Staff Accountant - Finance Department

Staff AccountantThe Municipality of Princeton is seeking a detail-oriented and reliable Staff Accountant to join its Finance Department. The successful candidate will play a key role in supporting the municipality's day-to-day financial operations, with particular emphasis on banking and cash management, general ledger maintenance, and escrow account administration. This is an excellent opportunity for an accounting professional to contribute to the sound fiscal management of local government.Employee benefits include medical and dental insurance, vision reimbursement, and prescription drug plan access; fourteen paid holidays, vacation, sick, and personal leave; training and continuing education, including tuition reimbursement up to $2,750 annually; non-resident benefits of Princeton Public Library and recreation program use.Essential Functions PerformedPerform daily and monthly bank reconciliations across all municipal accountsMonitor cash positions and assist with cash flow reportingProcess and verify wire transfers, ACH transactions, and electronic paymentsServe as a liaison with municipal banking institutions to resolve discrepanciesMaintain and reconcile general ledger accounts in accordance with GAAP and applicable state and municipal accounting standardsPrepare and post journal entries, including accruals, adjustments, and reclassificationsAssist with month-end and year-end closing processesSupport preparation of financial statements and schedules for internal and external reporting, including audit preparationEstablish, track, and reconcile developer, planning/zoning, and other municipal escrow accountsMonitor escrow balances, process deposits and disbursements, and ensure compliance with applicable regulations and municipal ordinancesPrepare escrow account statements and respond to inquiries from applicants, developers, and municipal departmentsCoordinate with the Finance Department, Planning/Zoning offices, and outside professionals regarding escrow-related billing and refundsAssist with budget preparation, monitoring, and reporting as neededSupport external audits and respond to auditor requestsEnsure compliance with N.J. Division of Local Government Services regulations and municipal finance requirementsPerform other accounting and clerical duties as assignedRequired Knowledge & AbilitiesStrong attention to detail and accuracyExcellent organizational and time-management skillsAbility to handle confidential financial information with discretionStrong written and verbal communication skillsAbility to work both independently and collaboratively within a team environmentStrong organizational, project management, and time management skills and experienceProactive self-starter with integrity, a strong work ethic, and sound judgmentA positive attitude and commitment to working as a team player in a dynamic and fast-paced environmentMinimum Required QualificationsBachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a related field preferredCandidates with equivalent relevant municipal experience in lieu of a degree will also be consideredPrior accounting experience required, ideally including general ledger, bank reconciliation, and/or escrow/trust account managementProficiency with accounting/ERP software and Microsoft Office products requiredMust satisfy employer paid physical, drug screen and criminal background checkNJ residency required by N.J.S.A. 52:14-7 (L. 2011, Chapter 70)Pursuant to Federal Law, proof of US Citizenship or immigration status will be required upon hire