Accountant-Sheriffs Office

Job Summary

Performs professional accounting work involving the preparation and maintenance of financial records and reports. Responsible for coordinating and performing various accounting functions for the Sheriff’s Office such as accounts payable, accounts receivable, fixed asset inventory, general ledger, and debt collection. Provides support to Accounting and Contracts Management Coordinator, monitoring and maintaining contract inventory, adhering to county procurement processes, and assisting with audit preparation and a variety of financial projects.

Job Description

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Prepares, analyzes, records, maintains, and reconciles complex financial transactions involving county funds.   

• Assists staff in Sheriff departments with accounting and financial matters; provides input on financial matters as requested. 

• Prepares various monthly and quarterly reports for internal and external customers.   

• Codes invoices, procurement card statements, and cash receipts in a multi-department division that uses activity-based accounting; finds and corrects any coding errors.

• Creates accounts receivable invoices derived from an analysis of various complex financial transactions involving various funds; adheres to strict applicable state, local, and federal statutes regarding funding requests.

• Reviews balance sheet accounts; researches issues and initiates adjustments as needed.   

• Performs tasks supporting inmate debt collection, including researching and reconciling accounts, calculating and applying fees, initiating and monitoring collection agency and revenue recapture efforts, and receipting collections. 

• Fields calls and researches inmate debt collection inquiries.   

• Assists with the management of local, state, and federal grants.   

• Performs bank reconciliation of the Jail account and reconciles and receipts fee and commission revenue.        

• Assists Accounting and Contracts Management Coordinator with monitoring and maintaining contract inventory, adhering to county procurement processes, assisting in audit preparation and priority-based budget exercises, and contributing to policy and procedure development and relative technology implementations.

• Identifies control weaknesses and procedural issues and initiates resolutions. 

• Compiles various statistics upon request and presents them in a professional format to be used in conversations with decision-makers. 

• Works the hours and/or shifts assigned and begins and ends work on time.

• Performs other related duties as required or assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Requires equivalency of a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or related field OR six years of related accounting experience. A reliable form of transportation for the performance of work responsibilities is required.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS
The employee is under general guidance and direction from the Accounting and Contracts Management Coordinator. Work is performed according to established department guidelines and procedures as well as accounting and auditing standards as determined by county, state, or federal regulations. The employee exercises independent judgment in implementing new work methods and procedures.

CORE COMPETENCIES AND ABILITIES
Customer Service - Delivers government services in a respectful, responsive, and solution-oriented manner.

Communication - Is always clear about what we're doing and why we're doing it.

Collaboration - Works with partners – communities, schools, faith groups, private business, and non-profit agencies – to see that services are not duplicated but rather are complimentary, aligned, and provided by the partners who can deliver the service most effectively.

Stewardship - Works proactively to make investments, guided by resident input, which will transform lives, communities, and government.

Empowerment - Works with individuals and families to affirm strengths, develop skills, restore hope, and promote self-reliance.

Resiliency - Fosters public preparedness and responds when families and communities face health and safety emergencies.

Innovation - Takes informed risks to deliver services more effectively and learns from successes and failures.

Knowledge – Knowledge of general accounting principles and techniques.

Knowledge of the fundamentals of government finance.

Knowledge of fiscal policies and budgetary procedures.

Knowledge of various accounting and finance software applications.

Knowledge of State and local guidelines related to accounting practices.

Knowledge of agreement-driven fiscal guidelines. Knowledge of office terminology, policies, practices, and services of Division.

Knowledge of requirements and documents pertaining to Division services.

Abilities – Ability to analyze and audit financial and accounting reports.

Ability to prepare and present written reports and statistics.

Ability to maintain complex financial records.

Ability to speak, present, and interact in public arenas with composure, professionalism, and discretion.

Ability to respond to public requests and/or complaints in a timely, tactful, and confidential manner.

Ability to use MS Office software and various accounting programs.

Ability to operate office equipment related to the job.

Ability to use appropriate discretion in dealing with matters of a confidential nature.

Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions.

Ability to successfully manage time and prioritize workload independently.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Typical characteristics of the regular, ongoing work environment of this position requires inside work, typically in an office setting. Physical activities include sedentary to light work: Reaching, sitting, standing, walking, pushing, lifting, pulling, fingering, grasping, feeling, stooping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions. Lifts and/or navigates up to 35 pounds on a routine basis in handling files and equipment necessary for performing the essential duties of the job.

SELECTION PROCESS

Selection for this position will be based on a minimum qualifications screening and rating of training and experience. Top candidates will be forwarded to hiring manager or supervisor for consideration for interview and/or additional assessments. Final selection will include a background check and approval by the County Board.