Staff Accountant - Accounts Payable

Staff Accountant

A member on the Finance Office team supporting the fiscal operation and all financial planning functions in support of the County's $240 million budget. This position performs the expanded accounts payable functions, including vendor administration, invoice processing, P-card support, and expense reimbursement related processes. As a Staff Accountant, this position shares in the responsibilities of the monthly, quarterly and annual reporting processes, including data validation, account reconciliations, and preparing schedules. This includes all general accounting processes, financial close, internal and external reporting, audit and compliance filings. They will partner in the evaluation of current operations and in advancing improvements for a better user experience, accuracy and access to information, and financial efficiency. This may include supporting the evaluation of technology and process improvement initiatives. This position has a substantial customer service orientation, supporting all Dare County departments as they navigate these financial processes.

County Payments

• Complete accounts payable processing; review and validate invoice submissions; review correctness of coding, budget availability, proper approval, payment terms, etc.; initiate weekly check run;
• Monitor the accounts payable email address;
• Prepare off-cycle payments and check runs; support County departments with questions on submitting invoices and other requests for payments;
• Support the vendor registration process, including independent verification of banking and other contact information; evaluate appropriate configuration for 1099 reporting; process vendor updates;
• Serve as an expert on financial policies and as a resource to County departments in their application; make recommendations for policy enhancements and efficiencies.

Expense Reimbursements

• Support employee submissions of expense reimbursements, answering questions and providing guidance;
• Review for correctness account coding, per diem and mileage calculations, documentation and proper approval before processing;
• Support the administration of the County's P-Card program including responding to questions.

Accounting Processes

• Support the monthly, quarterly and annual (calendar and fiscal year) closing process, completing account reconciliations and related correcting entries/processes. This includes the comparison of data between multiple systems to validate its completeness and accuracy;
• Review and reconcile activity by vendor/payee to support the accuracy of calendar year 1099 filing;
• Prepare and assist with schedules to support the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, audit, and other compliance filings;
• Respond to auditor inquiries and research discrepancies.

Payroll

• Serve as a back-up for the payroll function and complete the full payroll cycle. This includes validating the completeness and accuracy of entered time before import; initiation, validation and completion of the payroll process; preparing reports; and responding to questions from employees on the results.

Deposits

• Record cash receipts and enter deposits (journal) and prepare supporting documentation;
• Reconcile Tyler Payments module payment activity to payment batches in Tyler (Munis);
• Prepare Image Cash Letter file for tax and water department remote deposits in Cashiering module;
• Prepare remote or physical deposit batches; make bank deposits as applicable.

Other

• Participate in team meetings, trainings and projects;
• Serve as backup for other members of the team;
• Provide support to Finance team members as needed;
• Maintain appropriate credentials and training;
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Position Qualifications

• Strong technical financial operation and accounting skills.
• Excellent customer service, problem solving and time management skills.
• Willingness to embrace and recommend change and process improvements.
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal and communication skills; strong attention to detail and accuracy; strong quantitative skills; good judgment, discretion and ability to maintain confidentiality; ability to interact with diverse constituencies.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously; the ability to work as part of a team and independently.
• Strong computer skills including advanced Microsoft Excel, proficiency in greater Microsoft suite, proficiency in Google tools; knowledge of Tyler (Munis) preferred.
• Knowledge of general accepted governmental accounting terminology, principles, methods, and procedures and/or the ability to learn them.
• Demonstrated ability to understand and apply laws and established policies to the maintenance of financial records.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, elected officials, attorneys, contractors, engineers, vendors, auditors, and the public.

Education, Experience and Supplemental Information

• Associate degree in related field or equivalent experience. Bachelor/Master's degree preferred.
• Three to five (3-5) years of experience in related field or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.
• Valid driver's license.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Dare County provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics.

Background Check Statement

Position may require a background check that may include: criminal, credit, motor vehicle, education, and sexual offender registry or based on job requirements. Unless required by state law, a record of conviction will not automatically exclude you consideration for employment. Dare County Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

A competitive benefits package is provided:

• 12 - 30 paid vacation days per year, based on length of service
• 12 paid sick days per year
• 12 paid holidays per year
• 3 paid personal leave days
• Employer-paid medical insurance for employee
• Life Insurance
• Local Government Retirement System
• Automatic 3% contribution into NC Total Retirement 401K Plan
• Longevity Pay Plan
• Employee Assistance Counseling Program
• Transfer of sick leave from another North Carolina state or local government agency will be considered within 2 months of hire
• Elective supplemental insurance including short-term disability, vision, dental, term life

Employees have the option to cover their dependents on the County's group policy at their own expense through payroll deduction. Note: Part-time positions do not include benefits. If this is a part-time position, it will not include benefits.