Project Accountant

Job Class: 2941 Department: Finance Reports to: Finance DirectornSummary: Performs professional accounting work with an emphasis on project, grant, and contract-related financial activities. This position applies governmental accounting principles to monitor budgets, track expenditures, maintain financial records, and support financial reporting for departmental and City projects. Responsibilities include reconciliations, journal entries, project and grant tracking, contract-related financial documentation, and audit support. The role works closely with the Finance Director and departments to ensure accurate reporting, compliance with purchasing and financial controls, and proper documentation of project-related transactions.n nEssential Functions: Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:nnMonitor and track operating and capital budgets for assigned departments and projects; review expenditures and revenue activity to ensure accuracy and compliance with approved budgets.nDevelop and maintain current-year expenditure and revenue estimates for assigned projects and accounts and assist with ongoing budget projections.nMaintain detailed financial and compliance files for contracts and special projects, including supporting documentation and required reporting records.nMonitor contract financial terms, funding limits, and key deadlines to support timely payments, reporting, and project closeout requirements.nReview invoices, payment requests, and purchasing transactions for accuracy, proper account coding, contract compliance, and adherence to City purchasing policies.nTrack project expenditures, encumbrances, reimbursements, and funding sources within the financial system.nPrepare and record routine and adjust journal entries related to project, banking, and assigned accounting transactions.nPerform account, bank, and project reconciliations; research and resolve discrepancies and report errors.nPrepare routine monthly, quarterly, and ad hoc financial and budget reports for projects and assigned accounts.nAssist departments with project financial reporting requirements and supporting documentation for external agencies when applicable.nSupport the annual budget development process by compiling project budget data, expenditure trends, and supporting schedules.nConduct financial research and basic analysis for special projects and management information requests.nMaintain accurate accounting and project records in financial systems in accordance with internal control and recordkeeping standards.nParticipate in financial and grant audits by preparing schedules and providing requested documentation and explanations.nAssist with the preparation of annual financial reports and audit schedules as assigned.nEnsure assigned transactions and project activities comply with internal controls, fund source requirements, and applicable financial regulations.nProvide backup support for other accounting functions when needed.nPerform other related accounting and project financial duties as assigned.nSupports departmental operations with regular and timely attendance.nSupports the relationship between the City of Odessa and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with visitors and City staff; maintains confidentiality of work-related issues and City information; performs other duties as required or assigned. Performs other duties, including accounting/banking research projects as assigned by the Finance Director.nnEssential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer.nnMinimum Qualifications:nEducation, Training, and Experience Guidelines: Bachelor's degree in accounting or a closely related field with extensive education credits in accounting coursework required. 2 years of accounting or closely related experience preferred. nKnowledge:nnGovernmental and general accounting principles and practicesnBasic fund and project accounting methodsnJournal entries, reconciliations, and financial reporting proceduresnBudget and expenditure tracking practicesnInternal controls and audit documentation requirementsnMunicipal purchasing and financial compliance standardsnFinancial systems and spreadsheet toolsnnSkills and Abilities: nnPrepare journal entries and perform account and bank reconciliationsnTrack budgets, project expenditures, and other applicable account activitynReview invoices and transactions for accuracy and proper codingnMaintain accurate financial and project recordsnPrepare routine financial and budget reportsnIdentify and resolve discrepanciesnSupport audits and financial reporting requestsnUse financial systems and spreadsheets effectivelynManage multiple assignments and meet deadlinesnCommunicate clearly with departments and supervisorsnnLicense and certification requirements: NonenPhysical demands and working environments: Work is performed in a standard office environment.n