Accounting Specialist

Nature of Work

Under the direction of the Auditor, the Accounting Specialist performs technical support of moderate to high difficulty in the preparation and maintenance of the City's financial and payroll records and reports. The Accounting Specialist provides primary, ongoing support to the Payroll Administrator and the Deputy Auditor across the full accounting and payroll function, including such complex and specialized work as payroll processing, accounts payable, accounts receivable, bank reconciliation, grants reconciliation, budgets, and taxes. The position also supports the income tax function as needed. The Accounting Specialist must use strong accounting, recordkeeping, research, and analytical skills to perform these duties and to develop ad hoc reports and other financial data for use by management. Strong customer service skills and interdepartmental coordination skills are essential.

Essential Functions

Provides primary support to the Payroll Administrator; assists with and processes citywide payroll, and processes citywide payroll independently in the Payroll Administrator's absence.

Computes and reviews payroll changes; maintains payroll-related accounts, deductions, and withholdings, processes Ohio public retirement reports (e.g. OPERS, OP&F) and associated compliance.

Tracks employee fringe benefits for IRS compliance.

Provides primary support to the Deputy Auditor,; processes accounts payable (AP), and accounts receivable (A/R) functions, including positive pay, and performs these functions independently in the Deputy Auditor's absence.

Reconciles bank accounts as directed by the Auditor and Deputy Auditor.

Prepares bank deposits and leads remote check deposit functions.

Reconciles and tracks grant activity and assists with related financial reporting.

Processes tax budget and year-end budget forms for submission to the County Budget Commission; supports budget preparation and encumbrance tracking.

Develops reports, spreadsheets, and other financial documents as directed.

Supports the income tax team as needed, including during peak filing periods; assists taxpayers and the general public with records research and general information on tax laws, policies, and procedures; documents and posts payments and related correspondence; computes penalty and interest; and helps process tax bills, delinquency notices, and over-the-counter mail and online collections.

Monitors the fixed assets and updates records as needed. Assists with the month-end and year-end closing processes, as well as the opening of new accounting months and the new accounting year, and performs these functions independently in the Deputy Auditor's absence.

IMPORTANT JOB FUNCTIONS:

Serves as cross-functional support within the Office of the Auditor, ensuring continuity of payroll and accounting operations during the absence of the Payroll Administrator or the Deputy Auditor, and assisting the income tax function during peak filing periods and as operational needs require.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements

Education and Experience:

Associate degree in Accounting or Finance and two (2) years of experience in payroll, accounting, and/or bookkeeping, preferably in a government or tax office setting; or an equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word is required. Experience with payroll systems and governmental/fund accounting, and payroll coursework or certification (e.g., FPC or CPP), are preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:

Generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and governmental/fund accounting concepts (GASB).

In-depth knowledge of accounting terminology and routines.

Payroll procedures, including Ohio public-sector withholdings and reporting (e.g., OPERS, OP&F, Medicare).

Personnel policies and procedures related to payroll administration.

Current laws pertaining to payroll and associated withholdings.

General bookkeeping pertaining to A/R and A/P.

Ability to develop a working understanding of payroll, accounting, and income tax software for daily maintenance of activity records.

Skill in:

Performing mathematical calculations and analytical procedures.

Working with employees, departments, and the public in a patient, courteous, and professional manner.

Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and skill in developing spreadsheets.

Problem-solving, planning, and organizational skills, including fastidious attention to detail and skill in multi-tasking.

Mental and Physical Abilities:

Ability to compile, analyze and prepare reports and records.

Must be dependable and utilize a high degree of confidentiality in performing assigned duties.

Ability to perform detailed work and complex calculations with a high degree of accuracy and to identify, research, and resolve problems independently.

Ability to exercise discretion, initiative and resourcefulness in carrying out duties.

Ability to apply internal fiscal controls in the performance of work assignments.

Must be able to perform the basic life operation functions of stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pulling, lifting, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions.

Must be able to perform light work, exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and or a negligible amount of force constantly.

Must possess the visual acuity to prepare and analyze data and figures, operate computer terminal, and do extensive reading and research.

Working Conditions:

Work is performed in a normal office environment. Working conditions are typically moderately quiet. May require non-standard hours infrequently for project based work or based on operational need.