Accountant I

Job Title

An employee in this position performs specialized and technical accounting work in support of the City's financial operations, with primary responsibility for cash management, bank reconciliations, payroll accounting functions, tax reporting, and financial reporting. This position ensures the accuracy, integrity, and timeliness of the City's financial records and supports compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations.

This position works collaboratively with departments across the organization and provides guidance, training, and backup support in other accounting functions as needed. Employees in this position must be detail-oriented, analytical, customer-focused, highly organized, adaptable, and capable of managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Essential Job Functions

• Maintain and reconcile Citywide financial records across multiple funds and departments.
• Perform daily cash management activities, including monitoring bank transactions, reconciling bank accounts, and investigating and resolving discrepancies.
• Prepare and post journal entries, including accruals, adjustments, and corrections; analyze and reconcile general ledger accounts, including accounts payable and other key balances, on a monthly and year-end basis.
• Perform monthly reconciliations of various accounts and subsidiary ledgers to the general ledger to ensure accuracy and completeness.
• Support month-end and year-end close processes and preparation of reports
• Assist with the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) and annual audit by preparing schedules and supporting documentation.
• Process and reconcile payroll, including verifying calculations, posting to the general ledger, transmitting payments, and ensuring compliance with all payroll tax requirements.
• Preparation and reconciliation of W-2's, quarterly, and annual payroll tax filings.
• Prepare and file required tax reports, including payroll taxes, sales and use tax, and other applicable local, state, and federal filings.
• Prepare and submit escheat reports in compliance with state requirements.
• Maintain vendor records in ERP Financial system, including vendor setup, updates, and verification; prepare and distribute 1099's to ensure compliance with IRS reporting requirements.
• Record and reconcile various revenue transactions, including property taxes, utilities, and other receipts.
• Provide cross-training and backup support for accounts payable and other accounting functions as needed.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

Bachelor's Degree in Accounting or related area; and one (1) year of experience in an automated fiscal or accounting environment, preferably in the public sector; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Special Qualifications

Possession of a valid driver's license to operate a motor vehicle. Requirement exists at the time of hire and as a condition of continued employment.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB).
• Knowledge of accounting principles, municipal accounting, general and fund accounting.
• Knowledge of methods and techniques of research, analysis and report preparation.
• Knowledge of the principles and procedures of fiscal record keeping and reporting.
• Knowledge of laws, general statutes, rules, and regulations governing specific municipal government accounting tasks.
• Knowledge of computer operations as they relate to assigned tasks including the use of various financial package applications and various spreadsheets.
• Skills in oral and written communication.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to perform accounting processes with speed and accuracy.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to investigate discrepancies, perform detailed financial and data analysis, identify underlying issues, evaluate alternate solutions and implement recommendations accordingly. Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Proficiency with financial systems, spreadsheets, and other accounting software applications.
• Must be able to demonstrate proficiency in performance of the essential functions and learn, comprehend, and apply all City or departmental policies, practices, and procedures necessary to function effectively in the position.

Physical Demands

Work in this classification is defined as light work requiring the physical exertion of up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. Physical demands require climbing, crouching, crawling, standing, walking and lifting. Vocal communication is required for responding to inquiries, expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels. Visual acuity is required for extensive reading, to prepare and analyze written or computer data, determine the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observe general surroundings and activities.

Work Environment

Work is primarily performed in an office with a controlled environment without exposure to harmful conditions