ACCOUNTANT

SUMMARY:The Accountant (Finance) performs various accounting functions, including preparing journal entries, account reconciliations, general and utility billing, payroll processing, maintenance of the fixed asset inventory, and assisting with the preparation of various financial reports. The incumbent responds to requests for information from staff, elected officials, and the public.

(FULL TIME– 40 hours per week/Monday through Friday)

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Prepares journal entries and reconciles various general ledger accounts on a monthly or quarterly basis.
• Responsible for importing of monthly procurement card activity into the general ledger.
• Responsible for preparing general billing and special assessment invoices, maintaining accounts receivable records and monitoring collection activity with follow-up as needed.
• Identifies, calculates and provides special assessment and special charges for placement on the tax roll, including but not limited to, delinquent utility bills, water standby service charges and delinquent general billing invoices.
• Assists with year-end close and preparation of audit schedules.
• Assists with the maintenance of fixed asset records, accounting, and financial reporting for city and utility fixed assets.
• Assists with budget activities including data entry, calculations, analyses and reports for the annual budget.
• Reviews and approves employee reimbursement requests in accordance with policies.
• Compiles sales tax reports.
• Assists when needed with analysis of general administrative processes, providing suggestions for improvement.
• Serves as backup as needed for the accounts payable function and in-person customer payment receipting and importing of electronic payment activity into the general ledger
• Payroll Processing Services: Assists with time-data entry of bi-weekly payroll processing. Assists Payroll Management Accountant with maintenance of the wage, benefits, and leave tables. Serves as backup and assists Payroll Management Accountant with payroll processing through check/advice generation. Reconciles payroll deduction accounts bi-weekly/monthly, as needed, and prepares necessary journal entries. -OR- Utility Billing Services: Under the direction of the Accounting Manager, administers quarterly utility billing functions including, import of water meter reading data, late payment penalties charge, and utility billing software. Maintains utility customer records, including ACH payment records. Generates quarterly customer billing, works with bill printing vendor, and prepares/transmits ACH payment files. Reviews and recommends customer adjustments for bill errors and abnormal meter readings.
• Assists Accounting Manager with the compilation of data and preparation of various reports including but not limited to, financial and statistical reports for the Sewer and Water Board and Public Service Commission, State report Form C and the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report. Assists Payroll Management Accountant with payroll filing requirements according to Federal and State regulations.
• Assists with oversight of bankruptcy cases impacting city collections and outstanding utility account balances.
• Answers attorney and title company inquiries and prepares special assessment letters for real estate closings.
• Handles customer/citizen inquiries and complaints.
• Attempts to resolve issues, or investigates and responds, or passes the issue to the appropriate individual. Informs supervisor, when appropriate, of citizen issues and resolutions.
• Ensures that issues passed on to other employees are followed through and resolved.
• Ability to instruct and train Finance and other department staff members in methods and procedures.

THE REQUIREMENTS:

1. Associate's degree in Accounting or similar field.
2. A minimum of three (3) years experience in accounting or administrative and office support experience, preferably in the public sector.

Equivalent combinations of training and experience will be considered.