Accountant

The City of Cottage Grove is seeking a detail-oriented Accountant to support the financial operations of our growing community. This newly created position is part of a cohesive finance team that is committed to providing excellent financial services to all departments and the community of Cottage Grove. 

Responsible for reconciliation of the general ledger to the subsidiary ledgers; preparation of monthly financial statements and other periodic and special financial reports. Position is responsible for special assessments and accounting services for the payroll function. 

 Applicants must attach a resume to be considered for the position.                                                                       

1. Special Assessments

   • Assists with the calculation of the special assessment rolls with engineering and code enforcement.
   • Prepares and submits the special assessment rolls to the county.
   • Responsible for coding and recording assessment payments.
   • Prepare assessment searches for owners and title companies and maintain a file on the searches. 
   • Answer resident/property owner questions pertaining to pending and certified assessments.
   • Performs other special assessment duties including special deferred assessment tracking and releases. 

2. Ambulance

   • Assists with providing EOBs and payment information to ambulance billing provider to ensure that payments are posted in a timely manner. 
   • Assists with reconciling city ambulance accounts receivable to the billing provider’s accounts receivable. 

3. Financial

   • Provides back up for all finance department functions as assigned including accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll, and utility billing.   
   • Receipt general cash receipts for the finance department. 
   • Assists with capitalizing fixed assets and reconciling to the annual fixed asset count. 
   • Maintains general ledger, journal entries and monthly and year-end reports.
   • Assists in the reconciliation of all bank/checking accounts including reconciling daily banking activities.
   • Prepares daily and monthly reconciliations in various areas, including but not limited to the POS and credit card systems at the ice arena, golf course, and HERO Center.  
   • Assists with budget preparation and other analysis as assigned. 
   • Assists with the monthly completion and filing of the sales and use tax, fuel tax, and liquor tax. 
   • Prepares various work papers for the annual audit and assists with the preparation and publication of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR).
   • Conduct internal audits specified by the City’s internal control procedures. 

4. Other

   • Perform all other necessary duties as apparent or assigned.

1. Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or related field.
2. Three years professional accounting experience.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

1. Experience with the preparation and analysis of year-end audit workpapers.
2. Experience with balancing subsidiary ledger to the general ledger.
3. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with accuracy and attention to detail in payroll tasks and accounting services. 

1. Understanding of fundamentals of financial analysis, reporting, and accounting functions.
2. Knowledge of Government and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.
3. Knowledge of accounting systems, programs, and applications and use in maintaining financial records, statements, and reports.
4. Excellent computer skills, including the ability to use, maintain, enhance, and implement financial software applications, databases, and spreadsheets, including Excel.
5. Knowledge of state laws, rules and regulations pertaining to tax and fee collections, reporting, and compliance issues of public jurisdictions as it relates to special assessments.
6. Understanding of City codes, ordinances, policies and procedures and the ability to accurately apply them to assigned work tasks.
7. Ability to work independently on assignments and projects through completion. 
8. Strong oral and written communication skills.
9. Ability to establish and maintain positive and professional working relationships with co-workers, supervisors, department heads, vendors, outside agencies, auditors, and the public.
10. Excellent time management skills and the ability to appropriately prioritize tasks and assignments.      

Salary : $85,051 - $106,308