Accountant

PRIMARY PURPOSE

The Accountant performs professional accounting functions to maintain accurate financial records, support financial reporting and budget development, monitor financial activity, and prepare for the City's annual audit. This position performs account reconciliations, reviews financial transactions, prepares and analyzes financial reports, and provides financial information and support to City departments.

The position requires strong analytical and problem-solving skills, attention to detail, sound judgment, integrity, and the ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with multiple departments.

SUPERVISION

This position works under the direct supervision of the Finance Director and Finance Assistant Director.

This position does not have direct supervisory responsibility for other employees. However, the Accountant may provide guidance, direction, and functional oversight to staff performing accounting-related tasks and financial transactions, as needed.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

A. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Financial Accounting

1. Reconcile daily cash receipts for all payment types, areas, and City departments, and prepare daily cash posting reconciliations.
2. Review daily bank activity and ensure all transactions are accurately and timely recorded in the general ledger to facilitate timely completion of monthly bank reconciliations.
3. Prepare credit card reconciliations and other monthly account reconciliations as assigned.
4. Prepare and complete bank reconciliations for all City bank accounts within the City's financial software system accurately and timely.
5. Review and approve general ledger account reconciliations prepared by other staff and follow up on discrepancies or unresolved items.
6. Review and approve bi-weekly payroll processing and ensure payroll is accurately posted to the general ledger.
7. Review and approve monthly purchasing card (P-card) transactions and ensure transactions are accurately posted to the general ledger.
8. Create, maintain, and monitor project accounts and related financial activity.

Financial Management and Reporting

1. Prepare, review, and approve general ledger entries and maintain appropriate supporting documentation.
2. Assist with the preparation, review, and analysis of monthly and quarterly financial reports.
3. Analyze financial activity, identify discrepancies or unusual transactions, and communicate findings and recommendations to the Finance Director and Finance Assistant Director.

Budgeting

1. Assist with the preparation and distribution of monthly budget reports.
2. Monitor budget performance throughout the fiscal year and prepare budget variance reports and related analysis.
3. Collect, organize, and analyze financial and departmental information used in the development of the annual budget.
4. Prepare budget worksheets, schedules, and reports.
5. Assist the Finance Director with the annual budget process, including preparation and coordination of the City's budget book.

Annual Audit and Financial Reporting

1. Compile audit schedules, supporting documentation, reconciliations, and year-end financial information for the City's annual audit.
2. Ensure timely completion of pre-audit activities, including account reconciliations, adjusting journal entries, supporting documentation, internal control documentation, and audit confirmations.
3. Serve as a point of contact for external auditors and coordinate responses to requests for financial information and supporting documentation.
4. Assist with the preparation of the City's Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) and related financial schedules.

Internal Support and Collaboration

1. Provide financial information, guidance, and support to City departments regarding accounting procedures, financial transactions, budget activity, and related matters.
2. Respond to financial inquiries from City staff, departments, and members of the public and provide accurate and timely information.

Additional Duties

1. Attend Citizen Finance Committee meetings and prepare meeting minutes.
2. Perform other related accounting and administrative duties as assigned to support the effective and efficient operation of the Finance Department.

CROSS-TRAINING AND BACKUP RESPONSIBILITIES

The Accountant is expected to develop sufficient knowledge of the following Finance Department functions to provide backup coverage and support as needed:

• Process accounts payable invoices and assist with annual 1099 reporting.
• Provide backup support for utility customer service functions.
• Provide backup support for business and liquor license processing.
• Process and reconcile miscellaneous accounts receivable transactions.

B. SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Two years of professional accounting experience, preferably in governmental accounting or fund accounting.
• Experience with municipal financial management software, such as Tyler/Munis, is highly desirable.
• Working knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and the ability to learn and apply governmental accounting standards established by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB).
• Strong analytical, research, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate financial information clearly to both financial and non-financial staff.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Microsoft Excel, including formulas, functions, data analysis, and financial reporting tools.
• Ability to interpret financial data, identify discrepancies or potential issues, and recommend appropriate solutions.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet established deadlines, and consistently produce accurate and timely work.
• Strong attention to detail, organization, and follow-through.
• Demonstrated integrity, sound judgment, confidentiality, and commitment to public service.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with staff, departments, management, and external parties.
• Ability to learn and apply City policies, procedures, accounting practices, internal controls, and applicable laws and regulations.

C. WORKING CONDITIONS

• Work is primarily performed in an office environment.
• Occasional extended hours may be required during the annual budget process, fiscal year-end, annual audit preparation, or other periods of increased workload.

PERSONS REQUIRING AN ACCOMMODATION TO APPLY FOR A JOB OPENING SHOULD CONTACT HUMAN RESOURCES AT 314-822-5809.

THE CITY OF KIRKWOOD IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER AND PARTICIPATES IN E-VERIFY.