Junior Accountant

General Description The purpose of this class within the organization is to perform accurate, basic‑level accounting functions in accordance with local, state, and federal guidelines and procedures regarding Generally Accepted Accounting Practices (GAAP). This class works under general supervision and in accordance with established policies and procedures. Duties and Responsibilities The functions listed below represent the majority of time spent working in this job/class. Management may assign additional functions. Assist with all aspects of the Finance Division such as cash receipting, accounts payable and receivable, budget, capital assets, and risk management; works under supervision. Serve as a liaison to other assigned departments to assist in preparation, administration, reconciliation, and adjustment of their budgets. Review, verify, and process vendor invoices for accuracy and proper authorization, and compliance with City policies; code invoices to the appropriate general ledger accounts and departments; reconcile vendor statements and resolve outstanding balances. Prepare accounts payable reports and supporting documentation for audits, financial reporting, and year‑end closing processes. Provide record retention services related to annual audit and accounting transactions, including scanning paperwork into electronic filing systems. Process utility and code enforcement liens, respond to outside party’s payoff requests, and coordinate lien payoffs. Participate in month‑end and/or year‑end processes as assigned. Prepare regular, special financial and statistical reports and statements, including reports filed with other governmental entities. Verify the accuracy of travel requests, including dates, destinations, and transportation modes, with supporting documentation. Assist with entering basic journal entries into the accounting system under supervision, ensuring accuracy and proper documentation. Perform basic credit card reconciliations, review transactions, confirm supporting receipts, flag inconsistencies, and prepare accounts payable requests for payment submission. Assist in the preparation of assigned sections of the audit and Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) and support external auditors as needed. Provide support to Finance and Purchasing personnel. Additional Duties & Responsibilities Work cooperatively with other departments and embrace a teamwork approach to completing tasks and provide quality, seamless customer service. Perform related work as assigned. Data Responsibility Collect, classify, or format data or information in accordance with a prescribed schema or plan to facilitate the identification and extraction of useful information. Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office products and Adobe Acrobat. Thorough understanding of computer systems and software applications required to perform job duties. Gather, organize, analyze, examine, and evaluate data or information; may prescribe action based on this data. Maintain the highest level of confidentiality regarding employee and customer information. Asset Responsibility Responsible for achieving moderate economies and/or preventing moderate losses through the timely reconciliation of financial reports. Requires responsibility handling moderate amounts of money consistent with petty cash management. Mathematical Requirements Use mathematics involving practical application of fractions, percentages, ratios, proportions, or measurements, logarithmic descriptive statistics, mathematical classifications, or schemes. Communications Requirements Strong oral and written communication and interpersonal skills necessary to interact professionally and effectively with staff, vendors, and the public. Reads technical instructions, procedures manuals, and charts to solve practical problems; composes routine and specialized reports, forms, and business communication with proper format; employs proper grammar and sentence structure. Judgment Requirements Requires interpretation of procedures and constant decisions affecting departments; works in a very fluid environment with guidelines but significant variation. Complexity of Work Performs coordinating work involving guidelines and rules, with constant problem solving; requires continuous, close attention for accurate results or frequent exposure to unusual pressures. Impact of Errors The impact of errors is very serious – it affects the entire organization and the general public. Physical Demands Performs coordinating work involving guidelines and rules, with constant problem solving; requires continuous, close attention for accurate results or frequent exposure to unusual pressures. Equipment Usage Handles or uses office machines, computers, tools, equipment, or work aids involving some latitude for judgment regarding attainment of a standard or selecting appropriate items. Safety of Others Requires no responsibility for the safety and health of others. Minimum Education and Experience Requirements Two years of experience in bookkeeping. Additional vocational training, certification, or relevant coursework in bookkeeping or accounting or closely related experience (e.g., QuickBooks certification, bookkeeping courses) is a plus. Prefer an Associate’s Degree in accounting, finance, or a closely related accounting field, or 18 college semester hours in accounting. Strong attention to detail and organizational skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and familiarity with accounting software. Special Certifications and Licenses None required. Americans with Disabilities Act Compliance The City of Palmetto is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Drug Free Workplace. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (42 U.S. C. 12101 et. seq.), the City of Palmetto will provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodation with the employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr City of Palmetto Florida