Accountant - Office of Management and Budget

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 county relating to accounts receivable, revenue accounting, cash receipting, cash balancing, and bank deposits. Researches and records electronic funds received by the county; prepares daily bank deposits and ensures that they are taken to the bank before the cut off for business transactions. Monitors the primary checking account under minimal supervision and involving a moderately high level of decision making,

Job Description

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

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

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

• Assists with designing and generating reports from assigned accounting modules for analysis and auditing of compliance with various accounting standards and statues.

• Monitors bank accounts online; receipts electronic payments from the state and/or federal government.  

• Primary system administration for cashbook function and Old National Bank including problem resolution with minimal assistance.

• Researches unidentified electronic payments received.

• Receipts funds for departments that don’t have departmental cash receipting.

• Performs petty cash audits throughout the county.

• Initiates most outgoing electronic payments and incoming receivables.

• Sets-up vendors and/or customers in our banking system to send and receive electronic payments.

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

• Assists with bank reconciliation by providing deposits in transit and reverse deposits in transit reports. Enters outgoing wire transactions, typically time sensitive and large.     

• Assists staff county-wide with accounting and financial matters typically related to revenue receipts, GL coding, CFDA reporting, and grant/project accounting; provides input on financial matters as requested.

• Reviews and analyzes year-end activities and prepares revenue accruals journal entries.

• Identifies control weaknesses and procedural issues and initiates resolutions.

• Runs various daily interfaces.

• 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.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATION(S)

Experience with ERP financial systems is highly desirable.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The employee is under general guidance and direction from the Accounting Manager. 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 considerable independent judgment in recommending, developing, and implementing new work methods and procedures to improve tracking and record keeping capabilities. Work is reviewed for accuracy and quality through observation, examination of records and reports generated, and meetings.

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.

Ability to maintain complex database systems including confidentiality of sensitive materials.

Knowledge of state and local guidelines related to accounting practices.

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

Ability to prepare and present written reports.

Ability to maintain complex financial records.

Ability to recognize fraudulent transactions and to seek alternative verification methods to avoid hackers and fraud events from compromising county assets including reputation.

Ability to reconcile accounts and systems and identify and correct complex financial transaction errors.

Ability to conceptualize moderately complex problems and then envision and assist implement technical solutions to address them.

Ability to make independent decisions concerning choice of procedures to follow; ability to work independently without close supervision.

Ability to make difficult computations accurately while adhering to tight timelines.

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

Ability to use MS Office software and various accounting programs for the performance of essential duties.

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

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.