Accountant I (OCFO - ODFS)
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Accountant I (OCFO - ODFS)
Salary
$47,689.00 - $55,943.00 Annually
Location
Michigan, MI
Job Type
Certified-Regular Civil Service
Job Number
2025313201001OCFOjs
Department
Off Chf Financial Officer
Division
ODFS - Neighborhood, Comm
Opening Date
02/10/2026
Closing Date
2/28/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Bargaining Unit
9000-Non Union Salary Regular Service General
Description
Benefits
Questions
Description
OFFICE OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
OFFICE OF DEPARTMENTAL FINANCIAL SERVICES
ACCOUNTANT I
Be a Part of the City You Love!
The Office of the Chief Financial Officer - Office of Departmental Financial Services division is accepting applications for an Accountant I position.
Position Summary
The Accountant class performs professional accounting work requiring application of accounting theories, concepts, principles, and standards. Accountants in this class complete or oversee a variety of professional assignments involving the design, maintenance, and implementation of accounting systems, the systematic classification and assessment of accounting data, and the preparation of related managerial and financial reports.
Accountants in this class are responsible for accounting tasks involved in preparing, analyzing, interpreting and presenting accounting data; operating, maintaining, and modifying accounting systems; using accounting information to recommend solutions to management problems and structuring of organization programs; managing, operating, and analyzing cost accounting systems in relation to business activities, and designing, implementing, and assessing internal control processes and systems.
Examples of Duties
Performs complex accounting functions consistent with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), standardized bookkeeping processes, accounting terminology, accounting techniques, and other financial rules and regulations.
Researches, analyzes, and implements accounting rules and regulations as stipulated by Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) or other regulatory agencies
Conducts searches and complex examinations of budget and financial records to provide factual data on the amount and @type of funds available for submission to others within the employing entity who will use the data to prepare budget estimates and reprogramming actions
Prepares, examines, or analyzes accounting records, financial statements, or other financial reports to assess accuracy, completeness, and conformance to reporting and procedural standards
Independently conducts the complete range of tax examinations and related investigations of a broad range of business taxpayers such as sole proprietorships, partnerships, fiduciaries, and sizable corporations
Maintains ledger and computer systems required to conduct payroll and financial reporting
Assists in the preparation of the Consolidated Annual Financial Report (CAFR)
Provides experience in using the specific procedures of automated systems to find, review, or change accounting data in transaction files, ledgers, accounts, summary reports, and financial statements
Designs new and changing system and program environments due to new laws, regulations, and standards
Resolves issues where governing laws and regulations are highly interpretive and/or precedents are non-existent, obscure or conflicting
Develops new systems for tax examination, tax management control, and tax documentation systems
Develops and applies unique or extensive probing and analysis techniques and methods
Identifies accounting problems such as inadequate maintenance of fund controls, inaccurate records and reports, improper methods for document control, and lack of documentary evidence to support performance of regulatory reconciliations
Posts journal entries, reconciles dates, and manages inter-agency billings and transfers required to support financial reporting
Checks data and compares reports or transactions to source documents, or authorizations against transactions to ensure their acceptability for further processing
Drafts simple instructions to describe internal accounting procedures for a procedures manual
Assists in executing portions of an audit plan that tracks process flow, verifies reported data, or assures that functional operating instructions generate desired results
Reports to management regarding the finances of establishment
Performs grant management, monitoring and administrative duties and activities (e.g. financial, set-up, post-award, closeout, etc.) to ensure timely expenditures and reimbursement, and regulatory and audit compliance
Compiles centrally requested cost reports and reports of variance from standards. Develops reports comparing actual results to plans and budgets
Serves as an expert or authority in some aspect of accounting or in the application of accounting to some mission-related program(s)
Performs special projects and other duties as assigned
Minimum Qualifications
Education
For all Accountants, it is a requirement to have completed a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, with major course of work in accounting, finance, business administration, statistics, or a closely related field. Such education must include at least twenty-four (24) semester (36 terms) credits of coursework in accounting and statistics (21 hours in accounting and 3 hours in statistics).
Applicants with a Master in Accounting and other appropriate and related courses of study meet the minimum experience required for Accountant II.
Experience
For entry into the Accountant position, no work experience is required; however, the minimum education requirements must be met. One year of professional experience performing or auditing the systematic classification and evaluation of accounting data and the preparation of related financial and managerial reports is preferred but not required. Accountants must demonstrate proficiency with integrated word processing and spreadsheet functions.
Preferred Experience
Previous Accounting experience
Intermediate Excel skills
Equivalency
Equivalent combinations of education and experience that provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will be evaluated on an individual basis.
Licensing and Certifications
Possession of a CPA may be substituted for one year of Accountant II experience.
Possession of a Certified Management Accountant certification (CMA) may be substituted for six months of Accountant II experience.
Possession of a CPA and/or CMA certification is preferred.
Supplemental Information
Evaluation Plan
Interview: 70%
Evaluation of Training, Experience, & Personal Qualifications (TEP): 30%
Total of Computerized Assessment, Interview, and Evaluation T.E.P: 100%
Additional points may be awarded for:
Veteran Points: 0 - 15 points
Detroit Residency Credit: 15 points
LRD: 01/30/2026
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
The knowledge, skills, and abilities of an Accountant increases with the level of responsibility and experience.
