Staff Accountant I

General Purpose: The Staff Accountant is a key position in the Department of Finance reporting to the Director of Financial Services. The position requires knowledge of fund accounting, independent judgment and decision-making skills. Frequent interaction with internal and external customers. Duties will include accounts payable, accounts receivables, grant management, cash handling, performs routine clerical, accounting, compiles payroll data to maintain payroll records, process payroll, unclaimed property, and purchasing function of the City. Scanning and filing records to the server and financial software on a daily basis. This position has opportunity for significant professional growth for the right candidate. SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED: Receives direct supervision from the Director of Financial Services. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Plan, organize, and prioritize multiple assignments to effectively manage a fast paced and changing work environment without compromising accuracy (Adaptability). Maintain confidentiality and protect the privacy of city employees, tax payers, vendors, and other members of the public. (Sensitive financial information). Act in the best interest of the City, maintain confidentiality and continually strive to improve self and job performance. (Professional Conduct & Development). Consistently meet internal and external customer needs and expectations in a professional matter. Provides information verbally and in writing when communicating with other departments, management, and customers. Researches, analyzes, and processes unclaimed property forms. Respond to telephone calls and makes outgoing calls to claimants, or in writing if necessary. Perform routine (journal entries) accounts examination work in the unclaimed property records. Compiles payroll data such as hours worked from time sheets and Time Clock Plus (TCP) and other records. Prepares computer input forms, enters data into computer files, or computes wages and deductions and posts to payroll records. Reviews wages computed and corrects errors to ensure accuracy of payroll cycle. Assists and prepares monthly, quarterly, and annual payroll reports and other annual reports such as 941, 945, 1099, and W2's. Prepare and post journal entries to general ledger. Assists in maintaining daily cash balance and balancing cash on hand against receipts; assists in preparing and balancing deposits. Assists with preparation for external auditors (State and Workers Comp) and annual audit. Reconciles all bank accounts for the City. Assist with the entry and maintenance of purchase requisitions. Prepares, review, and coordinate BIDS, RFP, RFQ and other purchasing duties. Handles NSF checks returned by bank. Review PAF Records data concerning transfer of employees between departments and ensure that the proper general ledger account is being utilized. Answers payroll related questions from employees. Prepares and issues paychecks. Enters payroll data on ledgers, control sheets, warrants and other accounting records; enters accounts payable expenditures into financial system. Inputs budgetary data into financial accounting system. Assists in reconciling general ledger to various payroll reports. Prepares periodic financial, statistical or operational reports as assigned. Answers payables and other financial related questions from employees, vendors, and citizens. Reconciles vendor statements on a monthly basis. Gathers annual data for external auditors and prepares work-papers for audit areas. Prepares and distributes 1099's. Verifies travel vouchers for correct calculations and proper expense accounts. Maintains payroll related employee leave records, such as sick or vacation leave and input balance into TCP after each payroll run during the payroll cycle. Responsible for maintaining the fixed asset register for the City of Copperas Cove, and prepares the walk-forward for external auditors. Reconciles P-Card statements on a monthly basis. Reconciles fuel accounts on a monthly basis. Prepares monthly and annual inventory reports and adjusting entries posted to the General Ledger. Responsible for reconciliation of the capital outlay accounts and preparation of the work-papers for external auditors. Process payments collected at the Finance Department. Records daily revenue to the General ledger. Review bad debt accounts and refunds from municipal utility accounts. Prepares invoices utilizing the Accounts Receivable Module on a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis. Reviews dump charges on a monthly basis and additional charges to utility accounts from the Solid Waste Department. This position will serve as a limited backup for the other positions within the department. This will require cross training to learn duties that can be performed during those periods of absence. Coordinate and research special projects as needed and perform any other duties assigned by the Director of Financial Services. Log-in mail and distribute invoices to all departments within the City. Regular and timely attendance is an essential job function. PERIPHERAL DUTIES: Provides clerical support to other finance staff as required. Composes, types, and edits a variety of correspondence, reports, memoranda, and other material requiring judgment as to content, accuracy, and completeness. Other Duties as assigned. DESIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in accounting, finance, business or public administration, or a closely related field, or Two (2) years of experience in governmental accounting and/or purchasing, or Any equivalent combination of education and experience. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Must be bondable; Valid State Driver's License, or ability to obtain one prior to employment. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and governmental standards and /or fund accounting; Knowledge of internal control procedures; Knowledge of office automation and computerized financial applications; Knowledge of public finance and fiscal planning; Knowledge of payroll, accounts payable functions, and accounts receivable functions; Knowledge of budgetary, accounting and reporting systems; Ability to organize data into a usable format using Microsoft Office Suite; Ability to work independently to complete work and special projects on time; Ability to operate as part of a team; Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, City officials; Ability to perform related duties and responsibilities as required; Ability to communicate effective orally and in writing; Ability to operate a wide range of computer equipment. SELECTION GUIDELINES: Formal applications, rating of education and experience; oral interview and reference check; job related tests may be required. TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED: Personal computer, including spreadsheet, word processing, and presentation software; central financial computer system; telephone; 10 key calculators; fax and copy machine. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 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 accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderately quiet. The employee must have the ability to work well with others and have a good/pleasant attitude. The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. No one will perform the duties of a higher position without prior authorization from an individual authorized to approve. The position description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change. #J-18808-Ljbffr