POSITION DUTIES AND QUALIFICATIONS
SUMMARY OF DUTIES:
The position performs professional and highly technical accounting work of a varied nature and has the responsibility for major elements of the general accounting and budgetary systems such as development of accounting and reporting systems for federal grants, capital improvement projects, and various financial reports such as the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, the Single Audit, the Expenditure Limitation Report, Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (AZEQ) Report, Arizona State Indebtness Report, Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA) and HUD’s Real Estate Assessment Center (REAC). This position supervises two or more professional accountants; and, may supervise additional support staff. Requires a conceptual grasp of complex accounting systems or sub-systems, as well as new systems development. Other responsibilities include reviewing and auditing work prepared by departmental financial staff. The class performs related duties as required. This is distinguished from the Senior Accountant and the Senior Financial Accountant positions by the responsibility for supervisor work and/or the broadest scope dealing with highly complex concepts or issues of great importance to the City. This classification performs front-line supervisor duties; plans and directs work of others, hires, trains, prepares performance appraisals, and approves leave time of others. This classification decisions are defined by policies, standards and precedents but require independent thinking. The work done is determined by following established standard procedures or policy, the position has flexibility in which to apply which policy and/or procedure. This classification is supervised by the Finance Manager.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:*
Position Specific Summary
The Principal Accountant position at the City of Tucson’s Business Service Department is responsible for the preparation, reconciliation and review of financial statements, ensuring compliance with guidelines and regulations and will share responsibility for configuration of the financial database within the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system. This position involves supervising accounting staff, analyzing complex financial transactions, providing guidance on financial policies and procedures and supporting audit processes.
Work is performed under the supervision of the Financial Manager. This position exercises supervision over accounting personnel.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Leads the preparation of periodic and annual financial statements in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and regulations including all required note disclosures, using the City’s Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, software and programs. Prepares and participates in the development of financial statements, including the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) and other fiscal reports, for management review.
- Evaluates and analyzes complex, technical financial transactions to ensure fiscal accountability for grant-funded and other programs. Utilizes historical data, trends, and other factors to forecast future financial performance and budget requirements, including cost-benefit analysis, variance analysis and scenario analysis to support effective planning and decision-making.
- Manages and maintains the automated accounting and general ledger system, ensuring accuracy and functionality. Resolves system errors related to the general ledger and accounting structures, including the Chart of Accounts. Reviews and recommends modifications to accounting policies, processes and procedures.
- Prepares and compiles supporting documents for audits, leveraging the ERP system and other tools. Responds to auditor inquiries via email, during meetings and by providing detailed supporting documentation. Reviews and provides feedback on reports prepared by staff, offers suggestions for improvement and approves completed projects and reports.
- Supervises staff and manages schedules. Reviews and approves leave request to ensure coverage. Conducts employee performance reviews and provides constructive feedback. Addresses employee concerns and mediates disputes.
- Performs all other duties and tasks as may be assigned. Performs special projects as assigned to support departmental goals.
Working Conditions
Mostly office environment.
* All duties, responsibilities listed are subject to change.
QUALIFICATIONS:
MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Education:
Bachelor’s degree
Work Experience:
Three (3) years of directly related experience
Any combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis.
ADDITIONAL MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Education:
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting
Work Experience:
Experience in Accounting, Budget Management or Financial Management.
Experience with computer applications.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Active License as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Master’s degree in Accounting.
Experience leading or supervising teams.
Experience with Microsoft Suite, Excel, Word and PDF.
Experience with ERP management systems, preferably Workday
Experience with grants accounting, processing, tracking, reconciliation and reporting
Experience in governmental accounting focusing on preparing fund financial statements including the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR).
Any combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis.
ADDITIONAL POSITION INFORMATION:
Position Title:
Principal Accountant
Department Name:
Business Services Department
Department Link:
https://www.tucsonaz.gov/Departments/Business-Services-Department
Recruiter Name:
Ashley Tellez (102502)
Recruiter Email:
ccs_hr@tucsonaz.gov
FTE%:
FLSA:
Exempt
Position Type:
Regular
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
Full Hourly Range: $32.15 – 55.46 USD
The Full Hourly Range reflects the City of Tucson’s pay range at the time of posting. The City of Tucson considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity.
The City of Tucson offers a generous benefits package for benefit-eligible positions. The comprehensive, flexible, and affordable coverage is designed to optimize health and well-being, security and future, and peace of mind. Benefits begin with medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and FSA coverage, surpassing your standard 401(k) program by offering a rich pension plan plus optional Roth and pretax deferred compensation savings.
With your well-being in mind, our paid time off program provides new hires with 38 paid days off in the first year of employment, with time off increasing steadily in subsequent years. We offer twelve weeks of paid parental leave, paid tuition reimbursement, student loan repayment, off- and on-the-job training, and opportunities to forge connections with peers and the community through employee resource groups and paid volunteer hours.
You can learn more about our benefits at https://www.tucsonaz.gov/Departments/Human-Resources/Employee-Benefit-Snapshot.
POSTING INFORMATION
Posting Close Date:
Applicants must submit their completed application by 02-02-2025 at 11:59 p.m. MST
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Please see the special application instructions below and follow the directions for applying to this position.
Special Instructions:
Background Check: This position has been designated to require a criminal background check.
CITY OF TUCSON IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity, and pregnancy), national origin, veteran status, age, disability, genetic testing, or any other protected status. If you believe you have been a victim of discrimination, you may file a complaint with the City of Tucson’s Office of Equal Opportunity Programs, U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or Arizona Attorney General’s Office of the Civil Rights Division (ACRD). Click for more information from ACRD about employment discrimination and how to file a complaint with ACRD
The City of Tucson employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
The City of Tucson is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities or who require religious accommodation; please contact Human Resources at EmployeeLeaves@tucsonaz.gov.
or 5207912619
City of Tucson is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer.
Questions? If you need assistance applying for any position, please contact
ccs_hr@tucsonaz.gov
