Accounting Specialist (Martinsville, VA)

JOB TITLE: ACCOUNTING SPECIALIST
DEPARTMENT:  FINANCE

REPORTS TO: FINANCE DIRECTOR
CLASSIFICATION: GRADE 9

FLSA STATUS:  NON-EXEMPT
RATE OF PAY: DOQ $37,448 annual salary minimum


NATURE OF WORK
The Accounting Specialist is responsible for accounts payable, accounts receivable, posting journals, payroll, budget requests, vendor maintenance and correspondence, asset management, insurance claims, and other duties as assigned. Under the general supervision of the Finance Director, the employee applies generally accepted accounting principles to prepare and maintain financial and related records. The Finance Department is a fast-paced, diverse, and citizen-focused operation that is responsible for the management, accounting, and reporting of the City’s financial position, processing payroll, executing fair and competitive procurement opportunities, and managing the City’s operating and enterprise funds budgets. This position also involves cross-training in payroll, ensuring flexibility and continuity in payroll processing during peak periods or employee absences.

EXAMPLES OF WORK

• Maintains various financial and statistical records and compiles reports based on the same; gathers, assembles, tabulates, checks, and files financial data; posts, checks, balances, and adjusts accounts, including encumbrances and receipts; maintains fixed asset file.
• Prepares and reviews invoices and disburses vendor payments; prints and mails checks; prepares insurance forms for automobile and property liability claims.
• Assists with the preparation of school payroll, posts/prints reports, payroll checks, direct deposit forms, and various related reports.
• Cross-trains in payroll processes to provide coverage as needed and ensure accuracy and compliance with payroll-related tasks.
• Generates and posts general bills and monthly invoices.
• Reviews and validates monthly, quarterly, and year-end entries to the general ledger, various account reconciliations, bank statement reconciliations, etc.
• Assists with adding new capital assets, inventory, purchase orders, accounts payable, accounts receivable, travel authorization, and other tasks as assigned.
• Implements and maintains an effective system of internal controls and oversight of general accounting processes and transactions.
• May assist with school payroll tasks, vacation, and sick leave administration duties.
• May assist with the preparation of the annual audit, and budget, and perform other duties as assigned or required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS OF WORK
The ideal candidate must be a high school graduate (or the equivalent), with a minimum of two-three years’ experience in governmental accounting, fund accounting, or experience involving the maintenance of complex financial records; or related education with an associate or bachelor’s degree with a strong emphasis in accounting, business, finance, or related field.

• Experience utilizing a complex financial software system (e.g., Munis, Oracle/PeopleSoft, etc.)
• Thorough knowledge of bookkeeping terminology and methods.
• Thorough knowledge of accounting theory, principles, and practices and their application to a wide variety of accounting transactions and problem solutions.
• Ability to analyze complex financial information with attention to detail to accurately prepare financial and administrative reports.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of management, the public, citizens, and external business partners.
• Highly proficient in the utilization of Microsoft Office, specifically advanced skills in Excel (e.g., pivot tables, VLOOKUP, formulas, and functions used in complex spreadsheets).
• Ability to verbally communicate effectively with the public and employees.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear.
• The employee is occasionally required to walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
• The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

Department: Finance
This is a full time position