Accountant - City of Alexandria, LA : Job Details

Salary : $60,238.15 AnnuallyLocation : Alexandria, LouisianaJob Type: ClassifiedDivision: FinanceDepartment: AccountingOpening Date: 11/01/2024Closing Date: ContinuousFLSA: Non-ExemptDescriptionThe purpose of this classification is to manage the financial programs for an assigned department, including balancing and reconciling accounts, processing payroll, performing auditing functions, and generating a variety of financial and budgetary reports. Examples of DutiesThe list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. It is not necessarily descriptive of any one position in the class nor does any one incumbent necessarily perform all of these tasks. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.Performs a variety of bookkeeping functions; enters and posts financial data; prepares journal entries; reconciles accounts; balances reports; researches financial discrepancies; corrects data errors; calculates data and enters data into computer systems; generates reports; maintains financial records; prepares tax forms; and submits mandatory reports. Provides information/assistance to vendors, customers, taxpayers, City departments/employees, and others regarding accounting issues, customer accounts, invoices, fee schedules, deadlines, documentation, policies/procedures, or other issues; researches status of customer accounts; assists in resolving billing/account discrepancies; responds to routine questions or complaints; researches problems and initiates problem resolution.Reconciles bank statements for various accounts; prepares journal entries to general ledger from bank reconciliations to reflect interest income, bank charges, or other adjustments; contacts bank personnel to coordinate needed corrections.Processes payroll data: reviews time sheets for accuracy and researches discrepancies or missing information; ensures accurate entry of hours, disability time, commissions, bonuses, salary information, payroll deductions, and other data; processes documentation relating to new employees, changes in pay or status, terminations, or other actions.Prints paychecks and obtains signatures: processes direct deposit transmittals; forwards checks and direct deposit notices to proper departments for disbursement; stuffs paychecks with any payroll stuffers in envelopes.Processes payments to appropriate entities and prepares related journal entries: processes payments for federal, state, social security, retirement, or other taxes; maintains tax ledgers and balances ledgers to ensure accuracy; processes payments for child support, deferred compensation, and garnishments; disburses wages, taxes, and payroll deductions among different funds; balances retirement reports.Balances payroll data to general ledger in computerized system: researches errors and makes corrections as required; generates reports to maintain/balance spreadsheets and general ledger.Ensures compliance with established internal control procedures by examining records, reports, operating practices, and documentation; completes/updates audit programs and questionnaires and recommends new policies and procedures.Verifies assets and liabilities by comparing items to documentation; completes audit workpapers by documenting audit tests and findings; communicates audit findings by preparing a final report and discussing findings with auditees.Assists external auditors in conducting annual/periodic audits; obtains information, retrieves records, prepares reports, and provides other assistance as needed for auditors.Maintains file system of departmental records; prepares departmental files; sorts/organizes documents to be filed; files documents in designated order; retrieves/replaces files; conducts records maintenance activities in compliance with guidelines governing record retention.Prepares or completes various forms, reports, special audit and control reports, correspondence, lists, checks, purchase orders, reconciliation reports, utility usage reports, transaction logs, expense reports, bank deposits, sales tax reports, or other documents.Receives various forms, reports, correspondence, invoices, statements, applications, journal entries, bank deposit forms, expense reports, daily cash reconciliations, tax reports, audit listings, bill and check registers, policies, procedures, manuals, reference materials, or other documentation; reviews, completes, processes, forwards or retains as appropriate.Complies with federal, state, and local security legal requirements; studies new and existing security legislation; ensures compliance with requirements and advises management of appropriate actions.Communicates with supervisor, City employees, banking personnel, vendors, auditors, outside agencies, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems.Maintains a comprehensive professional and technical knowledge of applicable laws/regulations; reviews professional publications and maintains an awareness of new trends and advances in the profession; participates in professional societies; attends educational workshops and training sessions as appropriate.Operates a personal computer, general office or other equipment as necessary to complete essential functions, to include the use of word processing, spreadsheet, database, or other system software. Typical QualificationsBachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Accounting, Finance or related field. Must possess a valid driver's license. If license is required, must obtain a valid State of Louisiana driver's license at time of appointment and maintain throughout employment for this classification. The City of Alexandria is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, age, sex, color, religion, national origin, or disability.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.To learn more details, visit our