Staff Accountant

This position is responsible for maintaining accounting records for all city financial transactions.  Essential duties and functions may include the following:

• Maintains current and accurate balances in the general ledger; analyzes accounts for the nature and accuracy of transactions and prepares journal entries; balances general ledger accounts monthly.
• Reconciles general ledger, bank deposits, pooled cash and allocates interest to each fund.
• Bills and sends statements to all customers with miscellaneous charges pertaining to landfill, sewer treatment plant, airpark building rentals, cemetery, and golf course; sends collection letters to delinquent customers; sends to collection agency the information needed for collection of delinquent accounts; and reconciles accounts receivable in each fund.
• Assists with budget preparation and completion of the final budget document.
• Prepares payroll deductions, payroll tax, and utility deposits for electronic transfer through ACH and prepares journal entries.
• Prepared quarterly investment reports and other miscellaneous documents.
• Calculates and pays sales tax on a monthly basis.
• Reconciles fixed assets and records depreciation monthly: tracks assets and updates inventories as to additions/transfers/deletions, updates depreciation expense and accumulated depreciation, oversees conduction of annual inventories, and issues bar codes for new assets.
• Reconciles returned checks receivable: maintains a current file of all returned checks and notifies  various departments of incoming returned items, writes off accounts, checks, and/or drafts.
• Prepares and mails quarterly 941 payroll report and municipal court reports.
• Prepares annual insurance re-rate package including vehicles, buildings, mobile equipment, crime and general liability; updates records throughout the year.
• Assists external auditors by preparing work papers and schedules and analyzing account balances.
• Monitors daily account balances; issues stop payments and initiates wire transfers.  
• Reviews travel vouchers for compliance with city policies.
• Prepares payment vouchers: compiles data and vouchers for payments to allocate charges to each department; prepares vouchers for capital lease payments and contract payments.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Knowledge and level of competency commonly associated with the completion of a baccalaureate degree in a course of study related to the occupational field.
• Sufficient experience to understand the basic principles relevant to the major duties of the position, usually associated with the completion of an apprenticeship/internship or having had a similar position for one to two years.
• Completion of a computer skills test PRIOR to submitting application.  Applicants must submit the results of Skills Testing with Application for Employment.  Skills test can be taken at the Texas Workforce Commission located at Howard College, 1001 Birdwell Lane, Suite 106, Big Spring, Texas 79720 (next door to Howard Cottage day care).
• Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid driver’s license issued by the State of Texas.
• Credit checks will be conducted on all applicants under final consideration for this position.

KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

• Knowledge of governmental accounting and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Knowledge of relevant federal and state laws, city code, and department policies and procedures..
• Skill in utilizing financial computer software programs.
• Skill in organizing and analyzing information.
• Skill in performing mathematical calculations.
• Skill in using such office equipment as a computer and standard business software calculator, telephone, copier, and facsimile machine.
• Skill in interpersonal relations.
• Skill in oral and written communication.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS
The Finance Director and Assistant Finance Director assign work in terms of general instructions.  The supervisor spot-checks completed work for compliance with procedures, accuracy, and the nature and propriety of the final results.
GUIDELINES
Guidelines include governmental accounting standards, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), audit standards for local governments, and city policies and procedures.  These guidelines require judgment, selection, and interpretation in application
COMPETENCIES
An employee’s performance will be evaluated based on the following competencies: job knowledge, teamwork, customer service, flexibility, and work ethic.
COMPLEXITY
The work consists of varied accounting and bookkeeping duties.  Frequent interruptions and changing priorities contribute to the complexity of the work.
 SCOPE AND EFFECT
The purpose of this position is to maintain accurate records of city financial transactions.  Successful performance helps ensure the accuracy of financial information provided to all city departments and outside organizations.
PERSONAL CONTACTS
Contacts are typically with co-workers, state and federal agency representatives, bank personnel, other city employees, auditors, and the general public.
PURPOSE OF CONTACTS
Contacts are typically to give or exchange information and resolve problems.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The work is typically performed while sitting at a desk or table
WORK ENVIRONMENT
 The work is typically performed in an office setting.
SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY 
None.

Salary : $49,558