Accountant

Under the general supervision of the Controller, this position performs accounting functions, including general ledger, payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable/invoicing and collection, bank account reconciliation, and capital asset data entry, processing, and disposals. This position works with various financial software systems in completing job duties and special projects and interacts with other Town employees, residents, vendors, and stakeholders. The duties listed below are intended only as illustration of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements or duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. Enters data into the automated payroll system, reviews calculated wages, and corrects errors to ensure payroll accuracy. Executes tasks associated with payroll processing and prepares and uploads data files for direct deposit and employee benefit transmissions. Provides cross-coverage for accounts payable and vendor payment processes in coordination with the Senior Accounting including invoice data entry, payment processing, and the archival of invoice records in the Town’s content management system. Assists the Customer Service Supervisor with utility account water consumption analysis and reporting and identification of consumption anomalies; performs various tasks associated with the regular billing of utility accounts. Prepares and/or enters journal entries, allocations, and transfers; completes monthly bank reconciliations; and manages IRS tax reporting and remittances, budget transfers and adjustments, purchase order requisitions, and disbursements. Assists with the annual Town-wide budget development process and the publication of the annual budget document. Performs scheduled duties associated with the financial close processes, ensuring completion of all tasks on the monthly, quarterly, and annual close checklists. Prepares reconciliation of various general ledger accounts and transactions from ancillary systems; prepares other reconciliations as required or assigned. Assists with the annual financial audit and the production of published financial statements; serves as a point of contact with the external auditors, prepares various audit work papers, and assists with the preparation of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) and Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR). Serves as a subject matter expert on generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), governmental accounting standards, and other financial accounting and reporting requirements. Participates in the production and/or prepares monthly, quarterly, and ad hoc financial reports and ensures their accuracy and timeliness. Attends periodic meetings with Town Departments to conduct budget reviews; prepares and distributes budget to actual reports and analysis as needed or required. Assists with Town-wide inventory audit processes to validate and document the quantity of inventory on hand. Provides investment support, prepares investment-related journal entries and reports, and interprets GAAP as applied to Town investments. Develops, maintains, and updates Town accounting policies and standard operating procedures. Participates with tests of internal control systems for the organization and executes internal audits in specific or assigned areas to ensure compliance with policies and relevant laws and regulations. Performs other duties as assigned to support the Town’s mission, goals, and strategic initiatives. Necessary Knowledge, Abilities and Skills Fundamental knowledge of accounting theory and concepts, including but not limited to GAAP, Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) pronouncements, and other applicable accounting and reporting standards. Demonstrated experience with payroll theory, laws, regulations, and practices. Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present technical information clearly and collaborate effectively with Town staff, Town management, regulatory agencies, elected officials, residents, and community stakeholders. Auditing principles or practices. Skilled in the use of financial software, word processing applications, and automated accounting systems. Proficient in Microsoft Office 365, including intermediate-level expertise in Microsoft Excel. Strong attention to detail and problem-solving abilities, including the capacity to manage multiple concurrent tasks, prioritize workloads, and maintain accuracy under strict deadlines. Minimum Education, Experience and Certifications A bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field from an accredited college or university and at least two (2) years of progressively responsible finance and accounting experience. Alternatively, an associate's degree with coursework in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field and four (4) years of progressively responsible finance and accounting experience. Preferred Qualifications Demonstrated experience working with fund or governmental accounting principals, practices, and concepts. Demonstrated intermediate level proficiency in Microsoft Office 360, with a particular emphasis on Microsoft Excel. TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED Personal computers and other standard office equipment including telephone and multi-function copy machine. #J-18808-Ljbffr TOWN OF HIGHLAND PARK