Accountant

Job Summary

The Accountant performs professional-level governmental accounting functions requiring advanced knowledge of accounting principles, independent judgment, and discretion. This position is responsible for administering accounts payable and accounts receivable, payroll processing and reconciliations, leave and pension reporting, grant accounting support, capital asset tracking, and maintenance of accurate and auditable financial records.

The Accountant supports financial integrity, internal controls, audit readiness, and compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and District policies. The position works under the general direction of the Administrative Director.

This position is classified as exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) professional exemption.

Essential Job Functions

Accounts Payable, Purchasing, and Disbursements

• Administers the District’s accounts payable function, exercising independent professional judgment to ensure accuracy, authorization, and policy compliance.
• Establishes and maintains accurate vendor records.
• Reviews purchase orders for completeness, proper authorization, and alignment with approved budget categories and funding sources.
• Reviews, analyzes, and reconciles vendor invoices and statements; researches and resolves discrepancies.
• Verifies supporting documentation and assigns costs to the appropriate general ledger accounts, funds, and cost centers.
• Reviews and advises staff on purchasing policies and procedures; assists with contract processing and evaluation of purchasing and service quotations and bid proposals.
• Ensures purchasing card transactions are properly documented by cardholders, reviewed for policy compliance, and routed for approval within required timeframes.

Accounts Receivable and Revenue

• Administers the District’s accounts receivable function.
• Establishes and maintains accurate payor records.
• Prepares and issues invoices and reimbursement requests.
• Monitors accounts receivable aging and pursues timely collection of outstanding balances.
• Processes routine revenue deposits, allocates receipts to appropriate accounts and funds, and records transactions in the accounting system.

Payroll, Leave, and Pension Administration

• Processes payroll in compliance with federal, state, and District requirements, ensuring accuracy of earnings, deductions, and employer contributions.
• Performs payroll reconciliations, including reconciliation of payroll registers to the general ledger and investigation and resolution of variances.
• Maintains accurate leave accrual and usage records for all employee classifications in accordance with adopted policies, labor agreements, and applicable laws.
• Prepares and submits pension and retirement reports and contributions (e.g., FPPA or other applicable plans), ensuring accuracy of pensionable earnings and required certifications.
• Coordinates with Human Resources, external payroll providers, and retirement systems to resolve payroll, leave, and retirement reporting discrepancies.

Grants, Insurance, and Risk Management

• Provides financial data and accounting support for grants, including preparation of reimbursement requests and responses to grant monitoring or audit inquiries.
• Coordinates property and liability claims; establishes and maintains claims documentation and pursues reimbursement for costs incurred due to damage to District property.
• Provides required information to insurance carriers and updates insurers regarding property acquisitions, removals, and facility expansions.

Accounting Controls, Assets, and Reporting

• Identifies, researches, and reconciles discrepancies between accounting records and systems; prepares supporting documentation and maintains records of corrective actions.
• Monitors and reconciles capital asset inventory to support accurate financial reporting and audit readiness.
• Maintains organized, complete, and auditable accounting records, files, and correspondence.
• Assists the Administrative Director in preparing financial reports, spreadsheets, and supporting documentation for the Fire Chief, District Board, auditors, and the public.
• Prepares and maintains financial reports, schedules, and supporting documentation in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) for governmental entities, including compliance with applicable Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) standards.

Administrative and Board Support

• Serves as liaison for assigned boards, committees, and projects, including preparation of agendas, agenda materials, and meeting minutes as assigned.
• Emergency Operations
• When a local declaration of emergency or disaster is declared and/or the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is activated, all District employees may be required to work as a Disaster Service Worker.

Other Job Functions

• Participates in professional development and continuing education to maintain current knowledge of accounting standards and practices.
• Represents the District at meetings, trainings, and conferences as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• None.

Job Requirements

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of accounting principles and practices, preferably within a governmental or special district environment.
• Knowledge of payroll processing, reconciliations, leave administration, and retirement reporting.
• Ability to analyze financial data, identify discrepancies, and implement corrective actions.
• Proficiency with accounting, payroll, and financial reporting systems.
• Advanced skill level using Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.
• Ability to interpret and apply laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and discretion in the performance of assigned duties.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and time-management skills.
• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting (required).

Experience

Three to five (3–5) years of progressively responsible accounting experience, including payroll, accounts payable/receivable, and general ledger functions.

Public-sector or governmental accounting experience preferred.

Licenses / Certifications

NIMS ICS 100 and 700 within six (6) months of hire.

CPA preferred

Physical Requirements

Strength – Sedentary
Exerts up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. Involves sitting most of the time, with occasional walking or standing.

Movement – Occasional

Stooping, reaching, handling, and fine finger manipulation.

Auditory – Not Limited

Talking and hearing.

Vision – Required

Near acuity.

Equipment Utilized

Office equipment such as computer, telephone, copier, scanner, and related devices.

Computer Use

Constant.