Accounting Assistant

Salary: $20.73 - $33.15 Hourly
Location : 126 N. St. Andrews Street, Dothan, AL
Job Type: FULL TIME
Job Number: 089-26-01
Department: Finance
Opening Date: 07/01/2026
Closing Date: 7/15/2026 11:59 PM Central
FLSA: Non-Exempt


Description
This position performs technical duties in support of assigned city financial operations.

Major Duties

• Processes and approves accounts payable invoices for payment; reviews vendor statements monthly to ensure proper processing by departments.

• Completes vendor credit applications as requested by departments to establish payment terms; assists in maintaining financial system for vendor set-up; enters new and updates existing vendor information.

• Processes and approves purchasing card transactions.

• Posts monthly interest and fees generated by bank accounts to the general ledger; balances bank statements.

• Balances daily reports to copies of deposit slips received from department as assigned.

• Enters monthly appropriations designated by the City Commission to fund agency requests as assigned.

• Coordinates with buyers of auctioned items to provide receipts, etc. as assigned.

• Maintains record of vehicle titles as assigned; ensures titles are filed under correct departments; returns disposed of vehicle titles to Fleet Division for sale by auction.

• Generates and maintains accounts payable group to balance various reports/invoices for Municipal Court as assigned.

• Assists in the management of fixed assets as assigned; compares items delivered to invoices; documents serial numbers, dates purchased and received, location, etc. and assign city identification number; completes related reports and maintains records.

• Maintains travel expense reports as assigned; collects data on cash expenditures for 1099 reports; scans and maintains related files.

• Researches business tax payment activity to ensure compliance.

• Processes utility bills and work orders and reconciles prepay accounts.

• Researches billing errors and performs analysis of utility accounts.

• Exchanges information with other departments to resolve discrepancies in utility accounts.

• Performs adjustments to utility accounts related to water leaks, pool fills, debt collection, garbage exemption, and returned items.

• Researches and collects delinquent utility accounts, including submission of debt to third-party collection agencies.

• Procures warrants as deemed necessary for theft of utility services and collection of returned items.

• Manages and tracks bankruptcy accounts to ensure applicable laws are followed.

• Performs nightly payment balancing to submit end-of-day processing and reporting.

• Performs the setup of new City of Dothan utility accounts for interdepartmental billing by assigning the correct department, receivable codes, expense account, and payable account. Processes interdepartmental bills twice monthly ensuring accounts are charged timely and correctly.

• Coordinates with external utility assistance agencies to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations.

• Assists Customer Service Representatives with daily utility workflow and aids in resolving escalated customer inquiries.

• Performs related duties.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

• Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).

• Knowledge of Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) guidelines.

• Knowledge of accounts payable and receivable principles.

• Knowledge of general ledger accounting principles.

• Knowledge of relevant federal and state laws, city policies, and department policies and procedures.

• Knowledge of computers and job-related software programs.

• Knowledge of collection and bankruptcy best practices.

• Skill in problem solving.

• Skill in Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook.

• Skill in prioritizing and planning.

• Skill in interpersonal relations.

• Skill in oral and written communication.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS
The Accounting Manager and Utility Collections Manager assign work in terms of general instructions. The supervisor spot-checks completed work for compliance with procedures, accuracy, and the nature and propriety of the results.
GUIDELINES
Guidelines include GAAP, GASB guidelines, internal control procedures, relevant state and federal laws, purchasing procedures, and city and department policies and procedures. These guidelines are generally clear and specific but may require some interpretation in application.
COMPLEXITY/SCOPE OF WORK

• The work consists of related technical duties. Strict regulations and the need for accuracy contribute to the complexity of the position.

• The purpose of this position is to provide technical support for assigned city accounting operations. Successful performance ensures the efficiency, effectiveness, and accuracy of those operations.

CONTACTS

• Contacts are typically with coworkers, other city personnel, vendors, and the public.

• Contacts are typically to exchange information, resolve problems, and provide services.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The work is typically performed while sitting at a desk or table or while intermittently sitting, standing, or stooping. The employee occasionally lifts light objects.

• The work is typically performed in an office.

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY
None.

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation from standard senior high school or GED, as recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) or Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA); and

• Two (2) years recent work experience in accounting, bookkeeping, or fiscal clerical experience.

• Possession of a current Certified Governmental Accounting Technician certification (CGAT) preferred.

• Graduation from an accredited* college or university with an Associate's degree or higher in Finance, Accounting, Business, or closely related field from an accredited* college or university preferred.

*Accredited through an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Applicants are required to successfully pass a Data Entry test, with a minimum composite score of 65. The Data Entry test will be administered at the time of the application. (See City of Dothan's Typing Test/Retest Policy).

