Staff Accountant

JOB TITLE: Staff Accountant DEPARTMENT/DIVISION: Finance

SUMMARY OF FUNCTION

Assists the Finance Director in planning and performing central accounting operations and activities; prepares balance sheets, operating statements, and other financial records and reports; prepares bank reconciliation, checks daily receipts to Bank account for posting, process EFT payments and SIGMA payments to General ledger.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS: Reports to a Supervisor as assigned by the Department Director

ESSENTIAL TASKS

• Prepares or assists the Finance Director in the preparation of various accounting reports including balance sheets, trial balances, operating statements, expenditure analyses and other statistical data and financial statements; research finance-related questions and issues identified by City Council or other City officials.
• Review and reconcile City-wide financial transactions and account discrepancies; examine and review city commercial card reports prepared by other City departments.
• Post dental claims, medical claims to General ledger.
• Process invoices for dental, medical, and life insurance and pay in lieu of payments to retirees.
• Process Accounts Payables in AP staff members absence.
• Examine and reconcile CDBG grant, MIDC grant, and SMART reports prepared by other City departments.
• Maintain capitalized assets.
• Assists Finance Director in budget preparation and administration.
• Assists Finance Director in audit preparation and administration.
• Keeps records pertaining to items purchased, costs, delivery, inventories, and other purchasing activities.
• Gather monthly reports for the Employees and Public Safety Employees defined benefit plans from third party system; account statements and pension registers.
• Post details of ACH pension contributions to third party system.
• Enter retiree data into third party system for processing; initial set up, payment changes, withholding changes, direct deposit, DROP lumpsum payments, requests for duplicate 1099R's.
• Assists Finance Director in developing internal controls and procedures; prepares manuals or other documentation related to finance department operations.
• Assists Finance Director in resolving operating problems to ensure smooth functioning of Finance Department.

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITES

• Bachelor's degree in accounting or related field or equivalent work experience, with working knowledge of Fund accounting a plus.
• Some experience in performing public accounting, municipal accounting, auditing, or related work.
• Knowledge of accounting principles, practices and procedures related to municipal operations.
• Considerable knowledge of city charter provisions, ordinances, and the operations of state and local law governing fiscal responsibilities.
• Considerable knowledge of the organization and functions of municipal government.
• Reasonable knowledge of governmental purchasing principles, methods, and procedures, including the preparation of specifications.
• Ability to work effectively with other officials, employees, and the general public.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in accounting or related field or equivalent work experience, with working knowledge of Fund accounting a plus.
• One or more years of experience in performing responsible financial, clerical and customer service
• One or more years of experience in accounting, or related field; municipal experience is a plus.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Requires ability to quickly gain proficiency with the City's financial software programs.
• Good judgment in handling questions and ability to know when to refer problems to the supervisor.
• Must possess problem solving and organizational skills and the ability to perform high volume, multi-task duties during peak periods in an accurate and timely manner; work well under pressure of deadlines and changing priorities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Courtesy and positive attitude in dealing with the public and co-workers.

NOTE - This job description is intended to indicate the general nature of responsibilities typically assigned to the job. The description is not necessarily exhaustive or intended to limit the supervisor's right to modify assignments as necessary.

SALARY RANGE - $55,000-$75,000 annual salary

BENEFITS: A comprehensive package is available and includes healthcare, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement, and section 125 plan (City employees currently do not pay for insurance premiums)

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS/DISCLAIMERS:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties of an employee so classified.

Employees must be physically able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

The City of Oak Park does not discriminate in its employment or any other programs or activities on the basis of race, religion, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender, economic status, age, marital status, sexual orientation or disability. We provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with a disability, if requested.

Salary : $55,000 - $75,000