Accountant I

About the Department

JOB SUMMARY
Under general direction, the Accountant I reconciles bank statements, processes payroll, 1099s, and W-2s. The Accountant I is responsible for monthly and year-end journal entries. The Accountant I performs accounting-related clerical duties such as typing, filing, and researching data. The employee follows established guidelines in performing all work but must also possess the ability to work independently.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS / DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Accounts Payable

1. Responsible for complete knowledge of and adherence to the policies and procedures in the City procurement ordinance.
2. Maintains familiarity with the chart of accounts and works with department personnel and Finance Director to ensure that invoices are properly coded.
3. Reviews all vendor pay requests to ensure propriety and accuracy.
4. Works closely with Finance personnel and departmental personnel to ensure fiscal year end invoices are expensed to the correct fiscal year and general ledger accounts.
5. Prepares all routine recurring expenditure documents (insurance bills, tax payments, garnishments, bond payments, contracts, and rents) for payment.
6. Prepares non-employee compensation statements (1099 Misc.) annually.
7. Creates specific reports and assists City employees in interpreting same.
8. Enters invoice data into system when necessary to facilitate timely workflow.

Payroll

1. Updates all employee payroll permanent records (pay rates, positions, deductions, addresses, etc.).
2. Ensures that all deductions (insurance, payroll taxes, and garnishments) and employer obligations related to payrolls are withheld and forwarded to the appropriate agencies in a timely and efficient manner.
3. Prepares employee compensation statements (W-2) annually.
4. Ensures that all employees withholding allowance certificates (W-4) are completed annually.
5. Accurately tracks and reports leave benefits.
6. Processes payroll when necessary to facilitate a timely workflow.

Financial Reporting

1. Prepares and processes journal entries to accomplish the accurate distribution of financial data.
2. Posts, reviews and verifies various financial transactions.
3. Prepares accounting reports and schedules.
4. Assists with maintenance of fixed asset records and physical inventory of assets.
5. Assists with compiling and summarizing other miscellaneous routine and specific information, including but not limited to the annual financial audit.
6. Assists with other departmental procedures when necessary to facilitate timely workflow.

All positions at the City of Orange Beach have the job responsibilities below:

1. Handles sensitive information in a confidential manner.
2. Maintains a highly professional attitude and demeanor at all times.
3. Provides responsible, appropriate, and satisfactory leadership within the City.
4. Communicates positively and professionally in all aspects of the position.
5. Attends all department meetings, City meetings, and professional development activities.
6. Becomes thoroughly familiar with all pertinent state and national policies and comply with said policies.
7. Complies with City wide and departmental policies, as well as state and federal laws.
8. Ensures the positive promotion of the City.
9. Is prompt and punctual in reporting for work, meetings, etc.
10. Performs other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

1. Knowledge of accounting procedures.
2. Knowledge of City rules, policies and procedures.
3. Ability to comprehend and work with data processing system.
4. Ability to understand financial policies and procedures.
5. Ability to effectively communicate with all internal and external contacts.
6. Ability to effectively compose routine correspondence and reports.
7. Ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division; ability to calculate decimals and percentages.
8. Ability to operate various office machines, including phones, copier, fax, postage meter, word processor, computer terminals and calculators.
9. Ability to keep information confidential due to the content of documents being handled.
10. Ability to work independently.

QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential functions, duties and responsibilities of the job may be considered.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

1. Bachelor’s degree in accounting, business administration, or closely related field.
2. Two years of related experience.
3. Must be able to be bonded by City insurance company.
4. Current and valid Driver’s License.
5. Willing to work overtime or other nonstandard hours when necessary.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS
The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit. The employee frequently is required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and ability to adjust focus.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in indoor conditions and regularly works near video display. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Provides municipal services and recreational programs for the community.