• May require the employee be bondable.

• Employees in this position must obtain a Certified Governmental Accounting Technician (CGAT) certification within three (3) years of employment/promotion/demotion/transfer.

• An applicant for this position is subject to various background investigations up to and including a criminal, credit, past employment, and reference checks.

• Employees are required to submit to Drug and Alcohol testing in accordance with the City of Dothan policy, which includes pre-employment and random tests for the duration of employment in this position. (PBA 8/13/12)
• Must meet the City of Dothan's employment physical standard, which includes drug/alcohol testing.

Application / Examination
Qualified applicants will be evaluated based on education and experience as documented in their application. This evaluation will comprise 50% of the final grade and the other 50% will be based on the written exam.

The written examination for the position of Accounting Assistant is scheduled for August 3rd , 2026 .
Candidates meeting the minimum qualifications will receive an email notification to self-schedule for the written exam. You MUST self-schedule online or you will not be allowed to take the test.
The content areas of the written examination, for the position of Accounting Assistant, includes the following:


Ability to Work Rapidly with Data/Information
Written Communications
Knowledge of Basic Accounting/Bookkeeping
Reading Comprehension

Mathematical Ability
You will be allowed one (1) hour and (45) forty-five minutes for completion of the examination. Once the examination begins, you will not be allowed to leave the room until you have completed the examination.

NOTE: An applicant on vacation is responsible for attending the examination on the date scheduled. An applicant falling under federally protected leave (i.e., FMLA, USEERRA) is responsible for notifying the Personnel Department in writing no later than the closing date by emailing
Please advise us at the time of application if you will need assistance and/or accommodation to take this examination by emailing
An Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer
The City of Dothan provides a diverse package of benefit programs:

• Vacation: 12 Vacation Days per calendar year
  
  
• Holidays: 12 Paid Holidays per calendar year

• Medical and Dental Insurance: Offered through Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Alabama. Rates vary based on coverage selected

• Retirement Plan: Administered through the Retirement Systems of Alabama

• Life Insurance: Administered through Unum Life. No cost for eligible employees
  
  
• Military Leave: up to 21 working days per calendar year with Military Orders
  
  
• Direct Deposit: Employees may elect to have their payroll check deposited directly into their bank account
  
  
• Employee Health Clinic: Industrial Nurse on duty for work related injuries and minor illnesses
  Other benefits include: Cafeteria plan, Credit Union, Deferred Compensation plans, Employee Assistance Program, Physical Fitness Program, Jury Duty Leave and more.....
  
  
  Note: All benefits are subject to eligibility requirements. Individuals are responsible for any related fees or charges that may apply.

01



Supplemental Questions : This information will be used to determine your placement on the employment register and if you meet the basic qualifications as listed on the job posting. Therefore, please give detailed descriptions of your job duties. You must thoroughly complete the Education and Work Experience sections of the application and the Supplemental Questions. Answer all questions as accurately and with as much detail as possible. Some questions request an explanation to support a "yes" answer. Your explanation should contain experience, education, etc., to show that you do possess whatever skill, knowledge or experience being addressed in the question. Employment and volunteer experiences used to answer any of the questions below must be listed on your application. If you use military experience to meet the experience requirements, do not give dates of your entire tour of duty, rather, you should indicate on your employment application, the month and year you began performing these duties and the month and year you stopped.

• I have read and understand the above statement and will submit any required verification or supporting documents by the closing date of this advertisement.

02


Which best describes your highest completed level of education?

• None
• High School Diploma/GED
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree or higher

03


Check the appropriate field of study for your degree.

• Finance
• Accounting
• Business
• Other - Closely Related
• Other - Non Related
• No degree

04


If you checked "Other" in question #3 above, please list your degree/major/field of study, etc. If not applicable, list "N/A"
05


Which best describes your recent (within the past 5 years) work experience performing accounting, bookkeeping, or fiscal clerical work ?

• No experience
• 0 - 0.9 year
• 1 - 1.9 years
• 2 - 4.9 years
• 5 - 9.9 years
• 10 - 14.9 years
• More than 15 years

06


List employer/s where you gained the experience in question #5 . Employer(s) must be listed in both the work history section of your application and in your response below to receive credit. If none, type "N/A" in the space below. DO NOT INDICATE "SEE RESUME."
07


List examples of duties performed to support your answer in question #5 . Employer(s) must be listed in the work history section of your application to receive credit. If none, type "N/A" in the space below. DO NOT INDICATE "SEE RESUME."
08


Which best describes your recent (within the past 5 years) work experience in collections (i.e. bankruptcy, bankruptcy law, returned items, etc.)?

