Accounts Receivable Specialist I

Job Title

This position performs technical accounting work in support of the City's accounts receivable function. Successful performance ensures the accurate and timely processing of accounts receivable transactions which are used in generating accurate and timely prepared financial statements for the city.

Job Responsibilities

Major Duties

• Process and manage all miscellaneous (non-utility) accounts receivable transactions to include the billing and collection functions for the City.
• Generate miscellaneous invoices for all non-utility related transactions, including damages to city property or other specific billings per department requests, parking space rentals, parking ticket violations, assessments, fire inspections, code enforcement violations, other general invoices, and privilege license renewals.
• Monitor aged accounts receivable balances and monitor accounts for collection by utilizing all available collections efforts; monitor payment plans by customers to ensure payments are being made; recommend write-offs if all available collection efforts have been made, or if the statute of limitations has expired.
• Respond to requests from internal and external customers in regards to questions on miscellaneous accounts receivable.
• Process adjustments needed to utility customers' account balances when there are return items at the bank on utility payments, including returned checks, e-checks, chargebacks, bank debits/credits, for non-sufficient funds.
• Process assessment searches received from attorneys to confirm whether there is money owed to the City on properties.
• Process the monthly retiree bank draft file which allows the City to draft payments for insurance premiums from retirees.
• Reconcile the accounts receivable subsidiary ledger reports monthly to the General Ledger; if outages, troubleshoot to resolve and balance accounts.
• Coordinate with the Accountant who manages lease reporting to ensure information is properly documented for billing all lessor agreements.
• Perform monthly account reconciliations as assigned.
• Prepare journal entries for routine and correcting adjustments.
• Prepare various internal reports for city staff to track accounts receivable and collection activity.
• Participate in year-end audit preparation; prepare year-end journal entries and calculations; reconcile and balance general ledger accounts; gather data for the external auditors; and assist in the annual comprehensive financial report preparation by completing statistical tables and by proofing and footing numbers.
• Design and develop spreadsheets for data collection and analysis, as needed on a recurring basis or with special projects.
• Assume a continuous quality approach to all accounting processes and bring forward suggestions for process flow efficiency and improved accuracy; maintain technical knowledge by participating in trainings and educational workshops.
• Perform all other related duties as assigned.

Guidelines

• Guidelines include GAAP, relevant federal and state laws, collection regulations, city policies and ordinances, and department policies and procedures. These guidelines are generally clear and specific, but may require some interpretation in application.

Supervisory/Management Responsibility

• None

Minimum Qualifications

Education/Experience Requirements

• Knowledge and level of competency commonly associated with completion of specialized training in the field of work, in addition to basic skills typically associated with an associate's degree in accounting or related field.
• Experience sufficient to understand the basic principles relevant to the major duties of the position usually associated with having had a similar position in accounts receivable for 1 to 3 years.
• Consistent good attendance and timely arrival history are required.

Knowledge Requirements

• Knowledge of basic accounting principles and practices.
• Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.
• Knowledge of accounts receivable principles and practices.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of computerized financial information management.
• Knowledge of relevant federal and state laws, city ordinances, and department policies and procedures.
• Skill in operating office equipment such as a computer and calculator and accounting software.
• Skill in oral and written communication.

Work Environment/Physical Demands

The work is performed in a standard office environment; majority of work involves using computer and sitting at a desk for extended periods of time. Infrequent overtime may be required during certain times of the year to meet work demands. The employee occasionally lifts light objects.

Benefits

The City of Wilson is dedicated to providing unique benefits that meet the needs of our employees and their families, while being competitive and cost effective. We offer the following benefits:

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• Paid holidays (maximum 12 per year)
• Health/dental/vision insurance
• Membership in the North Carolina Local Government Employees' Retirement System
• 5% 401(k) contribution
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for medical and childcare expenses
• Paid Life Insurance
• MD Live (Cigna's Telehealth)
• Supplementary benefits including critical care, cancer, accident, medical bridge, long and short term disability and term and whole life insurance.