Accountant I (AP and Cost Accounting)

Job Description:

Accountant I (AP and Cost Accounting)

Description

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. Our guiding principles-Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity - anchor our approach in delivering services that significantly impact the lives of Austin residents. 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.
  
• Diverse and Inclusive Workplace: Work in an environment where every voice is 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 designed to 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.

Job Description:

Accountant I

Provides financial information to management by preparing, researching, and analyzing accounting data; preparing intermediate level reports and financial statements.

DUTIES, FUNCTIONS, AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Maintains general ledger information and reviews financial transactions by creating and/or monitoring electronic files and/or accounting documents.
  
• Maintains accounting ledgers by posting/reviewing accounting transactions of intermediate dollar-value and complexity, ensuring transactions are processed in accordance with City policy, applicable laws and regulations, generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), and sound business practices.
  
• Processes revenue collections and/or customer payments; prepares analysis of delinquent accounts, calculating/assessing delinquent fines/fees for supervisor/manager review; prepares accruals and/or other accounting entries in accordance with City policy, applicable laws and regulations, generally accepted accounting principles, GAAP.
  
• Prepares grant accounting entries and reconciliations by compiling and analyzing general ledger account information.
  
• Reconciles general ledger and/or bank accounts and resolves account discrepancies by reconciling statements and transactions and investigating supporting documentation.
  
• Prepares financial statements and/or special reports by preparing balance sheets, income statements, cash flows, and/or other special reports at an intermediate level; collecting, analyzing, and summarizing general ledger account information and trends; conducting variance analysis; applying intermediate skills and knowledge of accounting and reporting requirements of generally accepted accounting principles, GAAP.
  
• Prepares audit work papers for annual or special audit by preparing accurate supporting work papers at an intermediate level for assigned area(s) or funds; work is reviewed by other staff; providing explanations of City policy/procedures and responding to auditor's questions/requests in a timely and accurate manner.
  
• Prepares asset, liability, inventory, and/or capital accounting entries by compiling and analyzing general ledger account information.
  
• Assists departments and other customers by providing procedural/financial information and/or other information and guidance with automated or manual systems.
  
• Carries out projects by completing projects of moderate complexity and/or completing parts of complex projects.
  
• Maintains financial security by following established internal accounting controls.
  

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

None.

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.

• Knowledge of bookkeeping procedures.
  
• Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).
  
• Knowledge of the preparation process of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
  
• Knowledge of financial reporting concepts and preferred business practices.
  
• Skill in effective verbal and written communication.
  
• Skill in analyzing and interpreting financial records.
  
• Skill in processing large volumes of numerical data.
  
• Skill in performing basic mathematical calculations.
  
• Skill in classifying fiscal data and compiling fund level statements and reports.
  
• Skill in operating a personal computer and related equipment.
  
• Skill in designing spreadsheets and utilizing word processing and database software.
  
• Skill in analyzing, preparing, checking and balancing routine fiscal transactions and accounts.
  
• Ability to prepare accurate financial statements at an intermediate level of complexity.
  
• Ability to resolve problems or situations requiring the exercise of good judgment.
  
• 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, CPA license may substitute for the education requirement.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Licensed CPA or ability to obtain within one (1) year of employment
  
• Experience developing adjusting journal entries
  
• Experience performing balance sheet reconciliations
  
• Experience with accounts payable or accounts receivable
  
• Experience with Microsoft Office suite
  

Notes to Candidate:

Pay Range: Entry: $28.29 - Mid: $34.80

Schedule: 8:00AM - 5:00PM - 60% COA 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 the Supplemental Questions inquiring about experience should be reflected on 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.
  

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.

If you are identified as a top candidate and are in the military or a veteran, you will need to provide a copy of your DD-214 prior to confirming a start date.

This position requires 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.

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.

Fair Labor Standards Act:

Candidates selected for interview(s) may be required to complete an assessment(s) approved by Municipal Civil Service process, Rule 4.

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.

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.

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.

Closing Date/Time: 2025-09-17