Accountant II (OCFO - ODFS Grant Accounting Division)

Accountant II (OCFO - ODFS Grant Accounting Division)

Salary

$60,285.00 - $80,909.00 Annually

Location

Detroit, Michigan, MI

Job Type

Certified-Regular Civil Service

Job Number

2026113201002102626OCFOJS

Department

Off Chf Financial Officer

Division

Treasury

Opening Date

11/02/2026

Closing Date

11/15/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Bargaining Unit

1701 - AFSCME Non Supervisory - Local 3134 - Accou

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

OFFICE OF THE CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER - ODFS GRANT ACCOUNTING DIVISION

ACCOUNTANT II

Be a Part of the City You Love!

The Office of the Chief Financial Officer - ODFS Grant Accounting division is accepting applications for an Accountant II position.

Position Summary

Accountant II is an intermediate level accounting professional within the City of Detroit Office of the Chief Financial Officer. The accountant performs significant accounting duties that are required to support timely and accurate financial statement reporting. The key services provided include, but are not limited to: 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 connection with functions, activities and financial operations; and designing, implementing, and assessing internal control processes and systems. Many of these services will be performed within the appropriate modules of the ERP Cloud that impact the operations of this position.

Examples of Duties

• Using ERP Cloud applications performs the following activities:

• Creation of Financial Reports

• Editing of reporting templates

• Use of Business Intelligence Publisher templates and data models

• Creation of Transactions Business Intelligence dashboard and reports

• Analysis of data through SmartView and Account Monitor

• 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

• Conducts searches and 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

• Compiles centrally requested cost reports and reports of variance from standards.

• Develops reports comparing actual results to plans and budgets.

• Conducts special cost analysis of various operations to determine, for example, if proposals for revised methods or new equipment would affect savings. Performs statistical analyses of agency productivity trends. Participates with other accountants in developing cost estimates for in-house projects and contractor proposals.

• Tracks ongoing operations and solves problems that arise; studies existing reports, accounts, or instructions to streamline operations or provides reports with greater detail; prepares specific instructions for ongoing operations; documents accounting system features designed by higher level accountants; and advises managers or others when transactions differ from norms on nature and volume.

• Uses conventional accounting methods to reconcile payroll system and general ledger payroll data and to analyze internal controls over accounts receivable overpayments.

• Prepares, examines, or analyzes accounting records, financial statements, or other financial reports to assess accuracy, completeness, and conformance to reporting and procedural standards.

• Reports to management regarding the finances of establishment.

• Establishes tables of accounts and assigns entries to proper accounts.

• Develops, implements, modifies, and documents recordkeeping and accounting systems, making use of current computer technology.

• Assists in executing portions of an audit plan that tracks process flow, verifies reported data, or assures that functional operating instructions generate desired results.

• Performs 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.

• Compiles and analyzes statistical and accounting data relative to the preparation and monitoring of the Annual Budget; Prepares and updates revenues and expenditures, base requests, changes adjustments, rate and fee setting, position changes, and budget set-up.

• Posts journal entries, reconcile dates, and manages inter-agency billings and transfers required to support financial reporting.

• 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.

• 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.

• Checks data and compares reports or transactions to source documents, or authorizations against transactions to ensure their acceptability for further processing.

• Acts as a liaison between accounting staff, financial staff, information systems staff, and other key departmental staff in order to keep abreast of issues and initiatives that may impact accounting and financial information.

• Presents prepares, and explains to financial and non-financial managers, co-workers, and clients an analysis of the issues, problems, and trends identified;

• Assists in the preparation and auditing of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report ( ACFR).

• Performs special projects and other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelors 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).
• Two (2) years of experience in preparing journal entries and analyzing accounting data

Preferred Experience

• Previous Grant Accounting Experience

License / Certificates

• Possession of a CPA and/or CMA certification is preferred.
• 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.
• There may be requirements for some positions that the applicants have the CPA and/or CMA.

Equivalency

• Equivalent combinations of education and experience that provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Supplemental Information

Evaluation Plan

• Interview: 70%
• Evaluation of Training, Experience & Personal Qualifications: 30%
• Total of Interview and Evaluation T.E.P: 100%

Additional points may be awarded for:

• Veteran Points: 0 - 15 points
• Detroit Residency Credit: 15 points

LRD: 10/20/2026

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Professional knowledge of accounting and, as required, auditing concepts, principles, and methods sufficient to work independently using conventional procedures and practices to do intermediate level work such as:

• Theories, practices, methods, and techniques of accounting, financial, and operational auditing and financial management.
• Standardized bookkeeping processes, accounting terminology, generally-accepted accounting procedures (GAAP), accounting techniques, and other financial rules and regulations.
• Federal grant policies, procedures, and reporting requirements.
• Grants Management accounting, including SEFA and other requirements.
• Fund accounting and fund accounting 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 requirement.
• Maintain general and subsidiary ledgers and journals and to prepare, analyze, and maintain regular financial statements and reports.
• Collect, organize, and interpret accounting data,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.

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.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to the class. Incumbents may be required to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification. Specific job duties may vary from position to position. The City of Detroit is an Equal Opportunity Employer. No applicant for employment shall be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or other criteria prohibited by City, State, or Federal law.

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
• Associates Degree
• Bachelors Degree
• Masters Degree
• PhD/J.D.
• No Education experience

02

How many years of experience do you have in preparing journal entries and analyzing accounting data?

• Less than 2 years of experience
• 2 - 5 years of experience
• 5 - 10 years of experience
• 10 or more years of experience
• No Experience

03

Describe your experience with standardized bookkeeping processes, accounting terminology, generally-accepted accounting procedures (GAAP), accounting techniques, and other financial rules and regulations.

04

Describe your experience with Grants.

05

Which one do you possess?

• Possession of a CPA and/or CMA certification is preferred.
• 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.
• None of the Above

06

Did you attach a cover letter and updated resume to your 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