ACCOUNTING ASSISTANT

Description

This role is responsible for supporting accounting functions through the audit and review of financial transactions, including payroll, vendor payments and receipts, as well as account reconciliations and data entry to support financial recordkeeping. The position will support the Department of Municipal Finance in maintaining compliance with applicable policies and legal regulations. The employee is required to perform all similar or related duties.

Examples of Duties

The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

• Support general accounting functions, including accounts payable, payroll and accounts receivable processing.
• Performs account reconciliations. Summarizes and posts journal entries to the general ledger.
• Review Bi-weekly municipal and school payroll submissions from departments to ensure accuracy and compliance with applicable policies and labor contracts. Coordinate reconciliation with the Payroll Manager. Prepare payroll warrant for approval and post payroll transactions to the general ledger.
• Assists in the maintenance of employee PTO banks and works closely with Human Resources and Information Technology to troubleshoot discrepancies and employee inquiries.
• Review weekly revenue transactions submitted by the Treasurer/Collector’s Department. Ensure completeness and accuracy as well as compliance with applicable policies. Post revenue transactions to the general ledger.
• Maintain vendor files and ensure compliance with applicable polices and state and federal regulations. Support departmental staff in obtaining documentation from vendors.
• Assist in the maintenance of vendor purchase orders. Work closely with the procurement administrator to ensure compliance with procurement regulations.
• Assist Accounts Payable Processor to troubleshoot issues as well as serve as back up.
• Respond to inquiries and financial reporting requests from municipal departments.
• Prepare reports and gather information for the annual audit.
• Assist in implementing financial accounting system improvements.
• Provide assistance on special projects as requested.

Qualifications

Education and Experience: Associates degree required in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field; or equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Knowledge, Abilities and Skill
Knowledge: Proven experience in financial auditing and procedures, or a similar finance/accounting role. Strong understanding of accounting principles. Working knowledge of accounting software systems and Massachusetts General Laws applicable to municipal finance functions.

Abilities: Ability to meet and deal with the public effectively and appropriately; ability to communicate clearly, both orally and in writing; ability to multi-task; ability to operate a computer; ability to maintain confidential information; ability to maintain, manage, and organize records; ability to deal appropriately with City employees, City officials and the public; ability to complete work under pressure in accordance with work deadlines. Ability to complete assigned tasks in a detailed and accurate manner.

Skills: Excellent organizational and problem solving skills; proficiency in software applications Google Suite, Excel, and office software including word processing, database, Internet, and spreadsheet applications. High attention to detail and strong analytical skills. Excellent problem-solving abilities and ability to work independently.

Supplemental Information

Physical Demands: Little or no physical demands are required to perform the work. Work effort principally involves sitting and standing to perform work tasks, with intermittent periods of stooping, and walking. There may also be some occasional lifting of objects such as books, office equipment, and paper

Motor Skills: Duties are largely mental rather than physical, but the job may occasionally require minimal motor skills for activities such as moving objects, operating a telephone system, computer and/or most other office equipment, keyboarding, word processing, filing, and sorting of papers.

Visual Demands: Position requires the employee to constantly read documents and reports for understanding and analytical purposes.

We offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees including health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave. Part-time employees who work an average of __ hours per week over the course of a year, receive benefits on a pro-rated basis. To learn more details, visit our benefits page.