Bookeeper (Accounting/Finance)

Intermediate Accounting Position

This position is an intermediate accounting position as a member of the Johnston County Public Utilities Department. An employee in this class performs a variety of general accounting and financial analysis tasks in support of the financial operations of the Public Utilities Department. Work involves applying established accounting or administrative procedures, principles of bookkeeping, and basic fund accounting to the review and processing of accounting and other financial documents. Work is characterized by use of automated accounting ledgers, registers, statements, vouchers, spreadsheets and other financial documents. Work includes processing invoices, data entry of payroll and timekeeping information, journal entries, reconciling accounts or cash, handling accounts receivable, budget review, and compiling a variety of reports. Judgment and initiative are required in the performance of duties. Work is performed under supervision of the Finance Services Group Manager or Accountant and is evaluated through conferences, accuracy and completeness of records and reports, and by independent audit of financial records.

Review and accurately enter incoming invoices into the accounting system which includes adding expense coding and sales tax calculations.

Identify and resolve issues with invoices, purchase orders and reconcile monthly statements for accounts payable to ensure that vendors are paid accurately and in a timely manner.

Process weekly timesheet data and enter information to calculate gross earnings for various job classes (exempt, non-exempt, hourly, salaried, and shift schedules. This process includes reviewing accuracy of information from departmental payroll summaries and calculating regular and overtime hours.

Maintain personnel data quality and partner with Payroll to ensure accuracy of employee data for all employees in the Public Utilities Department.

Prepare and review accuracy of Personnel Action Forms and routes to Finance Services Group Manager for approval.

Assist Human Resource and Finance Staff in maintaining employee training records, probation benchmarks and personnel data accuracy.

Process receipts for accounts receivable related to bulk billing accounts and miscellaneous revenue.

Make daily deposits of funds coming into the Public Utilities office.

Record journal entries into financial systems and use auditing protocols to ensure accuracy.

Prepare various accounting, financial, or fiscal statements, reports, or other supporting documents. Prepare accounting, revenue collections, and other fiscal data for entry into financial system.

Produce monthly financial reports and submit them to Public Utilities Department Division managers.

Maintain organized filing systems for both accounts payable and payroll documents. File and maintain all employee related documents; including Personnel Action Forms, leave reporting, payroll attendance timecards and payroll reports.

General accounting practices are refined to manage and support the administration of the utility business operation focusing on financial oversite and integrity.

Intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Excel is required. Attention to detail and organization skills are crucial for accurately processing invoices and payroll data.

Ability to analyze accounts payable and payroll data to identify and resolve discrepancies.

General knowledge of governmental accounting practices and procedures.

General knowledge of laws, rules, regulations, policies and practices to follow in the accounting function. Working knowledge of accounting systems, policies, and procedures.

Working knowledge of automated systems and their application to accounting practices and procedures. Ability to understand and apply policies to the maintenance of a variety of financial records and reports. Ability to use a calculator and a computer for the maintenance of accounting and other fiscal records.

Ability to verify accounting and other financial documents and forms for accuracy and completeness.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with financial staff, division managers, and the general public.

Serves on various committees and projects, as assigned.

Must possess the visual acuity to prepare data and statistics, work with accounting processes, and operate a computer terminal.

Graduation from a community college with an associate degree in business or accounting and experience in an accounting or fiscal office environment; Minimum of two to three years of accounting coursework.

Microsoft Excel and Word knowledge and spreadsheet construction skills must be demonstrated.

Financial experience in any related utility business is desirable.

A background check may be required and may include criminal history, motor vehicle records, sex offender registry checks, pre-employment drug screening, SBI fingerprinting, and, if applicable, a National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) check.

Employees are offered a diverse selection of benefits including medical (no-cost for the employee plan), dental, life, and supplemental benefit coverages. Employees can also take advantage of our on-site wellness clinic and virtual telehealth program, both at no-cost!

Additional benefits include participation in the NC Retirement System, a 401(k) match option, generous paid leave and holiday schedule, tuition reimbursement, and more!