Accounting Assistant

Accounting Assistant

Starting pay: $26.83 Increases to: $29.26 after six months

Work that matters every single day. As an Accounting Assistant with the City of Decatur Finance Department, you'll be the person behind the scenes making sure payments post correctly, records stay accurate, and financial operations never skip a beat. It's detail-driven work with real impact and the kind of role where precision isn't just appreciated, it's essential.

You'll get hands-on experience across accounts payable, reconciliations, deposits, and reporting, plus cross-train across our Treasury Division to build a broader skill set.

You'll do well here if you're:

• Sharp with numbers and comfortable with detail-heavy work
• A natural problem-solver with sound judgment
• Confident using accounting systems and financial software
• A clear communicator, even when the conversation gets technical

If you've got the accounting background and the analytical mind to match, we'd love to see your application.

Benefits

Enjoy a generous package of perks including:

• Competitive Benefits: 14.5 paid holidays (including 2 personal days), paid vacation and sick leave, excellent health insurance, and a strong retirement pension plan
• Dedicated Health Center: Free check-ups, chronic care, bloodwork, immunizations, and many free prescriptions for employees and their dependents

Key Responsibilities

Keep Accounts Payable Accurate and Moving

• Prepare invoices for payment by matching invoices to purchase orders, calculating discounts, coding bills, assigning vendor numbers, and organizing invoices by funds and object codes.
• Enter accounts payable check information into the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system.
• Review data printouts and complete forms related to appropriation changes, purchase order and contract encumbrances, adjustment errors, canceled checks, and related transactions.

Maintain Accurate Accounts and Financial Records

• Perform monthly and annual account reconciliations as requested, including preparing necessary journal entries, reports, and reconciliations.
• Prepare general billing invoices as needed.
• Post daily cash receipts and disbursements to analyze cash balances.
• Maintain accurate accounting and operational records.

Process Payments and Support Daily Cash Activity

• Record daily incoming ACH and wire payment receipts.
• Complete daily bank deposits and related duties.
• Perform payment corrections and payment redistributions as needed.
• Enter and maintain financial information supporting accounts payable, accounts receivable, distributions, and allocations.

Manage Liens and Registration Records

• Print ordinance violation invoices and record ordinance violation property liens.
• Complete requests for lien payoff amounts, release paid property liens, and maintain all lien records.
• Track and maintain boat, pier, and pet registrations.
• Mail invoices and notices and respond to related questions.

Strengthen Continuity Across Finance Operations

• Cross-train across the various duties of the Treasury Division to help ensure continuity of Finance Department functions.
• Support coverage of essential functions when employees need time away from the office.
• Perform related work and other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Qualifications and Preferred Skills

Education & Accounting Experience

• Two years of college with major coursework in accounting or municipal finance administration, plus two years of accounting experience involving knowledge of data processing.
• An equivalent combination of training and experience may be considered.

Accounting & Financial Knowledge

• Knowledge of accounting methods, principles, and techniques.
• Knowledge of office practices and procedures as they apply to maintaining a federally assisted program accounting system.
• Knowledge of the departmental organization, policies, and operation.
• Ability to make accurate and rapid mathematical computations.

Analysis & Independent Judgment

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make well-thought-out decisions with little or no supervision.

Technology & Communication Skills

• Skill in using computers, calculators, copy machines, multi-line phone systems, and other standard office equipment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Ability to understand and carry out detailed oral and written instructions.
• Ability to communicate effectively with the public and other employees in general and difficult work situations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supervising related work is desired.
• An Associate's degree is desired but not required.

Sponsorship for Employment

The City of Decatur does not provide sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H-1B). To be considered for regular employment with City of Decatur, applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a continuous basis.

Examination Process

The examination process will consist of the components listed below. The combination of the written examination and oral interview will constitute 100% of the final examination score.

• Written Examination Applicants will be required to take a written examination tailored to this position. Applicants are required to score at least 70.00%.
• Oral Interview Applicants passing the written test must pass an oral interview with a minimum score of 70.00%.
• Veteran Points Applicants passing the written test and oral interview may be eligible to receive 5.00 veteran preference points added to their final examination score.
• Seniority Points Applicable persons passing the written test and oral interview will receive 0.50 seniority preference points for each full year of continuous City of Decatur AFSCME service. A maximum of 10.0 points may be added to the final examination score.

The City of Decatur is a drug-free workplace. This includes marijuana. Candidates will be subject to a pre-employment drug screen, physical exam, and background check post offer.

More Details

Residency

The Accounting Assistant position is covered under the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) collective bargaining agreement. AFSCME employees shall reside within 50 miles of the corporate limits of the City of Decatur. An appointee may reside outside said limits but must comply no later than 90 days after the completion of the probationary period.

About Decatur

• Central Illinois: Discover affordable living with easy access to Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis.
• Land of Lincoln: Explore Abe's legacy with visits to the nearby Lincoln Home National Historic Site, Lincoln's Tomb, and the family's first Illinois home.
• Shopping and Dining: Browse locally-owned boutiques and specialty shops and savor diverse delights at unique restaurants and quaint eateries.
• Entertainment Abounds: Enjoy concerts at the Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater, performing arts at Millikin University, and shows in the historic Lincoln Theatre downtown.
• Outdoor Recreation: Revel in Lake Decatur with boating and kayaking or explore the City's 2,000 acres of parkland for golfing, walking, biking, dog exercising, or playing disc golf.
• Enriched by Art: Appreciate murals gracing city walls and sculptures stretching from the Scovill Zoo to the Children's Museum.
• Family Fun: Cool off at Splash Cove waterpark or head to Overlook Adventure Park for mini golf or the ropes course.

To Apply

If your education and experience have prepared you for detailed accounting work requiring accuracy, analysis, sound judgment, and strong organizational skills, we encourage you to apply. Your relevant accounting education and experience can support a broad range