What are the responsibilities and job description for the Accounting Specialist position at Jefferson Transit?
JEFFERSON TRANSIT AUTHORITY
Position Description
POSITION TITLE: Accounting Specialist
SUPERVISOR: Finance Manager
SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITY: The Accounting Specialist supports the agency’s financial functions under the supervision of the Finance Manager. Core responsibilities include managing accounts payable and receivable, assisting with payroll processes, and performing other related financial tasks. This position requires excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently within a framework of established policies and procedures. Professionalism and high standards of integrity and public representation are expected in all tasks. In addition to financial responsibilities, this role may involve cash handling, benefits administration, correspondence, and maintaining accurate financial records.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable:
- Process and record accounts payable transactions, including warrant preparation, vendor account management, and communication with vendors.
- Process and record accounts receivable transactions, including invoice preparation, customer account maintenance, and communication with customers.
Cash Handling and Financial Management:
- Prepare and process bank deposits (physical cash and electronic deposits,) including the receipting of agency revenues and reporting deposit information to the Treasurer's office.
- Reconcile accounts, including general ledger and cash accounts, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
- Assist in preparing financial statements, completing month-end close processes, and supporting budget preparation efforts.
Payroll Assistance:
- Support payroll processing, including timesheet reviews, wage adjustments, and leave tracking.
- Administer employee benefits activities and maintain related payroll deductions.
- Prepare provider payment requests and applicable worksheets as needed.
- Prepare and file IRS reports, including W-9s and other required tax documentation.
Compliance and Reporting:
- Assist in the preparation of the annual financial report and support external audit processes.
- Support grant applications, billing, and compliance reporting.
Asset Management and Process Improvement:
- Help manage fixed assets, maintain databases, and perform annual inventory checks and disposal of asset & non-asset items
- Contribute to the implementation of accounting system changes and updates to processes and policies.
- Responsible for office inventory management and tracking. Ie; computer parts and accessories, ordering and managing spares. (APC’s, Mice, keyboards etc.)
Additional Responsibilities:
- Serve as a point of contact for inquiries related to accounts receivable/payable, and financial policies.
- Collaborate with the Finance team to set objectives, meet department goals, and complete annual targets.
- Assist department heads in maintaining & reconciling spreadsheets for internal tracking and compliance reports.
- Fuel balancing & Billing & State excise tax rebates
- Perform other duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Knowledge:
· Associate degree in accounting, Finance, or a related field preferred, or equivalent work experience.
· At least two years of relevant accounting or finance experience.
· Experience in a government or nonprofit setting is preferred.
· Foundational knowledge of accounting principles, financial management, and payroll processes.
· Familiarity with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and government accounting standards.
· Understanding of budgeting, auditing processes, and financial reporting requirements.
Skills:
· Technical Proficiency:
o Microsoft Office Suite Expertise: Proficiency in Excel (Advanced Level), Word, and Outlook.
§ Excel Skills: Advanced knowledge of formulas, pivot tables, data validation, and data processing for financial analysis and reporting.
o Accounting Software: Experience with Microsoft Dynamics GP (Great Plains) preferred or similar enterprise accounting software.
o Relational Databases: Familiarity with relational database structures, ability to query and extract financial data, and experience working with structured financial data sets.
o Financial Reporting Systems: Experience generating and analyzing financial statements and reports within an accounting system.
· Organization and Accuracy: Strong attention to detail, ability to manage multiple priorities, and maintain well-organized financial records.
· Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interact professionally with vendors, customers, and colleagues.
Abilities:
· Problem-Solving: Ability to analyze data, reconcile discrepancies, and recommend process improvements.
· Collaboration: Work effectively within a team environment while also operating independently with minimal supervision.
· Adaptability: Ability to manage changing priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced work setting.
· Confidentiality: Maintain strict confidentiality regarding sensitive financial and personnel information.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
· Must pass a pre-employment substance abuse test as a condition of employment. This position is not considered safety-sensitive, as defined by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), thus it is not subject to random drug and alcohol testing. However, under the authority of Jefferson Transit’s Substance Abuse Policy and Drug & Alcohol Testing Program, this position is subject to all other types of substance abuse tests as described in the policy.
· Must pass an employment physical functions test to be certified for the position and must maintain a physical condition that, either with or without accommodation, allows completion of all essential duties.
· If selected for the position, documentation of United States citizenship or an alien lawfully authorized to work in the United States will be required to establish identity and work authorization in accordance with the employer’s obligation under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.
WORK SCHEDULE
Full-time standard workweek (40 hours) during normal business times. Hours may vary according to work schedules and tasks to be accomplished with evening and weekend work necessary at times to accomplish the duties of the position as determined by the immediate supervisor.
SALARY & BENEFITS
Wage is based on the agency’s Non-Represented Staff Policy; six months probationary period; annual salary increases based on merit evaluation and cost of living adjustments are at the discretion of the General Manager and within budgetary constraints. Benefits package effective first full month after hiring, including medical, dental, vision, life, retirement and general leave. Supplementary benefits are available at the employee’s expense.
This is a non-exempt position, as defined by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
(Occasionally = 1%-33%; Frequently = 34%-66%; Continuously = 67%-100%)
Sitting: Continuously, sitting at a desk, table, or computer stand
Standing/Walking: Occasionally, standing at copier and walking to other offices
Driving: Occasionally, doing errands and attending meetings
Lifting/Carrying: Occasionally, up to 35 pounds for carrying supplies and cash receipts.
Bending/Squatting/Kneeling: Occasionally, while filing and emptying fare boxes & Inventory
Pushing/Pulling: Occasionally, using file drawers & Inventory
Twisting: Occasionally, when turning to respond to another person, driving & Inventory
Reaching: Occasionally, above head to lift items off shelves
Talking: Occasionally, communicating in person and on telephone
Hearing: Occasionally, in person and on telephone
Wrist/Finger Movement: Occasionally, for keyboard, calculator, filing, and telephone
The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods or otherwise to balance the workload.
Jefferson Transit is an equal opportunity employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, marital status, veterans status, disability status or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. Please let Jefferson Transit know if you need accommodation in order to participate in the application process.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $55,154.00 - $68,412.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
- Day shift
- Monday to Friday
- Weekends as needed
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Work Location: In person
Salary : $55,154 - $68,412