Accountant

Pay: $16.50 Per Hour and Benefits

Job Type: Full Time

Department/Division: Finance Administration

HOURS OF WORK:

8-hour days, 40-hours per week. Working shift is 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday thru Friday. Overtime is required often during budget preparation and some during audit preparation. Exemption Status: Non-Exempt.

PAY SCHEDULE:

Paydays are every other Friday (biweekly) and shall compensate employees for work performed during the 14-day period ending on the Sunday immediately before the payday.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF WORK:

Under the administrative direction of the Finance Director, this individual must have the ability to perform a variety of routine to difficult accounting, secretarial and clerical duties; compiles, maintains, and verifies accounts payables and receivables, posts financial information; verifies the accuracy of financial documents; prepares departmental time records and payroll reports; prepares records, and reconciles the payroll of City employees; assists in the compilation of the annual City budget and related budget forms; prepares and maintains financial statements and reports; creates and maintains charts, graphs, spreadsheets and databases, and has the initiative and ability to use independent judgment and work efficiently with minimal supervision.

ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES OF WORK:

• Verifies, allocates, and posts details of financial transactions to subsidiary accounts in journals or computer files from documents such as invoices, receipts, check stubs, and computer printouts.
• Reconciles City’s bank accounts to the general ledger.
• Posts journal entries to the general ledger.
• Compiles periodic statistical reports on payroll, budget, accounts payable and receivables and other items pertinent to the operation of the City.
• Calculates employee wages from time sheets and enters data into the payroll program for the preparation of checks or direct deposits for payment of wages.
• Calculates employee payroll taxes, benefits, & deductions.  
• Submits payments to the corresponding insurance carriers, unions, taxing organizations, etc.
• Prepares accounts payable checks and maintains account payable files.
• Examines a variety of accounting and other documents to verify accuracy of computations, ascertains that transactions are properly supported and are in accordance with pertinent practices and procedures, and are classified and recorded according to appropriate accounting standards; reconciles reports and financial data with financial statements.
• Contacts City staff, contractors, suppliers, or the public as required to resolve questions of an accounting nature; prepares necessary correspondence.
• Assists in the compilation of the annual City budget and related budget forms.
• Assists in the preparation of spreadsheets and journal entries for the external audit.
• Prepares various financial reports and statements, trial balances, schedules, exhibits and summaries.
• Performs a variety of secretarial and clerical duties; types labels, letters, envelopes, and other office documents.
• Prepares departmental time records and payroll reports.
• Assists in the orientation of new employees.
• Recommends new or revised account-keeping procedures subject to review and approval; and may assist in their installation; interprets and applies rules and regulations of the City.
• Creates and maintains charts, graphs, spreadsheets and databases to explain numerical data.
• Handles cash and negotiable instruments.
• Establishes and maintains office files.
• Prepares worksheets using Microsoft Excel software and types documents using Microsoft Word software.
• Operates computer, typewriter, calculator, copy machine, fax machine, mobile radio unit, and related office equipment.
• Prepares, picks up, and delivers bank deposits and mail for the Finance and Utility Billing offices.
• Assist Utility Billing Office as needed. 
• Performs related duties as assigned.

EDUCATION:

• Requires knowledge, skill and mental development equivalent to the completion of four years high school.
• Requires ability to pass Adult Basic Education Test
• College coursework in accounting or a directly related field is desirable.

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• Minimum of two years of responsible accounting or bookkeeping experience.
• Thorough knowledge of the principles and procedures used in the preparation of bank reconciliations; accounting procedures and transactions used in general ledger accounting.
• Knowledge of the mathematical techniques and concepts involved in collecting, interpreting, organizing and presenting numerical data.
• One-on-one experience in dealing with the general public and business professionals.
• Ability to handle multi-tasks and to organize duties and produce results in a timely manner.
• Excellent communication skills, written and verbal.
• Knowledge of the function, organization, and operation of City Government.
• Ability to successfully pass a background security and credit check.
• Extensive knowledge of modern office procedures and practices.
• Knowledge of the operation of calculator, computer, facsimile machine, copier, and switchboard.
• Skilled in the utilization of Microsoft Excel and Word software.
• Knowledge of Tyler Accounting and Payroll software, preferred

SIGNIFICANT RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Ability to prepare and compile departmental data for use in various types of reports.
• Ability to work independently, confidentially, and efficiently without direct or continued supervision.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with the general public and fellow employees.
• Ability to type a minimum of 30 (net) words per minute with 10-Key Operation skills.
• Ability to operate standard office machines accurately and efficiently.
• Requires proficient knowledge of computers, specifically the Windows Operating System, and computer programs, such as Microsoft Office, Excel, Word, the Internet, and e-mail programs. 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Occasional walking, reaching, bending, and lifting or carrying objects under 25 pounds, requires the ability to sit for extended periods of time.
• Perform detailed work requiring visual acuity.
• Use written sources of information, e.g. read reports, procedural documentation, reference materials.
• Digital dexterity, e.g. using computer keyboard and calculator.
• Use oral communication to perform work, e.g. answer telephone, receive visitors

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT:

• Residency within the limits of Jefferson County is required of all City Employees.