Senior Accountant

This is an advanced professional accounting position. The purpose of this job is to perform high-level accounting for the City of Columbia according to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) guidelines. Maintains general ledger, performs complex and routine journal entries, analyzes accounts for management decisions and budgetary appropriations, reviews and implements accounting standards, and completes financial statements and the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) in compliance with financial reporting for local, state, and federal authorities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities - The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description

• Analyzes accounting transactions and prepares, verifies, and posts complex and routine journal entries. Maintains chart of accounts.

• Post annual life-to-date fund appropriations and controls spending through verification of budgetary appropriations.

• Completes accurate and timely monthly and quarterly financial statements for internal and external users.

• Completes Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) statements, MD&A, and footnotes, and collaborates with accounting management and auditors to compile, research, and analyze these documents. Assist with balancing and resolving complex and technical issues related to the ACFR.

• Prepares audit schedules and provides supporting documentation to the external auditors.

• Analyzes and discusses financial variances with management.

• Prepares accurate and timely bond and debt service payments. Tracks and reports to internal and external users the use of bond and debt proceeds, and unused balances.

• Provides guidance and assistance to other city departments on accounting issues.

• Creates and recommends changes to financial policies.

• Studies and analyzes accounting standards to determine proper application to city transactions.

• Files complete, accurate, and timely required reports with local, state, and federal governments and agencies.

• Provides input for special projects and assists upper management in all departments.

• Regular attendance is a necessary and essential function.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• No supervisory authority. Work does require providing guidance and training to others.

Human Collaboration and Job Impact - This area describes the personal interaction with others outside direct reporting relationships as well as the impact the job has on organization, the department or unit objectives, the output of services, or employee or public satisfaction

• Interactions may result in decisions regarding implementation of policies. Contact may involve support of controversial positions or the negotiation of sensitive issues or important presentations. Contacts may involve stressful, negative interactions with the public requiring high levels of tact and the ability to respond to aggressive interpersonal interactions.

• Interactions have a significant impact on the organization in terms of time, money, or public/employee relations.

Fiscal Responsibility

• Position has agency-wide fiscal responsibility.

• Assures that appropriate linkages exist between department and agency-wide budgets, funding limitations, and service levels, to meet specific division/departmental and organizational goals. Monitors progress toward fiscal objectives and adjusts plans as necessary to reach them. May prepare financial statements and budget reports.

Education and Experience - An equivalent combination of education, training and experience will be considered

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, or related field.

• 3 to 5 years' experience in government accounting.

Licenses or Certifications

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities which may be representative, but not all-inclusive of those commonly associated with this position

Knowledge of:

• Common accounting software applications such as Microsoft Excel.

• Principles, practices, and methods of accounting.

• Principles of government accounting, municipal finance, and internal control methods.

• Principles of Government Accounting Standards Board rules and procedures.

• Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), practices, and methods of accounting.

Skill in:

• Communicating verbally and in writing to meet the audience's needs.

• Applying active listening and asking questions for understanding.

• Organizing and managing time effectively.

• Typing and/or data entry with minimal errors.

• Collecting, organizing, and analyzing complex and/or technical data.

Ability to:

• Exercise sound judgment in making critical decisions.

• Interpret and implement laws, regulations, and ordinances.

• Develop accounting and financial policies.

• Create and present reports.

• Recognize, analyze, and solve a variety of problems.

• Compile, organize, interpret, and communicate data and results concisely.

• Provide guidance and training to less experienced employees.

• Regularly use a computer, software, phone, and related office equipment.

• Focus on tasks

Work Environment – Environmental or atmospheric conditions commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job

• Office or similar indoor environment – Frequently or Often

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• This position is relatively free from unpleasant environmental conditions or hazards and is generally sedentary.

• Incumbents may be required to exert up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, a negligible amount of force frequently, and/or constantly have to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.

Hours/Days

Monday – Friday 8:00am – 5:00pm

Starting Salary

$ $38.55 Minimum-Midpoint; Commensurate with training and education.

Pay Grade

110

Number of Positions Available

1

Deadline to Apply

12/10/2025

Open Until Filled

No

Special Instructions to Applicants

Notice to Applicants

Individuals needing accommodation to apply may call CITY

TTY: 711 (MO RELAY)

THE CITY OF COLUMBIA IS A MERIT, AFFIRMATIVE ACTION, EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: MALE / FEMALE

THE CITY OF COLUMBIA REQUIRES PRE-EMPLOYMENT DRUG TESTING

The City of Columbia participates in the federal E-Verify work authorization program