About This Position

 

An Accountant IV in the Fixed Assets Accounting Department is the senior technical resource for Austin Energy's utility plant and capital project accounting, overseeing complex asset transactions and reconciliations and reviewing the work of other accountants. As a senior individual contributor, the position is the subject matter expert for our fixed asset system and key point of contact between the Fixed Assets team and management on audit and reporting matters.

 

Job Description:

Accountant IV

Purpose:

Coordinate and provide financial information to management by reviewing, preparing, researching, and analyzing complex financial transactions/financial statements and reports and/or coordinating and/or leading activities of employees who prepare and balance financial transactions and general ledger accounts

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Provides coordination and oversees the collections of revenue and/or processing of customer payments; analysis, and clearing of delinquent accounts; notifying customers of insufficient payments; calculating/assessing delinquent fines/fees, etc.

• Prepares complex financial statements for external reporting or financial reports by preparing and/or overseeing the preparation of complex balance sheets, income statements, cash flow statements, and reports; collecting, analyzing, and summarizing general ledger account information and trends; applying advanced skills and knowledge of accounting and reporting requirements of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, GAAP.

• Prepares audit work papers for annual external audit or special audit by preparing, reviewing, and/or overseeing the preparation of complex supporting work papers for assigned area(s); providing explanations of City policy and procedures and responding to auditor questions and requests for information in a timely and accurate manner.

• Carries out complex projects by researching new accounting standards and related reporting/ information requirements, organizing/summarizing research results, and presenting recommendations to management for timely implementation in the City’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report.

• Maintains accounting ledgers by posting/reviewing and/or approving the posting of account transactions; ensuring transactions are processed in accordance with GAAP, City policy, applicable laws and regulations, and sound business practices.

• Leads reconciliation of general ledger and/or bank accounts and resolves account discrepancies by reconciling and/or reviewing the reconciliation of statements and transactions and investigating documentation; issuing stop payments, payments, or adjustments, and by facilitating discrepancy resolutions for other accounting staff members.

• Assists departments and other internal or external customers by drafting procedural, financial, and/or other information and guidance with automated or manual accounting systems.

• Provides guidance and direction through the review of asset, liability, inventory, and/or capital accounting entries as prepared by internal/ external department staff, and provides City-wide accounting software training or proctors Continuing Professional Education (CPE) classes.

• Assesses internal accounting controls for effectiveness; presents procedural recommendations to management; maintains financial security by documenting the established internal accounting controls.

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

Provide leadership, work assignments, evaluation, training, and guidance to others.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Advanced knowledge of internal control systems.
• Advanced knowledge of financial reporting in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles, GAAP.
• Advanced knowledge of financial reporting concepts and preferred business practices.
• Knowledge of manual and automated financial systems.
• Knowledge of the preparation process of complex financial statements and reports in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
• Skill in classifying complex fiscal data and compiling fund level statements and reports
• Skill in effective verbal and written communications.
• Skill in managing and processing large volumes of financial transaction data.
• Skill in analyzing and interpreting financial records.
• Skill in utilizing personal computer.
• Skill in designing and maintaining complex spreadsheets and data bases utilizing word processing software.
• Ability to prepare accurate and complex financial reports and statements.
• Ability to resolve problems or situations requiring the exercise of good judgement.
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other City employees and the public

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in a field related to accounting, twenty-four (24) college semester hours in accounting plus four (4) years of accounting experience.
• One (1) year of experience as lead or supervisor.
• A Master's degree in Accounting or Business Administration may substitute for one (1) year of accounting experience.
• A CPA may substitute for the required four-year degree

Licenses and Certifications Required:

• None

Preferred Qualifications:

• Licensed CPA in the United States or, if not licensed, have an active Application of Intent with the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy.
• Hands-on experience preparing journal entries and performing balance sheet reconciliations in accordance with GAAP.
• Hands-on experience with capital asset accounting, construction-in-progress (CIP) accounting, or long-lead/multi-year capital projects.
• Hands-on experience working with large, multi-module ERP systems where data from multiple modules or subledgers feeds into a single general ledger.
• Actively participated in a significant organizational change (e.g., system implementation/migration, reorganization, process overhaul).
• Direct experience mentoring, training, or developing other accountants or financial analysts.
• Experience preparing audit work papers for external auditors or regulatory filings.

