City of Tampa

This is highly responsible professional and technical accounting and managerial work in a centralized accounting division reporting to the City’s Chief Financial Officer.

Under administrative direction, the employee supervises the accounting areas of payroll, general employees’ pension, capital projects, accounts payable, billing, accounts receivable, investments, banking, disbursements, cash receipts, property control, reporting, external audit, grants,  general accounting and accounting systems. Work is of unusual difficulty and requires the application of extensive initiative and independent judgment in performing technical and supervisory accounting functions and managing a central accounting program which is efficient, responsive to user needs, and in conformance with sound governmental accounting practices and principles. The formulation of accounting policies and procedures, selection of work methods, and development of accounting systems are major responsibilities of this position. Work is reviewed through conferences, reports submitted, and results achieved. Appointed position; employee serves at the pleasure of the Mayor.

Plans, develops, implements, maintains, and coordinates the central accounting program, including accounts receivables, accounts payable, general accounting, central payroll, pension, etc., to include sound internal controls and an overarching internal control framework.

Plans and organizes the annual external audit for all activities of the city; reviews unique projects for financial feasibility; reviews all financial transactions of the city relating to bonds and documents which require authorization for payment to county, state, and federal government entities.

Responds to internal auditors on various recommendations proposed for such areas as accounts payable, fixed assets, investments, cash receiving, debt, payroll, pension, federal funds, etc.

Consults with staff on investments to determine which is most advantageous for the city based on timing and type of investment; coordinates arbitrage rebates and files tax returns as appropriate.

Prepares Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for audit, banking, and other accounting related services;  

Reviews program changes and system access to the financial system; supervises the processing of payroll records, general ledger transactions, balancing of utility accounts, central cashiering services, and the production of financial reports.

Prepares reports and correspondence; assigns, develops and evaluates staff; manages unit budget and work processes.

Performs related tasks.

Comprehensive knowledge of: modern accounting principles and practices; internal accounting control principles and practices; governmental accounting standards; modern management practices and procedures; federal and state laws and guidelines relating to job duties; methods and sources for investing city funds.

Considerable knowledge of: application of data processing to accounting systems and financial analysis.

Ability to: prepare complex accounting and fiscal reports and statements; analyze financial transactions and effect appropriate original or adjusting journal entries; plan, assign, direct and coordinate the work of professional, para-professional and clerical employees in a manner that promotes full performance; establish and maintain effective working relationships with city officials, directors, managers, other employees, and external auditing staff; plan, organize and refine procedures.

Mostly sedentary, indoors, requires extended use of computer, typing and viewing monitor.

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s, preferably a master’s, degree in accounting or a closely related field and a minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible professional accounting experience in a government or government related setting, including supervisory experience. Or an equivalent combination of education (not less than possession of a high school diploma/GED), training and experience that would reasonably be expected to provide the job-related competencies noted above.

Possession of the following certifications is preferred:   Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Government Finance Officer (CGFO). Possession of a valid drivers license may be required.

Evaluation of education and experience. Drug testing is included in all pre-employment processing.

During periods when the Mayor issues an emergency declaration for the City of Tampa, all employees may be required to work in preparation, response or recovery activities related to the stated emergency.