The purpose of this position is to perform complex administrative and technical work in ensuring
the proper recording and maintenance of financial records, readying financial payments for
approval, recommending controlling expenditures of all City funds, and performing internal
auditing as requested by the City Council of financial records and transactions, and other
related work as assigned. The position requires the exercise of discretion and independent
judgment. Must be self-directed and able to work independently. Assists City Manager with
budgeting, preparation of reports, grant reporting compliance. Reports directly to the City
Council.
Duties and Responsibilities – Essential Functions:
(The essential functions or duties and responsibilities listed below are intended only as
illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific
statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a
logical assignment to the position.)
● Conducts internal audits; supervises the preparation of the monthly statements of
accounts showing the status of appropriations, expenditures, and remaining balances.
● Maintains a General Ledger and journal for the recording of all transactions.
● Advises boards/commissions/committees and all City departments regarding municipal
finance laws and budgetary control.
● Supervises the control of expenditures requiring the examination of vouchers, bills, and
payrolls contained on individual departmental schedules. Works with the Treasurer to
draw warrants on the Treasury for approval by the Council.
● Maintains detailed ledger records and flows of City monies for cash receipts,
investments, earnings, special funds, bonds, debt services, enterprise funds, revolving
funds, and trust funds.
● Administers the day-to-day management of all accounting records of the City. Compiles
and submits year-end financial statements to City officials and the state Department of
Revenue according to statutory requirements.
● Prepares other necessary statistical, financial, and revenue reports as needed by other
state, federal, and regional agencies. Prepares reports for the City Council, and other
agencies as approved by the Council.
● Assists in developing departmental budgets. Oversees the preparation of payroll and bill
warrants. Orders office supplies.
● Performs similar or related work as required, directed or as situation dictates.
Education, Training and Experience:
Bachelor’s Degree or higher in Accounting or significant work experience in a related field.
Experience with computer accounting software and networks. Experience in municipal
accounting preferred.
Special Requirements:
● Ability to be bonded.
● CPA License in good standing (will consider CPA-candidate)
Knowledge, Ability and Skill:
Knowledge: Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of municipal accounting and
financial reporting.
General Laws. Working knowledge of computer applications for accounting and financial
management. Thorough understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)
and Generally Accepted Auditing Standards (GAAS). Responsible for ensuring these
accounting and auditing principles are incorporated in City operations; ability to research and
stay abreast of regulatory requirements, state law, and City polices; and the City Charter.
Ability: Ability to analyze and interpret financial data and to organize and present data and
findings clearly to the City Council. Ability to communicate effectively in written and verbal form.
Ability to work independently to complete work and special projects on time. Ability to exercise
good judgment and maintain confidentiality. High ethical standards.
Skill: Good working knowledge of computerized accounting. Familiarity with accounting
software or ability to learn. Experience on NEMRC preferred. Aptitude for numbers and details.
Excellent organizational skills.
Cognitive and Physical Activity Requirements:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an
employee working in an office environment to successfully perform the essential functions of
this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to
perform the essential functions.
● Work in an office environment with moderate noise.
● Able to stand for long periods of time at the counter.
● Able to constantly operate a computer, whether standing or sitting, and other office
productivity machinery, including calculator, telephone, copier, facsimile machine, and
other standard office equipment.
● Able to move about the office and City Hall.
● Able to lift/move objects weighing up to 10 pounds, open and file cabinet drawers.
(This job description does not constitute an employment contract between the employer and
employee. It is used as a guide for personnel actions and is subject to change by the employer
as the needs of the employer as requirements of the job change.)
The City of Newport is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The City bases its hiring decisions
exclusively on merit, qualifications and business needs. The City does not discriminate against
any applicant on the basis of race, age, disability, or any other protected category unrelated to merit. The City of Newport is committed to diversity and equity in our work environment and
employment practices.