Accountant

Job Description

Job Description

At Mid-Continent Public Library, we:

Imagine. We inspire innovation through curiosity and exploration.

Try new things. We empower what works and learn from the rest.

Lead the way. We connect people to information, ideas, and inspiration.

Welcome all. We embrace new perspectives and listen with humility.

Everything we do, we do together.

Schedule: In-person, Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 5:00pm.

Position Overview:

The Accountant works in conjunction with the Finance Director to manage the financial activities of the library. The Accountant is responsible for performing professional accounting work, including the preparation of the annual comprehensive financial report and recording of capital projects and fixed assets; to provide highly complex assistance to the Finance Director. The Accountant directs the Accounting Manager who oversees the team who processes financial transactions for the Library.

Essential Functions:

• Assist in all aspects of the Library’s financial system, including the general ledger, fixed assets, payroll, or other related financial information technology systems
• Reviews the certification of assessments, and certifies all levies to the various county administrators
• Oversee and assist in the preparation of the annual comprehensive financial report; prepare materials and documentation for outside auditors; coordinate work of auditors; assist in preparation of final audit report; prepare adjusting entries to fairly state the financial position of the Library
• Completes monthly regulatory reporting requirements
• Manage the accounting process for fixed assets and capital projects; record adjustments to capital projects expenditures and revenues; record acquisition, disposition and transfers for fixed assets; work with various staff to monitor fixed assets inventory
• Develops accounting rules and procedures
• Expert ability to provide analysis, calculations and present and explain financial reports
• Works with Finance Director to develop and maintain processes for compliance procedures in accordance with generally accepted accounting policies and procedures to maintain internal controls and accountability within the Library’s financial operations.
• Advises other departments on changes or implementation of accounting policies and procedures. Reviews and proposes changes in existing methods
• Reviews all proposed entries, adjustments or other changes to the financial system and its records.
• Prepares monthly and year-end general ledger journal entries

Non-Essential Functions:

• Administrative Tasks

• Maintains awareness of developments and trends related to Finance, and financial reporting for public libraries

• Conduct special studies and projects as assigned by the Finance Director

• May provide technical assistance and training to staff

• May exercise technical and functional supervision over technical and clerical staff

Education and Experience:

• Master’s Degree in Finance, Business Administration or Public Administration required
• Minimum 5 years' experience in professional accounting work, preferably governmental accounting or governmental auditing required

May substitute Bachelor’s Degree in relevant field + 4 years of additional relevant experience in place of master's degree __

• Certified Public Accountant preferred

• Experience with implementing and optimizing cloud-based accounting systems preferred

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

All successful leaders at MCPL should demonstrate:

• Advanced verbal, written, and discreet communication skills with management, coworkers, and the public in a clear, timely, and proactive manner.
• Ability to collaborate with Library leadership to effectively develop, adhere to, and work within the constructs of the library’s budget.
• Advanced ability to maintain effective and collaborative working relationships with multiple stakeholders.
• Reliable, punctual, and flexible with scheduling.
• Sufficient understanding of the MCPL value of intellectual freedom in order to uphold those values while performing their job duties.
• Advanced knowledge of a public library's mission and purpose, ability to provide clear expectations and direction, to manage competing priorities, to evaluate quality of work, and provide feedback and accountability.
• Advanced knowledge of department processes and procedures, expert knowledge of Library Professional Ethics, advanced knowledge of the impact of decision-making on MCPL, and demonstrated mature judgment to make department-level/system level decisions.
• Advanced proficiency in customer service skills through polite, professional, and collaborative interactions with internal and external customers.
• An advanced understanding of the role of MCPL leaders at all levels in creating a welcoming and respectful workplace and library for all.

Additionally, this position requires:

• Job knowledge

  • Advanced knowledge of Library strategic vision and direction
  • Advanced ability to create project and actions plans to coordinate staff around library initiatives
  • Expert knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles and business management strategy is necessary to perform this job at a satisfactory level

• Technology including specific applications, hardware, and coding languages

• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft 365 suite of applications including Teams, Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, and Publisher is necessary to perform this job at a satisfactory level.

• Advanced knowledge of enterprise financial accounting systems

• Communication (reading, writing, speaking)

• Expert verbal, written, and discreet communication with management, co- workers, and the public.

• Ability to collaborate with members of the Senior Leadership Team to effectively develop, adhere to, and work within the constructs of the library’s annual budget.

• Advanced knowledge of long- and short-range financial goals to communicate professional communication

• Demonstrates consistency, accuracy, and timely reporting of financial data.

• Work independently in the absence of direct supervision.

• Financial/Mathematical

• Expert knowledge of the library's budget and its inner workings

• Expert application and knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.

• Expert in preparing and maintaining detailed and accurate financial and statistical records.

• Accurately count, record and balance accounting transactions

• Teamwork

• Ability to collaborate with peers at a senior level to provide cohesive organizational leadership.

• Ability to comfortably lead a dynamic team of professionals that encourages trust in one another and collective accountability for successful group outcomes.

• Ability to coordinate stakeholders to complete Library projects and initiatives.

• Leadership

• Exhibits self-motivation with the ability to prioritize, meet deadlines, and manage changing priorities

• Decision Making

• Demonstrates excellent organizational and planning skills with ability to perform multiple tasks concurrently

• Strong critical thinking with urgency and problem-solving skills

• Ability to listen, be flexible, and try new things

• Demonstrated ability to connect and inspire trust

• Assemble and prepare data for report presentations

• Customer Service

• Expert proficiency in customer service skills through professional and collaborative interactions with internal and external customers

• Advanced listening to better serve customers

Age Requirement

• Must be at least 18 years of age

Motor Vehicle Requirement

• Driver License/Personal vehicle use (mileage reimbursed)

Work Environment

• Works primarily indoors with prolonged periods of sitting at a desk, working on a computer, ad must have reasonable tolerance for dust, mold, scents, allergens, and communicable disease which enables the employee to handle library materials, work in older buildings and interact with coworkers and the public.

Essential physical abilities to be accomplished with or without reasonable accommodation are:

Daily (greater than 50% of the time): ****

• Sitting
• Receiving Communication and Instructions (vision, reading, hearing)
• Conveying Communication and Instructions (Speaking, writing
• Using computer data entry tools - keyboard, mouse, touchscreen, scanner

Frequently (up to 50% of the time) ****

• Standing (up to 1 hour at a time)

Occasionally (1-2 times er month) ****

• Standing (more than 1 hour at a time)
• Walking (even ground)
• Walking (variable surfaces)
• Lifting 1-10 pounds

Rarely (1-5 times a year): ****

• Reaching above shoulder
• Kneeling
• Bending/Stooping
• Pushing/Pulling up to 40 pounds
• Pushing/Pulling 40+ pounds
• Lifting than up to 40 pounds
• Lifting 40+ pounds

NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may perform other related duties as required to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

All applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or other protected class in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Any applicant requiring accommodation should contact the Mid-Continent Public Library Human Resources Department at View phone number on click.appcast.io.

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Applicants will be considered for employment opportunities on the merits of their skills and experience related to the position sought. Employment offers are conditional upon submitting a criminal records check, identity verification, and national sex offender registry check. Applicants will not be denied employment solely or in part because of a prior conviction, unless MCPL determines the conviction is job-related. If a background check yields information that is of concern to MCPL, the applicant will be provided with an individualized assessment. The applicant will be given an opportunity to review the background check findings and present information regarding inaccuracy, mitigating circumstances, and rehabilitation.