Accountant

Job Description

Job Description

Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, the Accountant plays a key role in supporting the organization's mission through accurate accounting practices, financial stewardship, and exceptional service to internal and external stakeholders. This position is responsible for one or more of the following areas, either as a primary function or backup support: staff payroll, accounts payable, retirement benefits administration, banking operations and cash transactions, general ledger, financial reporting support, and compliance activities that help safeguard public resources and ensure operational effectiveness. Working collaboratively across the organization, the Accountant prepares and analyzes financial information, maintains accurate financial records, supports leadership decision-making through timely reporting, and ensures compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and internal controls.

Your Primary and Supportive Responsibilities

Staff Payroll Administration

• Process and reconcile biweekly staff payroll, including new hire setup, payroll adjustments, Automated Clearing House (ACH) transmissions, payroll reporting, and related accounting entries.

• Review payroll calculations and supporting documentation to ensure accuracy and compliance with applicable laws, policies, and procedures.

• Research and respond to payroll-related inquiries while providing excellent customer service to employees and stakeholders.

Accounts Payable

• Verify, process, and reconcile accounts payable transactions, ensuring timely and accurate vendor payments.

• Prepare and transmit payments and maintain supporting documentation and records.

• Research and respond to vendor and payment inquiries, resolving discrepancies as needed.

• Maintain accurate accounts payable records and support internal control processes.

Retirement Benefit Payment Administration

• Administer monthly retirement benefit payments, ensuring accurate payment processing, tax withholding, deductions, electronic deposits, and check disbursements.

• Review benefit and payroll data for accuracy, reconcile discrepancies, and monitor transactions to identify and resolve payment issues, errors, or potential fraud.

• Monitor bank transactions and returned payments, researching and resolving exceptions to ensure timely and accurate benefit disbursements.

• Prepare and transmit ACH files and related payment documentation.

• Coordinate stop-payment requests with banking partners and assist in resolving payment-related issues.

Bank Transactions

• Monitor bank account balances and maintain the integrity of financial data.

• Perform bank reconciliations, investigate variances, and timely resolve discrepancies.

• Maintain accurate cash records and support internal control processes.

General Ledger

• Prepare, post, and reconcile general ledger journal entries to ensure accurate and complete financial records.

• Perform account reconciliations, investigate variances, and timely resolve discrepancies.

• Monitor account balances and maintain the integrity of financial data.

• Support month-end and year-end closing activities.

• Financial reporting support.

• Prepare financial reports, schedules, statements, and supporting documentation.

• Provide accurate and timely financial information to leadership and internal stakeholders.

• Assist with audits and other financial reviews by preparing requested schedules, reports, and supporting documentation.

Compliance & Regulatory Reporting

• Prepare federal and state tax payments, regulatory filings, and required tax documents, including Forms 941, 945, 1099, 1099-R, and W-2.

• Ensure compliance with applicable accounting standards, tax regulations, internal controls, and organizational policies.

• Maintain records in accordance with established records retention requirements and applicable regulations.

Operational Excellence & Administrative Support

• Identify opportunities for process improvements that enhance accuracy, efficiency, and customer service.

• Collaborate with internal departments, external vendors, financial institutions, and other stakeholders to support organizational objectives.

• Serve as a backup for other critical finance functions within the team.

Your Capabilities and Credentials

• Proficient in generally accepted accounting principles, internal controls, banking transactions, and tax practices and procedures.

• Able to accurately reconcile accounts; compile, read, and analyze data; accurately prepare detailed reports.

• Proven ability to work and summarize complex accounting and financial records.

• Well organized and keen attention to detail.

• Demonstrate advanced analytical and critical thinking skills.

• Effective communicator, both written and verbal.

• Contribute to positive work relationships in a team-oriented and collaborative environment.

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation or progress toward obtaining such designation is preferred.

Education and/or Experience

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field, plus two years of relevant work experience or any equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Experience processing and reconciling payrolls. Knowledge of employee benefits plans. Proficiency with Microsoft Office software, including Outlook, Word, and Excel. Experience with Microsoft Dynamics GP accounting software preferred. Experience with month-end closing procedures preferred. Familiarity with governmental accounting standards, internal controls, and compliance requirements is desirable. Investment accounting knowledge/experience is a plus.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

Valid Texas driver’s license or available alternate means of transportation.

Travel

May require limited travel for training or conferences, as required.

Compensation and Benefits

The starting salary will be between $77,000 to $85,000 annually with the actual compensation corresponding to the experience level and credentials of the candidate within the parameters of public sector compensation. An excellent benefits package is available, including medical, dental, vision, sick and vacation leave as well as a defined benefit retirement plan, which guarantees an income for life once vested. Parking is provided.

Work Location

COAERS offers a hybrid work schedule, meaning this position will work in an office environment with opportunities to work remotely. During the initial training period (usually 4 months), the work location is in-person Monday through Friday at 4700 Mueller Blvd, Austin TX. After the training period is successfully completed, work is hybrid with three days in-person at 4700 Mueller Blvd, Austin TX and two days per week remote. Work location is subject to change at the supervisor's discretion.

COAERS is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of any characteristic protected by federal law. We are committed to a recruitment process that is accessible. If you require reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process, please indicate this in your application.

The City of Austin Employees’ Retirement System (COAERS) mission is to provide our members with their promised benefits. We are driven to be best-in-class, passionate about service excellence, and committed to creating a welcoming environment where everyone can excel by leveraging our skillset, experiences, and backgrounds.

Company Description

The City of Austin Employees’ Retirement System (COAERS) mission is to provide our members with their promised benefits. We are driven to be best-in-class, passionate about service excellence, and committed to creating a welcoming environment where everyone can excel by leveraging our skillset, experiences, and backgrounds.