At the entry-level, knowledge requirements might include basic professional knowledge of:
Concepts, principles, and practices of accounting, auditing or examinations
Standardized bookkeeping processes, accounting terminology, generally-accepted accounting procedures (GAAP), accounting techniques, and other financial rules and regulations
Grant policies, procedures, and reporting requirements
Grants Management accounting including Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA) and other requirements
Cost accounting and cost funding procedures
Procurement policies and practices of the City of Detroit
Techniques commonly used in locating errors in accounting records
Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications
Personal computer capabilities and the application of computer systems to issues of format and content in City and departmental financial management
Enterprise resource planning systems for finance, budget, general ledger, human resources, and other management systems and software programs
Skill in:
Use of personal computers
Use of Microsoft Office (e.g. Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint) and other office suite software packages
Use of Excel (e.g. Formulas, Pivot Tables, Vlookup, Hlookup, other functions, charts, tables) and other financial management software packages functionality
Use of large, complex, multi-departmental financial systems and demonstrate the knowledge required to interpret resulting financial and accounting reports, summaries, and budgets
Analytical and problem solving
Interpersonal skills to interact effectively with personal contacts in a business-like, customer service oriented manner, and maintain favorable public relations
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times
Using mathematics to solve problems
Presenting concise financial information to a variety of audiences
Ability to:
Analyze and interpret fiscal, accounting, and other data and reports
Advise City Agencies and the Office of the Chief Financial Officer (OCFO) staff on appropriate accounting polices, procedures, and requirements
Maintain general and subsidiary ledgers and journals and to prepare, analyze, and maintain regular financial statements and reports
Collect, organize, and interpret accounting data, tax rules, and regulations; synthesize data and work cross functionally to create and establish accounting guidelines, policies, and memos
Prepare accurate and reliable financial reports
Present accounting data orally, in writing, or in PowerPoint in a clear and understandable manner to both technical and non-technical users
Analyze and recommend improvements in accounting systems
Formulate solutions to difficult and complex accounting and related financial problems
Utilize independent judgment
Understand cost-benefit and business case analyses to provide insight and recommendations regarding best accounting methodology and suggestions to improve outcome
Learn and use contemporary financial management software and other related software for program and financial management systems
Interact effectively with senior leadership, subordinates, department personnel, and others with tact and diplomacy
Listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences
Communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand
Make mathematical computations
Work as part of a team
Physical Demands
The employee generally remains in a stationary position for an extended period of time operating standard office equipment which may include computers, telephones, photocopiers, and fax machines.
The employee is expected to move about to accomplish tasks such as opening file cabinets and moving files.
Must be able to lift, push, pull, and carry up to 25 pounds.
Work Environment
Work is performed primarily in an office environment.
Some work requires travel to meetings, conferences, and other work sites with exposure to seasonal weather conditions.
EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS
The City of Detroit offers a competitive and comprehensive employee benefit package. We pride ourselves on the longevity of our employees. Part of the reason for the low turnover rate is the exceptional benefit package listed below. Benefits include, but are not limited to the following:
HEALTH
Medical - Eligible for hospital, surgical, and prescription drug benefits.
Dental
Vision
INSURANCE
Life Insurance - Optional group insurance available to employee and their family. The City pays 60% of premium for first $12,500 of employee life insurance. Employee may purchase, at own expense, life insurance for spouse and each dependent.
Long-Term Disability Insurance (Income Protection Plan) - The City offers disability insurance through payroll deductions for persons who become disabled and who are not yet eligible for a service retirement.
PAID TIME OFF
Sick Leave
Vacation
Holidays
OTHER LEAVE BENEFITS
The City also has the following paid and unpaid leaves; funeral leave, Family and Medical Leave, jury duty, military duty leave, unpaid personal leave,
RETIREMENT BENEFITS
City Employees Retirement System
As a regular City employee you automatically become a member of the General Retirement System. This entitles you to a retirement allowance after:
Completion of thirty (30) years of service;
At age sixty (60) if you have at least ten (10) years of service, or
At age sixty-five (65) with eight (8) years of service.
In the event of disability, other eligibility rules apply);
An early, actuarially reduced, retirement is offered after you have attained at least twenty-five (25) years of service;
Employees are vested after ten (10) years of service, regardless of age.
ADVANCEMENT OPPORTUNITIES - Employees have many opportunities for growth and career advancement throughout all City departments and divisions.
Have a successful career with the City of Detroit. Always remember that you are a part of a team with a common Vision of delivering excellent service to the citizens of the City of Detroit.
01
Please indicate your highest level of education completed
High School Diploma/GED
Associate's Degree
Bachelor's Degree
Master's Degree
PhD/J.D.
No Education experience
02
How many years of professional experience do you have performing or auditing the systematic classification and evaluation of accounting data and the preparation of related financial and managerial reports?
No work experience
1 - 4 years of work experience
5 - 9 years of work experience
10 or more years of work experience
03
Describe your proficiency with integrated word processing and spreadsheet functions below.
04
Did you attach a copy of your cover letter and resume to your online application?
Yes
No
Required Question
Employer
City of Detroit
Address
Coleman A. Young Municipal Center 2 Woodward Ave ste 316 Detroit, Michigan, 48226
Website
http://www.detroitmi.gov/Detroit-Opportunities/Find-A-Job
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