Staff Accountant I

Job Description

Job Description

JOB FUNCTION: Performs specialized accounting work in the preparation and maintenance of financial

documents and records for the Parish.

This position is “safety sensitive” and subject to random drug testing as per Parish ordinance(s) pertaining to substance abuse. This position may be classified as essential during declared emergencies or disasters.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:

1. Review and approve accounts payable invoices for accuracy.

1. As needed, review and enter invoices. Process payments to vendors and employees once approved for payment.

1. Approve cash receipts.

1. Assist with vendor issues, phone calls, emails and other accounts payable inquiries.
2. Maintain contracts in the financial system.
3. Review the general ledger and budget to actuals for discrepancies. Research and resolve any discrepancies.

1. Maintain project and construction in progress schedules.
2. Maintain debt schedules.
3. Maintain capital assets in the financial system.
4. Review and approve requisitions for accuracy.

1. Research and disseminate information as needed.
2. Maintain all records neatly and electronically.

1. Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities: This position is not responsible for the supervision of any employees; however, they must be able to work in a team environment.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience: Sufficient experience, education, or training to successfully perform the duties of this position and possess the knowledge, skills and abilities for the position. A typical way of obtaining the required qualifications is to possess the equivalent of a bachelor’s degree in accounting, business administration, or related field and previous accounting work experience in a government setting or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Language Skills: Ability to read and comprehend instructions, short correspondence, and memos. Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, correspondence, and memos, and to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to representatives from other agencies, auditors, co-workers, and public officials. Ability to communicate, read, write and understand English language at a level necessary for efficient job performance.

Mathematical Skills: Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide into all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent.

Reasoning Ability: Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions. Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations: Must possess a valid Louisiana driver's license and driving record acceptable to the Parish’s Risk Manager. Must be bondable.

Other Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities :

Knowledge of:

• Accounting fundamentals relating to debits/credits and their relationship to the General Ledger; standards and practices for establishing and maintaining valid accounting documentation and credible audit trails; accounting practices relating to the proofing and balancing of accounts, transactions and/or data entry
• Basic recordkeeping in the maintenance and filing of accounting documents

Skills:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel
• Arithmetic skills to perform calculations with speed and accuracy
• Organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills

Ability to:

• Apply a variety of government rules, laws, and policies while performing a variety of administrative assignments
• Utilize specific finance software programs
• Create and maintain accurate records, reports, and files
• Organize and prioritize work to meet deadlines and operational needs
• Use judgment and resourcefulness in solving problems, especially those problems relating to monetary discrepancies or delinquencies
• Understanding the difference between balance sheet and income statement accounts, debits and credits and a balanced journal entry
• Analyze various sources of information and reconcile inconsistencies
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear; sit for prolonged periods of time for extensive use of computer keyboard for inputting data, preparing reports and other correspondence; use hands to finger, grasp, handle, or feel objects, reach with hands and arms, and communicate using telephone. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

1. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environmental characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Work is performed in an office environment.

2. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice as the needs of the employer and the requirements of the job change. The statements contained herein reflect general details, as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. The omission of specific statements does not preclude management from assigning specific duties not listed herein if such duties are similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. Individuals may perform other duties as needed, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or to otherwise balance the workload.

Only applications meeting the minimum qualifications will be acknowledged.

Attractive benefits package, including up to 85% employer-paid premiums for health insurance and 100% employer-paid premiums for dental and life insurance.

ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST PARISH is a drug-free workplace.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT DRUG SCREENS, PHYSICALS, AND BACKGROUND CHECKS CONDUCTED ON PROSPECTIVE NEW HIRES.

ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST PARISH prohibits any form of discrimination in its employment practices based on an individual’s sex, race, age, color, disability, religion, national origin, or any other legally protected characteristic. Equal Opportunity Employer. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. TDD# View phone number on ziprecruiter.com or LA Relay #711