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Accountant I or II

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Accountant I or II

Salary

$61,017.33 - $100,680.42 Annually

Location

Employment Services, FL

Job Type

Full Time Regular

Job Number

2002-13

Department

Finance

Division

Central Accounting 0701000000

Opening Date

09/24/2025

Closing Date

10/8/2025 4:00 PM Eastern

FLSA

Exempt

Bargaining Unit

NA

+ Description

+ Benefits

+ Questions

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF CLASS

This is professional accounting and administrative position assisting in the planning, organizing, and directing of the operations for central fiscal control. Work involves participation in all general accounting activities of the City, requiring a thorough knowledge of governmental and fund accounting principles. Work includes the exercise of considerable judgment in assisting in planning, installing, revising, and maintaining accounting procedures and preparing statements and reports. Work requires proficiency with sophisticated computer application software, including developing customized spreadsheets, reporting, and database applications and learning and efficiently utilizing them. Work assignments are received in a general form indicating the results desired. Questions relating to major objectives and priority of work are discussed with an administrative superior. Supervision may be exercised over various unit employees on specific project assignments. A technical or administrative superior reviews work for overall performance and accuracy standards and is subject to periodic and annual audits.

This position is for an Accountant II however, it may be filled at the level of Accountant I.

This posting will close after the receipt of the first 20 qualified applicants or 2 weeks (October 8 at 4:00PM EST) whichever comes first.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

+ Establishes and performs control procedures to verify the accuracy, integrity, and smooth operation of large computerized databases containing all City funds' central financial and payroll information.

+ Performs special assignments that require considerable technical knowledge of accounting principles and procedures and City policies and procedures.

+ Acts as liaison accountant to support larger departments of the City that require an expanded level of attention in special reporting and detailed familiarity with the financial status of operating budgets.

+ Assists in the compilation and update of the City's accounting procedures manual.

+ Monitors general ledger accounts related to special project accounting, including establishing budgets, posting transactions, and progress reporting.

+ Prepares reports issued to federal and state regulatory agencies as required to request funding and to satisfy financial and reporting requirements of financial assistance programs.

+ Prepares short and long-range forecasts and projections of revenues and expenses using statistical techniques and spreadsheet models to prepare multi-year business and financial plans relating to operating and financial performance.

+ Reconciles the general ledger to subsidiary ledgers to verify the accuracy of account balances.

+ Compiles monthly financial statements, statistical and annual reports and statements, special reports, and analysis.

+ Prepares schedules and reports used to record a variety of financial transactions.

+ Assists external auditors during annual audits, including preparation of financial statements and supporting work paper files.

+ Aids in preparing, balancing, and monitoring the City's annual and long-term capital budget.

+ Assists in developing automated systems to accumulate, track and report financial transactions.

+ Maintains computerized fixed asset accounting system, including entry of new purchases, dispositions, and reconciliation to the general ledger, including a continuing property records system maintained to track assets of the electric and water utilities.

+ Assists personnel in other City departments in solving problems of a technical accounting nature.

+ May be required to work alternate hours as necessary for the efficient operations of the Department.

+ Position designated as Mission Critical by Department Director.

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS

+ Performs related work as required.

+ Delivers presentations to personnel in City departments or the public regarding the work performed by the Finance Department.

+ Coordinates work with that of other Business Units or divisions within the Department or other City departments as required.

+ May serve as acting Chief Accountant in their absence.

This posting reflects the essential functions and knowledge, skills, and abilities for Accountant II; however, applicants may view the complete job description for Accountant I on the City of Lakeland's employment page.

QUALIFICATIONS (EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE)

Qualifications for Accountant I

+ Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Accounting.

+ Two (2) years of experience in accounting and fiscal operations.

OR

+ Master's degree or higher from an accredited college or university in Accounting.

Qualifications for Accountant II

+ Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Accounting.

+ Four (4) years of experience in accounting and fiscal operations.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

+ Must possess a valid driver's license.

+ Must maintain a valid telephone number.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES

+ Thorough knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles, including the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's governmental accounting and accounting rules.

