Accountant

SUMMARY: The City of Edgewater is seeking an Accountant. Edgewater is a city of approximately 5,000 residents nestled between the cities of Denver, Wheat Ridge, and Lakewood. The accountant will be responsible for professional-level accounting functions including accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger maintenance, journal entries, reconciliations, and financial reporting. Ensures accuracy and compliance with City policies and applicable accounting standards while supporting month-end and year-end close processes, audit preparation, and financial analysis. Provides guidance and oversight on financial transactions and works collaboratively with departments to ensure accurate and timely financial records. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include, but are not limited to, the following: Financial Reporting / General Ledger / Internal Controls: - Prepares journal entries and adjustments as needed. - Assists in preparing monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports for management and audit purposes. - Assists with month-end and year-end close processes. - Assists in preparing documentation and schedules for audits. - Maintains and monitors general ledger accuracy and supporting documentation. - Monitors compliance with internal controls, city policies, GAAP, and governmental accounting standards. - Identifies risks in financial operations and recommends process improvements to support effective internal controls and segregation of duties. Bank Reconciliation and Cash Management: - Performs bank reconciliation entries for all city bank accounts. - Monitors cash balances and ensures accurate recording of transactions. - Investigates and resolves discrepancies between bank statements and city records. Revenue, Sales, and Use Tax: · Manages records of sales and use tax reporting and payments received from the state. · Reconciles city records with state-reported amounts to ensure accuracy. · Provides internal support and documentation for state sales and use tax compliance. · Coordinates with the City Clerk as needed regarding business licensing impacts. Payroll Processing: - Processes bi-weekly payroll, ensuring accurate and timely payment to employees. - Verifies approvals and timesheets - Maintains payroll records and ensures compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. - Assists with payroll reporting and audits as required. Accounts Payable & Receivables (Utilities Support) - Processes accounts payable invoices in accordance with City policies, including coding, verification, and required approvals. - Prepares and issues vendor payments, including checks and electronic funds transfers (EFTs). - Assists with accounts receivable and aging report monitoring related to utility billing accounts. - Supports resolution of vendor and customer billing/payment discrepancies. Other Duties: - Provides assistance as required, including data entry, filing, and record retention. - Participates in special projects, including process improvements and policy development. - Works collaboratively with other departments to support accurate and timely financial operations. ** ** QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS - Legal authorization to work in the United States. - Ability to travel to off-site locations as needed. - Successful completion of a pre-employment background check. - Ability to perform each essential duty satisfactorily and demonstrate professional judgment. ** ** REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE - Bachelor's degree in accounting, Finance, or related field. - Preferred 2 years of professional accounting experience or equivalent municipal finance experience. ** ** OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES - Strong working knowledge of accounting principles (GAAP) and governmental accounting standards. - Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite 365 and accounting software; ability to learn city-specific financial systems. - Knowledge of payroll processing and bank reconciliation procedures. - Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills. - Excellent customer service, communication, and interpersonal skills to maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders. - Ability to perform duties with attention to detail, accuracy, and confidentiality. ENVIRONMENTAL AND PHYSICAL CONDITIONS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. · Ability to review documents, analyze information, and communicate effectively. · Most duties are performed in an office environment. The incumbent may make occasional trips to external locations experiencing exposure to weather elements and temperatures, construction site risks, and automobile travel. · Ability to lift and carry items such as office supplies and equipment, up to 20 pounds occasionally. · Ability to communicate effectively in person, in writing, and through available communication technologies.