 

Notes to Candidate:

Pay Range: Entry: $84,671.00 - Mid: $107,500.00

Schedule: Monday - Friday (8:00AM - 5:00PM) - COA 60% Telework Policy

Location: 4815 Mueller Blvd, Austin Texas, 78723

Employment Application:

• The City of Austin employment application is an official document; incomplete applications will not be considered.
• The Employment Record should be complete with job titles, employment dates, job duties, functions, and responsibilities for each position held. 
• Starting salary will be based on overall relevant experience from your application.
• Responses to supplemental questions regarding experience should also be clearly documented in the ‘Experience’ section of the main application.
• Please be sure to detail on the application all current and previous employment that you wish to be considered as part of your qualifications.
• Résumés will not be accepted and statements such as “see résumé” will not be accepted. You may use “N/A” for fields that are not applicable.
• Please note that Austin Energy may close the job posting at any time after 7 days from the date of the initial advertisement. Once the job posting has closed, applications cannot be changed.
• To ensure a thorough evaluation of your qualifications, please answer all applicable questions in the questionnaire section completely. Incomplete, brief, or one-line responses may not provide enough detail and could impact your eligibility to move forward in the selection process.
• Current City of Austin employees must submit their application through ‘Job Hubs’ in Workday to be considered.

If you are selected as a top candidate:

• Verification of your education (which may include high school graduation or GED, undergraduate and/or graduate degrees) will be required. You must provide proof of education from an accredited organization/institution
• This position may require a criminal background investigation.

Good Standing Employees

Employees, in Good Standing, who are candidates within the department/division that the position resides in and who meet the minimum and all of the preferred qualifications (if any) of the position will be included in the initial interview. Department/division employee must remain in Good Standing through the Top Candidate Selection phase at which time the Good Standing status will be re-verified. 

Critical:

This position has been designated as a Critical Employee position. Critical Employees are considered necessary and vital and supports activities that impact City or department operations. This work can be done while at a designated work site or while working at an alternate work location. Critical employees who are able to work at an alternative work location are required to do so. Schedules may be modified, and employees may be reassigned to another area during extraordinary situations or emergency conditions to provide essential services.

Work Schedule:
This position is designated as Essential Personnel with the City of Austin and may be required to work during emergencies, severe weather, or other operational needs, including when not regularly scheduled.

• Work hours may include evenings, weekends, holidays, on-call assignments, call back, and additional hours outside the regular schedule.
• Shifts may change based on departmental or business needs.
• This position is eligible for on-call and call back pay, as applicable.
• Employees are required to follow all applicable City policies, procedures, and work rules related to on-call and call back assignments.

Fair Labor Standards Act:

This position is considered FLSA Exempt. Exempt employees are salaried and, except as provided, are not eligible for overtime compensation.

Assessments:

Your skill level in some of the competency areas for this job may be assessed through skills testing.

Important Note to Applicants:
Please be aware that the Job Posting Close Date reflects the final day to apply, but the posting will close at 11:59 PM the day before the date listed. All application steps, including attachments and submission, must be fully completed before that time.

We also recommend that you save or print a copy of the job posting for your records. Once a posting has closed, it will no longer be viewable in the system" at the end.

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JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM

 

At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer—we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles – Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity – that anchor our delivery of services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.

 

What Makes the City of Austin Special?

• Make a Difference: Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.

• Value and Innovation: Work in an environment where employees are valued, and innovation thrives.

• Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.

• Retirement Security: Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.

• Sustainable Transportation Options: Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.

• Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.

• Career Growth: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.

• Modern Workspaces: Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration.

 

By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.

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EEO Statement for City of Austin:

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.