Staff Accountant I

This position is under general direction of the Finance Director.  The Staff Accountant I exercises independent judgment and initiative in representing the Director within assigned areas of fiscal and management functions.  This is a full-time exempt position reporting to the Staff Accountant I.  Regular work hours are Monday thru Friday 8 am to 5 pm; however, this may include some nights and weekends.  This position must be able to adapt to a flexible work schedules as established by supervisor.  This position entails considerable initiative and independent judgment and the ability to work with others to accomplish program goals and objectives and integration of program.    

The Staff Accountant I prepares a variety of technical and administrative accounting work necessary to maintain the fiscal records and system of the Village of Ruidoso in accordance with federal accepted accounting principles and applicable federal and state governmental accounting standards.  This Staff Accountant I provides day-to-day support to the Finance Department and other Department Directors/Managers.  The Staff Accountant I must be well organized and able to communicate effectively with all employees, management, and outside agencies.  This position must be able to handle various requests for information and clarification from employees, management, other agencies, and co-workers during the workday.   

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.

• Performs work regarding accounting issues and reporting issues, in accordance with New Mexico State Law and Statutes and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.
• Performs accounting and clerical duties in accordance with standard office procedures and Village policies and procedures.
• Ensures proper authorization and compliance with Village policies and procedures; coding documents for proper charging to department budget; and obtaining approvals in order to process payment.
• Performs basic research and accounting activities; performs a variety of clerical functions including typing, filing, scanning documents, and maintaining records.
• Monitor all Village departments to ensure compliance with budget guidelines; presents recommendations for changes and procedural improvements regarding monitory control and budget management.
• Prepares and posts routine monthly journal entries to the general ledger, such as allocations of payroll, insurance, and postage costs, and allocations of monthly interest earnings to various departments and funds.
• Research, compile and summarize spreadsheets of information to prepare periodic and special reports; prepare correspondence and a variety of reports and written materials. 
• Inputs budget adjustments into computerized general ledger.
• Assists Finance Director with the annual budget preparation.
• Daily on-line banking duties on Wells Fargo CEO system include inputting and/or sending ACH payments, preparing bank draft payments.
• Organize own work, set priorities and meet deadlines. 
• Process and input on-line payments for the monthly New Mexico CRS-1 payment, the bi-weekly payroll tax payments, and any other bank drafted vendor payments.
• Notify the Finance Director of any real or perceived problems related to Finance
• Demonstrate continuous effort to improve operations, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly with customers, other employees, vendors, and auditors.
• As a member of the Finance Department this position assists in audits and helps auditors locate any information they are requesting
• Assists Finance Director with the annual budget process including running accumulative yearly reports, making copies, and prepare all documents needed for the budget process
• Enters information into general ledger accounts payable database and verifies accuracy of input in order to balance registers and invoices.
• Maintains sufficient supporting documentation for all Village purchases (i.e., invoices, copies of purchase orders, check copies).
• Receives and reviews all incoming invoices to determine accuracy and compliance with financial policies.
• Determines the validity of vendor charge of gross receipts tax.
• Works as back up to the Staff Accountant II in processing payroll.
• Assists with answering calls that come in on the Village’s main telephone number and directs phone calls to requested extensions. 
• Works with the Purchasing Department to close purchase orders.
• Assist with the maintenance of fixed assets for the Village of Ruidoso.
• Completes personal timesheet accurately and timely.  Ensures time is reported based on actual time worked.
• Ensures that any on-the job injury is reported immediately and followed up with appropriate forms and actions.
• Reports any suspected fraud, waste and/or abuse to the Finance Director.
• Ensures any reports of harassment are immediately reported and appropriate actions are taken.
• Attend meetings, trainings, and workshops as needed or directed by the Finance Director.
• The above statements are not a complete list of all responsibilities and duties performed by employees in this job.  As a condition of employment, employees are required to perform other related duties and special projects as assigned.

• Bachelor’s Degree in accounting OR Bachelor’s Degree in a related field with three years financial accounting experience preferred, OR Associate’s Degree and five years financial accounting experience preferred, OR High School education or equivalent and ten years financial accounting experience required.
• Municipal governmental accounting preferred.
• Must be able to pass criminal history checks
• Must be able to pass a credit check
• Must be willing to take and pass a drug/alcohol test and comply with agency “Drug Free” Policy.
• Must possess and maintain valid New Mexico motor vehicle operator’s permit of appropriate classification and endorsement as required.  Must agree to maintain a satisfactory MVR and minimum requirement of insurability as required by law.  MVR background checks may be conducted by the agency. 

Salary : $38,813 - $44,637