• No experience
• 0 - 0.9 year
• 1 - 1.9 years
• 2- 4.9 years
• 5 - 9.9 years
• 10 - 14.9 years
• More than 15 years

09


List employer/s where you gained the experience in question #8 . Employer(s) must be listed in both the work history section of your application and in your response below to receive credit. If none, type "N/A" in the space below. DO NOT INDICATE "SEE RESUME."
10


List examples of duties performed to support your answer in question #8 . Employer(s) must be listed in the work history section of your application to receive credit. If none, type "N/A" in the space below. DO NOT INDICATE "SEE RESUME."
11


Which best describes your recent (within the past 5 years) work experience in accounts payable (i.e. invoice processing, bank reconciliations, etc.)?

• No experience
• 0 - 0.9 year
• 1 - 1.9 years
• 2 - 4.9 years
• 5 - 9.9 years
• 10 - 14.9 years
• More than 15 years

12


List employer/s where you gained the experience in question #11 . Employer(s) must be listed in both the work history section of your application and in your response below to receive credit. If none, type "N/A" in the space below. DO NOT INDICATE "SEE RESUME."
13


List examples of duties performed to support your answer in question #11 . Employer(s) must be listed in the work history section of your application to receive credit. If none, type "N/A" in the space below. DO NOT INDICATE "SEE RESUME."
14


Which best describes your recent (within the past 5 years) work experience in billing (i.e. utility billing, accounts receivable, etc. ?

• No experience
• 0 - 0.9 year
• 1 - 1.9 years
• 2 - 4.9 years
• 5 - 9.9 years
• 10 - 14.9 years
• More than 15 years

15


List employer/s where you gained the experience in question #14 . Employer(s) must be listed in both the work history section of your application and in your response below to receive credit. If none, type "N/A" in the space below. DO NOT INDICATE "SEE RESUME."
16


List examples of duties performed to support your answer in question #14 . Employer(s) must be listed in the work history section of your application to receive credit. If none, type "N/A" in the space below. DO NOT INDICATE "SEE RESUME."
17


Do you possess a current Certified Governmental Accounting Technician (CGAT) certification?In order to receive credit, you must submit a current copy of your certification by the closing date of this advertisement. You may fax it to View phone number on click.appcast.io, submit by mail or in person to the City of Dothan, Personnel Department, 126 N St. Andrews Street, Room 116, Dothan, AL 36303, or by email to View email address on click.appcast.io.

• Yes
• No

18


An employee in this position must obtain a Certified Governmental Accounting Technician (CGAT) certification within three (3) years of employment/promotion/demotion/transfer. Are you willing to meet this requirement?

• Yes I understand and agree to obtain this certification.
• No, I am not willing to obtain this certification.

19


This is to certify that I have read and understand the Certification of Understanding & Condition of Employment/Promotion/Demotion/Transfer Form for this position with the City of Dothan, Alabama.
Click here
Failure to check "I Agree/Understand" discontinues the application process. (A signed form will be requested at time of hire, promotion, transfer or demotion.)

• I Agree/Understand
• I Disagree

20


Some positions require an employee be bonded. Can you meet this requirement?

• Yes
• No

21


All applicants are required to successfully pass a DATA ENTRY TEST with a minimum composite score of 65 . The data entry test must be on file no later than July 22, 2026 .Data entry tests are administered at the Personnel Department M-F, 8am - 4pm or you may fax a copy of acceptable test results to View phone number on click.appcast.io or submit by mail or in person to the City of Dothan, Personnel Department, 126 N St Andrews Street, Dothan, AL 36303.

• I will submit my data entry test by the deadline.
• I have a data entry test on file with City's Personnel Department as required.

22


This position ALSO requires a written exam that will be administered August 3, 2026 .If you meet the qualifications, you will be emailed an invitation to self schedule for the written exam. You MUST self-schedule in order to take the written exam.

• I understand and I will self-schedule on-line in order to take the written exam for this position
• I will not self-schedule therefore I will not be allowed to test and no longer considered for this position

23


I understand that once my application has been submitted for this specific position that I WILL NOT be able to make any changes to it. Any changes to my master application will only be reflected in any future positions for which I may apply.

• Yes, I Understand

24



Note : Before submitting your application, be sure to review your application for completeness and accuracy. Your score will be based on the information you have provided on your application and supplemental questionnaire. Failure to provide sufficient detailed information will result in your application being rejected or receiving a lower score. Therefore, it is important that you provide complete employment information to include the name of your employer, your official job title, dates of employment (from-to, month/year), hours worked per week, and a detailed description of your duties for each job listed on your application. Resumes are not accepted in lieu of the application or supplemental questionnaire .

• I understand that failure to provide sufficient detailed information may result in my application being rejected or receiving a lower examination score.

25


Personnel Use Only
Required Question