+ Thorough knowledge of modern office procedures, practices, systems, and equipment as applied to financial operations.

+ Considerable knowledge of the practices of City fiscal administration.

+ Ability to apply accounting principles to maintain voluminous financial and accounting transactions.

+ Ability to analyze and solve a wide variety of accounting and fiscal problems.

+ Ability to prepare complex financial reports and statements following generally accepted accounting principles.

+ Ability to apply extensive skills and to develop and apply new skills associated with using sophisticated computer applications and desktop and mainframe hardware systems, including the ability to readily adapt to changes in computer programs and hardware configurations resulting from advances in computer technology.

+ Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, co-workers, and personnel from other departments.

+ Ability to express ideas clearly, both verbally and in writing.

+ Detail-oriented, analytical, and inquisitive.

+ Extremely organized with strong time management skills.

+ Theoretical and practical knowledge of financial planning and analysis techniques, including discounted cash flow, present value, rate of return, and break-even analysis.

+ Effective presentation and oral communication skills.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

+ Requires sedentary work that involves walking or standing some of the time, exerting up to 10 pounds of force regularly, and routine keyboard operations.

+ The job risks exposure to bright/dim lights, dusts, and pollen.

+ The job requires normal visual acuity, field of vision, hearing, speaking, color perception, sense of smell, depth perception, and texture perception.

All City of Lakeland positions are subject to testing (e.g. written, oral, performance, computerized, interview, and/or any combination). Candidates selected for testing will be notified via email or telephone. Please check your e-mail and telephone messages regularly, including "junk" folders. Test times and locations to be announced.

THE CITY OF LAKELAND IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/EQUAL ACCESS EMPLOYER AND A DRUG FREE WORKPLACE.

City of Lakeland

2024 Summary Sheet

Annual Leave

Annual leave is accumulated bi-weekly and based upon years of service as follows:

Annual leave may be taken as earned by employees hired after January 1, 1989. Employees hired prior to that date use annual leave within the calendar year following the year the leave is earned. All employees may carry over up to a maximum of twenty (20) days at the end of the calendar year. Regular part-time employees who work at least twenty (20) hours per week accrue annual leave at the rate of four (4) hours per month.*

Sick Leave

Sick rate is accrued biweekly based upon years of service and standard hour classification. Eligible for use as soon as earned. Regular part-time employees who work at least twenty (20) hours per week accrue sick leave at the rate of four (4) hours per month.

*NOTE: REGULAR employees with a working day other than eight (8) hours, please contact your supervisor regarding these policies.

Sick Leave Pool

Allows employees to receive sick leave benefits in cases involving catastrophic or long-term illnesses or injuries after all personal leave time has been depleted. Regular full-time employees contribute eight (8) hours and Regular part-time employees contribute four (4) hours on an annual basis. Employees must have completed one full year of service on or before December 31st of the calendar year enrollment; and have accumulated at least forty (40) hours of sick time (twenty (20) hours for Regular part-time employees). Participation in this program is voluntary.

For more information contact Amanda Kaiser at 834-8768

Family & Medical Leave

Federal legislation guarantees up to twelve (12) weeks per year off work under certain circumstances outlined in the policy manual. The employees must have been employed by the City for at least twelve (12) months and have at least 1,250 hours of service during the 12-month period before the requested leave. The City will continue its group life and health insurance for an employee on leave at the same level and under the same conditions that existed while the employee was working.

For more information contact Dawn Justice at 834-6038.

Pension Plan

Provision for retirement income requiring mandatory participation for full-time regular employees.

Defined Benefit Plan:

Plan C Employee 4.16%

Employer 15.66%

OR

Defined Contribution Plan:

Executives, New Hires aged 52 and older, and Fire/Police Recruits

Employee 8.5% or 11% per election upon hire

Employer 15.39%

Deferred Compensation 457 Plan:

A voluntary plan that is invested in mutual funds. The Employees' Pension Board performs the due diligence on the mutual funds. Employees may reallocate their account at any time.

