.
• Strong adaptability to digital finance transformation and AI-driven financial tools.

Education, Experience, and Certifications/Licenses:

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field and three (3) years of accounting experience and CPA designation or Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field and five (5) years of responsible accounting experience or equivalent combination of education and experience that support the ability to perform the essential functions and/or skills of the job.
• Certified Public Accountant for the State of Texas preferred.
• Preference given to individuals with audit and governmental fund accounting experience.
• Experience with process automation, ERP upgrades, and financial data analytics is a plus.
• Must pass a pre-employment drug screen, criminal background check and MVR check.
• Must possess State of Texas Driver's License.

Environmental Factors & Conditions/Physical Requirements

Environmental Factors and Conditions:

• Work is performed in an office environment.
• May be subject to extended periods of intense concentration in the review of fiscal and accounting reports.

Physical Demands:

• Balancing – maintain equilibrium to prevent falling while walking, standing, or crouching.
• Crouching – bending body forward by bending leg, spine.
• Fingering – picking, pinching, typing, working with fingers rather than hand.
• Handling – picking, holding, or working with whole hand.
• Hearing 1 – perceiving sounds at normal speaking levels, receive information.
• Kneeling – bending legs at knee to come to rest at knees.
• Lifting – raising objects from lower to higher position, moving objects side to side, using upper extremities, back.
• Mental Acuity – ability to make rational decisions through sound logic, deductive reasoning.
• Reaching – extending hands or arms in any direction.
• Repetitive Motion – substantial movements of wrists, hands, fingers.
• Speaking – expressing ideas with spoken word, convey detailed, important instructions accurately, concisely.
• Stooping – bending body downward, forward at waist, with full motion of lower extremities and back.
• Talking 1- expressing ideas by spoken word.
• Visual Acuity 1 - prepare, analyze data, transcribing, computer terminal, extensive reading.
• Visual Acuity 3 – determine accuracy, neatness, observe facilities/structures.
• Walking - on foot to accomplish tasks, long distances, or site to site.

Work Environment:

• Sedentary work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body.