Maximum contribution for 2025 is $23,500; employees age 50 or older can also add a "catch-up" amount of $7,500; employees age 60-63 can also add a "catch-up" amount of $11,250.

Additionally, a match of up to 5% of salary is offered by the City in Plan C.

Holidays

Twelve (12) holidays, includes one (1) personal floating holiday to be used at any time after three (3) months of employment and prior to the end of the calendar year.

Funeral Leave

Up to three (3) days off with pay due to death of an immediate family member (as defined in the policy manual). Up to four (4) hours off with pay may be obtained through supervisor approval to attend local funeral services of persons other than immediate family.

Jury/Witness Duty

Employees required to serve on jury duty will be relieved of responsibility for their regular work shift or portion thereof and receive full pay while serving. All fees received for such service may be retained by the employee. Employees subpoenaed to any civil or criminal court proceeding, which employee is not personally or monetarily interested, shall be paid as if engaged in regular work activities.

Military Leave

Allows for up to 240 hours in any one calendar year for annual military training without loss of pay or benefits for any employee in some type of reserve status for the United States Armed Forces. (see policy manual for additional information).

Maternity Leave

Refer to Family & Medical Leave for those employees who qualify. Others may take up to three (3) months leave of absence available upon approval of the Department Head. Employees may opt to utilize any combination of paid (sick or annual leave) or unpaid leave.

Leave of Absence Without Pay

Written requests are subject to approval by Department Head and City Manager or designee for less than ninety (90) days. Requests for more than ninety (90) days also require Civil Service Board approval for employees in a Civil Service classification.

Longevity Pay

Tuition Reimbursement

Program provides employees up to $2,500 per fiscal year (October 1 through September 30) for reimbursement of tuition of approved college, university, vocational, or correspondence classes upon completion with a grade of "C" or better in credit courses only. Full reimbursement is given for courses and fees, upon approval. The program does not include reimbursement for cost of books, supplies or other related expenses.

For more information, contact Melissa Yelnick at 834-6844.

Suggestion Awards

A program designed to provide a consistent and organized method for employees to submit and be rewarded for constructive ideas for improvement. Maximum award is $1000.

For additional information, contact Employee Engagement and Development at 834-6837.

Direct Deposit of Paycheck (refer to handout in new employee folder)

An account must be established with the institution of your choice prior to signing up for direct deposit.

Uniforms/Equipment

Uniforms issued at no cost to employees for those job classifications which require them. Equipment is issued to employees at either no cost or discounted cost depending upon job classification.

Parking

Free while at work.

Break Periods

Employees may be permitted two (2), fifteen (15) minute breaks during the workday. The time shall be at the discretion of the supervisor.

For Information on Health Insurance, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance please contact Benefits at 834-6797.

For Information on Retirement Benefits, contact the Retirement Services Department at 834-8765 or 834-8797.

For Information on Firefighter and Police Officer Retirement Benefits, contact Foster & Foster at 239-333-4872.

01

Do you have a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Accounting?

+ Yes

+ No

02

Please indicate your years of experience in accounting and fiscal operations.

+ No experience

+ Some experience, but less than 1 year

+ At least 2 years, but less than 4 years

+ 4 years or more

03

Please provide a narrative supporting your answer to the above question. Be sure to include specific job title(s), job duties, organization(s) and the dates where the work was performed. Note: The employers and dates of employment you list here must also be included in the "Work Experience" section of this job application.

04

Do you have a Master's degree or higher from an accredited college or university in Accounting?

+ Yes

+ No

05

By clicking "Yes" below, I understand that all relevant work experience MUST be entered in the "Work Experience" section on my application. In addition, all current City of Lakeland employees must list all previous City of Lakeland work experience in the "Work Experience" section of the application. Failure to complete the "Work Experience" section will disqualify you from the application process.

+ Yes

+ No

Required Question

Employer

City of Lakeland, Civil Service

Address

500 N Lake Parker Avenue Lakeland, Florida, 33801

Phone

(863)834-8790

Website

http://www.lakelandgov.net/employmentservices